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Wellness Sense: A Practical Guide to Your Physical and Emoti
The Wellness Sense
236 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2014
231 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
About the author
Om Swami
43 books583 followersOm Swami is a mystic who lives in the Himalayan foothills. Prior to renunciation, he founded and ran a multimillion-dollar software company with offices across the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 31, 2022
Om Swami is a powerful writer who delves deep into yogic and tantric traditions. I have read many of his books and found them all to be good. ‘A Million Thoughts’ is the most practical book I have read on mindfulness & meditation in the Hindu traditions. This book is largely conceptual – around holistic health as outlined in Ayurveda and to be some extent Yoga. If you are looking for abstracts on the most important fundamentals of good health – this is the book for you. If you are looking for detailed information on foods, exercise, meditation – you can start here but will need to look elsewhere.
We are an interesting stage where scientific & traditional wisdom is converging on what we need to do to maintain good health. The important of nutrition had high emphasis in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda but till recently was largely ignored by mainstream medicine. In my recent read - The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline, Dale Bredesen says we should probably not be eating anything our grandmothers would not regard as food. Other than that – there is greater awareness that we should be eating more fresh veggies, fruits & nuts. The one difference between Ayurveda and what recent diet advice suggests is with respect to dairy – which Ayurveda regards as good. There is greater recognition on the importance of holistic health – both physical & mental health. It is good to see that changing. This book devotes most of the content to explaining body types according to Ayurveda, personality types and the impact foods have on different people. There is also coverage for mental health, yoga, meditation.
This is an excellent book to get started on prioritizing health.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
We are an interesting stage where scientific & traditional wisdom is converging on what we need to do to maintain good health. The important of nutrition had high emphasis in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda but till recently was largely ignored by mainstream medicine. In my recent read - The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline, Dale Bredesen says we should probably not be eating anything our grandmothers would not regard as food. Other than that – there is greater awareness that we should be eating more fresh veggies, fruits & nuts. The one difference between Ayurveda and what recent diet advice suggests is with respect to dairy – which Ayurveda regards as good. There is greater recognition on the importance of holistic health – both physical & mental health. It is good to see that changing. This book devotes most of the content to explaining body types according to Ayurveda, personality types and the impact foods have on different people. There is also coverage for mental health, yoga, meditation.
This is an excellent book to get started on prioritizing health.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
July 20, 2016
This book is truly an eye opener!. It breaks the general perception that good food and physical activity keeps us healthy. The author emphasizes with real stories that health is governed by the way we handle things in life. Its the emotional well being that is key to good health and a well balanced life. It also provides a gentle introduction to the philosophy of Ayurveda that nothing is absolute. In my opinion its a must read and a definite buy! I bet that this book shall definitely change your perception about health, food and the way we live!
October 24, 2021
The only wellness book one will ever need.
April 1, 2018
I believe it is a must for everyone. It helps to explain the nature of human body and mind, simply. I got better insights on how my body and mind should function and can be better via Ayurveda route. I haven't used any techniques yet, but seems you need not to visit a doctor, if you follow the lifestyle suggested in the book.
October 2, 2017
The down to Earth book with explanation of all minute to major things that why our body gets affected and how to balance everything to remain healthy throughout. I bet once you read it your thoughts about your health changed. An amazing read. Wanna dig more in this topic. Truly amazing.
July 8, 2018
Om Swami has brilliantly and factually provided a holistic understanding of health. And he has made us aware that the nature of the food we eat is no different from our nature. The closer we are to mother nature the more in equilibrium our body will be.
July 31, 2025
This book has given me a totally different perspective on Ayurveda. I have never given ayurveda and yoga as much importance or respect that they deserve. Thanks to ‘The Wellness Sense’. It has been an eye opener.
It was one of the difficult reads for me because it is an absolute new topic. It was like learning a new life skill. It is so information dense yet concise that I think I will have to read it again, as reading this book is not enough. This book has to percolate into our lives. I might have to unlearn few old tendencies in order to introduce new ayurvedic concepts into my daily life.
I feel this book is enough for right food, bodily and mental well-being and a thorough view at Ayurveda. I have a new found respect for Ayurveda in me now that I have come across this book.
Many thanks to Om Swamiji for his hardwork in bringing to us an enormous subject in brief and easy to understand words.
It was one of the difficult reads for me because it is an absolute new topic. It was like learning a new life skill. It is so information dense yet concise that I think I will have to read it again, as reading this book is not enough. This book has to percolate into our lives. I might have to unlearn few old tendencies in order to introduce new ayurvedic concepts into my daily life.
I feel this book is enough for right food, bodily and mental well-being and a thorough view at Ayurveda. I have a new found respect for Ayurveda in me now that I have come across this book.
Many thanks to Om Swamiji for his hardwork in bringing to us an enormous subject in brief and easy to understand words.
December 9, 2017
I have been following Swamiji for the last one year and greatly influenced by his thoughts and philosophy.
This lucidly written book by him packs in a great deal of essential knowledge without unnecessary verbiage and complicated explanation. It tells us how by simply understanding our constitution, eating the right food, practicing the correct eating sense, understanding our mind and streamlining our thoughts, we can live a wholesome life without any diseases and disorders.
