Ascertaining the Impact of Cleanliness and Healthy Life Style (The Art of Living) in Human Health (Physical & Mental) and Its Relevance in Nation Building

Abstract

Cleanliness means that there is no dirt, no dust, no stains, and no bad smells. The purpose of cleanliness is health, beauty, absence of offensive odor and to avoid the spreading of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others. To be in good health is to be in a state of balance. Health is a biological equilibrium that exists within our body. In order to achieve this balance, we need to fine tune our body to all levels, which can be achieved by doing meaningful works, in a conscientious and responsible manner, exercise, eating correctly and having a positive attitude towards ourselves and others. Much is said rhetorically about cleanliness in our society but practically its application is missing. A quick observation can reveal how insensitive a culture we have developed regarding cleanliness and hygiene. There are many other examples which can be cited to indicate the pathetic condition of cleanliness and hygiene in our society. Hence, conscious efforts are needed to tackle this issue. There is a dire need to educate and sensitize people about the importance of cleanliness in light of our faith. In this regard social institutions such as educational institutions, the media and religious institutions can play a vital role. According to the concept of health and disease in Unani System of Medicine, human body has two states i.e. healthy state and disease state. As described by great Unani sages that, “There are certain causes of health and disease.” The causes for health are called as, The Six Life Style Factors viz. Air, Food and Beverages, Physical Activity and Repose, Mental Activity and Repose, Sleep and Wakefulness, Retention and Evacuation. These essential factors are those which influence the body throughout the life. As all living creatures have qualities associated with them, so too do each of the six life style factors. The food and drinks we consume, the weather, our environment and our emotions, all exert different qualities of heat, coldness, moistness and dryness that can either be of benefit or detriment to us. “Cleanliness is a freedom movement for an aspiring Nation. Culture of cleanliness will influence the hygiene, health, aesthetics and natural setting of the nation, which is a new age currency of a country.”