It is a common experience of human beings that their minds and bodies are closely interlinked. Any disturbance in either of them is bound to affect the other.

Mental worries do lead to physiological problems and bodily, discomfort does impact the mind. Yoga and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian sciences recognised this symbiotic relationship between body and mind long ago and postulated the concepts of Adhi & Vyadhi.

It is more generalised, holistic and hence can contain in it the physical body (Annamaya Kosa) and the next three layers Pranamaya, Manomaya, and Vijnanamaya Kosas which are called the subtle bodies in Vedanta and spiritual lore.

The fifth Kosa the Anandamaya Kosa is the causal body from where all other layers take birth. Thus we got a holistic and concrete perspective of human existence as the foundation for yoga therapy.

We started deep scanning through the traditional texts of yoga and spirituality.

The concept of the five-layered existence of all of us as postulated and described in great detail in Taittireya Upanisat as Panca Kosa was found to be the most holistic concept of human existence which is in no way contradicting the modern systematic approach to the understanding of the human body.

Disease, from the modern medical perspective, is considered as dysfunctioning of organs and systems which may be due to congenital defects, external atmospheric agents like allergens toxins, pollutants, or infectious germs.

Modern science does recognise that the other major cause for a disease could be the factor of internal imbalances like mental restlessness, emotional upsurges or intellectual conflicts that lead to stress reactions.

The concept of disease according to yoga is found in the treatise called Yogavasistha. According to this text, modern diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety are called "Adhija Vyadhi" (stress born diseases) originating in Manomay Kosa- the astral layer of our existence.

They arise from our actions that are governed by our emotions <strong likes and dislikes> rather than what is right or what is wrong. Often in this phase, we respond to our emotions - the pull of senses knowing fully well that we are going against what is right. This is called Prajnaparadha in Ayurveda-a mistake at the level of inner consciousness. It is this 'going against what is right - the cosmic law 'that causes an imbalance, a dis-ease at the Manomaya Kosa called Adhi.

The Adhi at the astral layer if not remedied will bring imbalances at the level of Pranamaya Kosa that shows up as breathing jerks, imbalances, and speed. This in turn creates stress reactions causing autonomic and endocrine imbalances leading to diseases in the body called Vyadhi. Such diseases are called Adhija Vyadhi i.e. Vyadhis created of Adhis.

The other category of diseases such as infections and injuries come under Anadhija Vyadhis which essentially are physical in nature and can be tackled by the modern medical system effectively. since the Adhija Vyahis are multidimensional, we need to tackle them not merely with physical symptomatic treatment measures. the whole man has to be treated. and only then can there be a lasting remedy to our problems of the modern era.