UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN AYURVEDA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHARAKA SAMHITA

Background: Health has always been considered as one of the most valuable aspects of human life. To understand the broader impact of health beyond mere survival, the concept of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was developed to capture the contribution of health to an individual’s Quality of Life (QoL). Despite its growing importance in clinical evaluation, research, and policy making, it remains conceptually ambiguous due to a lack of a clearly defined causal framework. In contrast, Ayurveda provides a structured and comprehensive understanding of well-being through its fundamental principles, which collectively reflect the foundations of HRQoL, which extend beyond disease management. Objective: To review the conceptual foundations of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in the Charaka Samhita and understand the contribution of fundamental Ayurveda principles to this construct. Methodology: A literary review and analysis were conducted using Charaka Samhita with Chakrapani’s commentary. Concepts relevant to HRQoL, including Dhatu Samyata, Agni and Ahara, Gramyahara, Rasayana, Dhatu Sarata, Sattva, Sadvrutta, Prakriti, Prashasta Purusha Lakshana, Sukhayu, Hitayu etc., were analysed and interpreted along with Ayurveda journals and contemporary HRQoL literature. Results and Discussion: Ayurveda views life as the integrated functioning of Sharira, Indriya, Sattva, and Atma, thereby inherently incorporating multidimensional well-being. HRQoL is rooted in Dhatu Samyata and maintained by Ahara, which regulates the proper functioning of Agni, structurally expressed through the integrity and excellence of Dhatu (Dhatu Sarata), psychologically regulated by Sattva, ethically safeguarded through Sadvrutta, and individualised by Prakriti, embodied in Prashasta Purusha and experienced as Sukhayu and Hitayu. Collectively, these parameters constitute the fundamental mechanisms through which they contribute to HRQoL. Conclusion: HRQoL is not a novel construct of today but an inherent and foundational outcome of core principles of Ayurveda. These concepts collectively demonstrate a comprehensive framework through which HRQoL and overall well-being are sustained.