Understanding well-being requires a comprehensive approach that considers various dimensions of human life. This holistic view is embraced in conventional medicine through the biopsychosocial-spiritual (BPSS) model, as well as in the ancient Vedic Pancha Kosha model, which is over 3,000 years old.
Developed in the 1970s by Dr. George L. Engel, an American psychiatrist, the BPSS model challenged the rigor of the dominant biomedical model, expanding the range of factors considered in the healing process. As the name suggests, it incorporates the following factors influencing health and well-being:
– Biological: Anatomy, physiology, genetics, pathology, etc.
– Psychological: Emotions, cognition, and associated behavior
– Social: Social context, quality of relationships, culture, and socioeconomic factors
– Spiritual: Personal beliefs and values, and their influence on the meaning of life
This model has proven particularly useful in managing mental health and chronic illnesses, among others. It emphasizes personalized treatment, taking into account the patient’s unique context, values, and subjective experiences. However, applying the BPSS model within current health systems is challenging, as it requires a multidisciplinary approach that demands more resources and time than are typically available.
The Pancha Kosha model, from ancient Indian philosophy, envisions the person through five interconnected layers, with the pure self (atman) at the center:
– Annamaya Kosha: The outermost layer, related to the physical body and its needs
– Pranamaya Kosha: Vital energy (prana) that sustains the physical body
– Manomaya Kosha: Sensory perceptions, emotions, and the mind
– Vijnanamaya Kosha: Intellectuality, intuition, and inner wisdom, guiding understanding and decision-making
– Anandamaya Kosha: The innermost layer, associated with deep joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment
In yoga therapy, this model is used to address imbalances and promote holistic healing through practices that nourish all layers. Every person has a unique combination of characteristics, and their healing journey involves moving through these five layers. This process requires intuition, sensitivity, and significant study from the therapist.
Yoga therapy’s holistic view of the individual can complement the BPSS model in a multidisciplinary healing process or disease management context. By doing so, it can help create a more comprehensive support system that contributes to better overall outcomes.
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FURTHER READING
Pearson, N., Prosko, S., Sullivan, M., & Taylor, M. J. (2020). White paper: yoga therapy and pain—how yoga therapy serves in comprehensive integrative pain management, and how it can do more. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 30(1), 117-133.
