The definition of health is not universal but varies significantly across cultures and populations, reflecting specific values, beliefs, worldviews, and social practices. In Western societies, biomedical medicine tends to define health as the absence of disease and the proper physiological functioning of the body, based on scientific evidence and standardized diagnostic criteria. In contrast, many traditional cultures conceive of health and illness as dynamic processes in which balance with the environment, the community, and spiritual dimensions plays a central role [1].
Cultural background therefore influences health-related behaviors, expectations regarding health status, and the ways in which individuals care for themselves. Different populations may hold diverse conceptions of well-being and adopt different strategies to maintain or restore it. Cultural beliefs also shape how people interpret health problems, when and from whom they seek assistance, how they respond to treatments, and how well they adhere to therapies. In some cultures, for example, it is believed that speaking about a possible negative health outcome may cause it to occur, thus influencing attitudes toward diagnosis and treatment [2].
Health Around the World
This perspective clearly emerges in numerous cultural traditions. In many East Asian traditions, for example, health derives from the unity of body, mind, and spirit, while illness is seen as the result of imbalance. In Chinese philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, well-being depends on the balance of vital energy (Qi) between Yin and Yang—complementary and interconnected forces that influence every aspect of life. When this balance is disrupted, various types of disorders may arise. Therapeutic practices such as acupuncture and herbal medicine aim to restore this harmony through personalized treatments [2; 3; 4].
Similarly, in some traditional African cultures, health is conceived as a balance among the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the individual, family, and community. Ancestors also play a fundamental role in maintaining health, while illness may be interpreted as the result of spiritual attacks, malevolent spirits, or ancestral punishment. Healing therefore requires restoring harmony between the visible and invisible worlds [2].
In the same way, many Native American populations consider physical and spiritual health to be deeply interconnected. The healing process simultaneously involves body and soul through ceremonies that include prayers, songs, drums, and sacred objects. Symbols such as the “medicine wheel” represent the cycle of life and the balance necessary for well-being, emphasizing the importance of connection with nature and its energies [2; 5].
The Indigenous Vision of Health: The Case of Ecuador
Within this framework, the Indigenous vision of health offers a particularly meaningful example. Among Indigenous populations, health is conceived as balance among physical, spiritual, social, and mental dimensions. A study conducted among the Shuar, Kichwa, and Mestizo peoples in Ecuador highlights how health is defined as harmony among these four dimensions, while illness is understood as a condition of imbalance [6].
From this perspective, health is described as a state of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance that leads to a life characterized by positive energy, peace, and harmony with the community, nature, and oneself. It is considered a blessing that allows individuals to contribute to social well-being and represents a fundamental foundation not only for Indigenous peoples but also for the balance of the entire planet [6].
Illness, by contrast, is interpreted as the loss of balance among the “four bodies” and may stem from divine or natural causes or from harmful behaviors among human beings, generating weakness, discomfort, and an inability to contribute to community life, with consequences also affecting the balance of Pachamama, Mother Earth [6].
A particularly significant aspect is that in the Kichwa language there is no direct translation of the term “health”: the concept is instead understood as holistic well-being in relation to the whole. In this context, family and community play a central role, and health and illness are considered part of a continuum rather than irreconcilable opposites [6].
Health in Islamic Culture
In Islamic culture as well, health is conceived in holistic terms as a gift from God (Allah) that implies balance among body, mind, and spirit. Physical well-being is not separated from the individual’s spiritual and moral dimension, and caring for one’s body is considered an integral part of religious practice. Illness may be interpreted both as a divine test and as a natural condition requiring personal responsibility and active pursuit of treatment. Alongside modern medicine, many Islamic communities value traditional practices such as Tibb an-Nabawi (Prophetic medicine), which includes guidance on diet, hygiene, prayer, and the use of natural remedies. In this view, seeking medical treatment is not in conflict with faith but represents a duty, since preserving health means respecting the divine gift of life [7; 8; 9].
Health in Urban Latin American Contexts
In urban Latin American contexts, the definition of health often results from the interaction between the Western biomedical model and traditional beliefs of popular origin. In many Latin American cities, health is perceived not only as an individual condition but also as a state influenced by social, emotional, and relational factors. Cultural concepts of illness persist, such as susto or mal de ojo, which interpret physical and psychological distress as consequences of traumatic emotional events, relational imbalances, or negative external influences. These beliefs coexist with institutional healthcare systems and influence how people interpret symptoms, seek help, and adhere to treatments. In this context, health is often understood as the ability to maintain balance among body, emotions, and social relationships within the urban environment [10; 11; 12].
Conclusions: Health, Culture, and Harmony
In conclusion, health cannot be understood as a single, universal concept but takes shape within the experiences, beliefs, and relationships that characterize each culture. For many populations, being healthy means living in balance with oneself, with others, and with the environment, recognizing the spiritual and communal dimensions of well-being. Considering health as a cultural experience allows for a more respectful and aware approach to individuals, valuing the diversity of healing paths and worldviews.
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