This book argues that the growing disconnection between humans and nature leads to a loss of awareness of their responsibilities and accountabilities in safeguarding health and wellbeing. It critically evaluates established definitions, policies, and interventions on health and wellbeing. It draws inspirations from South Asian philosophical traditions and highlights the value of "ancient wisdoms" in comprehending and addressing health and wellbeing challenges. It contests prevailing biomedical definitions globally. It seeks to redefine health and wellbeing within the broader context of contemporary global challenges such as climate crisis, disasters, and socio-political conflicts. Through a rigorous exploration of practical realities and potential adaptations, the book examines health and wellbeing models within the South Asian context such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Deshiya Chikitsa. This book's interdisciplinary relevance interests scholars, students, and practitioners in social anthropology, health and wellbeing, environment and development studies, sociology, medical history, indigenous studies, human geography, and environmental humanities. The book also invites readers to reflect on their perspectives and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between humans, health, wellbeing, and nature.
Chapter
1. Introduction.
Chapter
2. The Problem of Biomedical
Definitions of Health and Wellbeing.
Chapter
3. Defining Health and
Wellbeing through Ancient South Asian Philosophies.
Chapter
4. Practical
Implications and Possible Adaptations.
Chapter
5. Towards a New Paradigm.-
Chapter
6. Conclusion.
Janaka Jayawickrama is a professor of Social Anthropology in the Department of History and DirectorResearch Centre for Health and Wellbeing of the College of Liberal Arts, Shanghai University, China. He has researched and published widely on issues of health and wellbeing, especially related to disasters, conflicts, and uneven development. His work has been influential in global policies on humanitarian responses and bringing the voices of communities into policies.
Devendraraj Madhanagopal is an assistant professor at the School of Sustainability, XIM University, Odisha, India. He has conducted research on various topics, including environmental sociology, environmental governance, social and political dimensions of climate change, environmental justice, climate justice, and social inclusion. He is the author of a book monograph with Routledge and the lead editor of three edited volumes with Springer Nature and Routledge.