The mantra to a healthy living is very simple indeed: Make small changes (very doable) to your lifestyle and live more mindfully. That's it!
An eye-opener indeed!
This lucidly written book by him packs in a great deal of essential knowledge without unnecessary verbiage and complicated explanation. It tells us how by simply understanding our constitution, eating the right food, practicing the correct eating sense, understanding our mind and streamlining our thoughts, we can live a wholesome life without any diseases and disorders.
The mantra to a healthy living is very simple indeed: Make small changes (very doable) to your lifestyle and live more mindfully. That's it!
An eye-opener indeed!
July 16, 2016
This is a down-to-earth practical guide for healthy living. This is a book that urban dwellers around the world need. A well-written book too. Not only should everyone read this, one needs to keep referring to it, in order to implement the simple methods that Om Swami suggests for a good life. An easy, accessible book on day-to-day Yoga and Ayurveda! A precious book!
December 2, 2018
Had never known this much about my body, the most sophisticated gadget, I own. This book is the user manual for this gadget.
One very beautiful line is:
"...I observed that we, as a human race, fall ill more frequently and for longer durations than any other species. The animals we have tamed also fall sick more often than their wild counterparts."
One very beautiful line is:
"...I observed that we, as a human race, fall ill more frequently and for longer durations than any other species. The animals we have tamed also fall sick more often than their wild counterparts."
May 12, 2019
An engrossing book, full of knowledge. There are so many things I did not know about my own body. Moreover, everything written in this book seems to make sense. I am so impressed that I am going to try and bring changes in my life as guided by this book... Something which has never happened earlier.
August 18, 2017
A comprehensive guide to good health for a sincere seeker . Very helpful.
January 15, 2018
A very good book on how to maintain health, expounded in a holistic view. This explains why certain ailments affect some people even if they appear physically fit.
Read
December 31, 2025It opened my eyes to a new world, where I came to know physically each person is unique in terms of how their body comprises of the doshas vatta, pitta, kapha. That a person dosha determines how they person behaves like how much they sleep, how cold or hot they feel during change of seasons throughout the course of the year, what food suits their body, how their body shape is and that the disease in body happen when the dosha go out of balance.
In ayurveda medicine or remedy is prescribed as per person's body doshas. As what might work for one person might not work for another.
The mental aspect was also addressed on how the gunas sattvic, rajasic and tamsic determine the state of mind and thus drive behaviors like sleep, activeness, laziness or calmness. The type of food intake does effect the gunas in us.
I liked that the author does share techniques including meditation, pranayam, yoga, food to eat, fasting, cleansing of body and mind to stay well.
The author does share few case studies of various people sharing their various health issues and how following the technique suggested helped them overcome it.
I loved that the indian way of staying well which is simple, decluttered and balanced is shared with disclaimer that physician is to be consulted in case of physical issues or not doing a complex technique without expert guidance as relevant.
Highly recommend if one wants to learn the balanced way of living life and live a healthy life to avoid diseases and various other health problems.
Rating 4.5 out of 5.
In ayurveda medicine or remedy is prescribed as per person's body doshas. As what might work for one person might not work for another.
The mental aspect was also addressed on how the gunas sattvic, rajasic and tamsic determine the state of mind and thus drive behaviors like sleep, activeness, laziness or calmness. The type of food intake does effect the gunas in us.
I liked that the author does share techniques including meditation, pranayam, yoga, food to eat, fasting, cleansing of body and mind to stay well.
The author does share few case studies of various people sharing their various health issues and how following the technique suggested helped them overcome it.
I loved that the indian way of staying well which is simple, decluttered and balanced is shared with disclaimer that physician is to be consulted in case of physical issues or not doing a complex technique without expert guidance as relevant.
Highly recommend if one wants to learn the balanced way of living life and live a healthy life to avoid diseases and various other health problems.
Rating 4.5 out of 5.
February 24, 2025
This is a short, succinct guide on the principles of Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra as they relate to the human body and it's well being. It contains a lot of theoretical information about how ayurveda views the body as a whole, and what sort of practices are recommended for a person's physical and mental well being.
I like that the information is very direct and to the point. It is practical and actionable, and explains just enough theory for a person to get started on eating better and taking care of themselves. The book is mostly concerned with diet, taking care of your emotions and certain cleansing practices.
It is a good starting point, but does not go in depth about any of the things listed. I think there's enough for anyone to learn from or notice some things they can be doing better. However, I wish it elaborated more on some of the case studies mentioned, or went more in depth about the how and the why of things. There's nothing in there about herbs, or medicine or similar topics.
I am glad it talks about things from a psychological perspective, as that's a topic rarely mentioned in "wellness" books. Overall, a decent enough read!
I like that the information is very direct and to the point. It is practical and actionable, and explains just enough theory for a person to get started on eating better and taking care of themselves. The book is mostly concerned with diet, taking care of your emotions and certain cleansing practices.
It is a good starting point, but does not go in depth about any of the things listed. I think there's enough for anyone to learn from or notice some things they can be doing better. However, I wish it elaborated more on some of the case studies mentioned, or went more in depth about the how and the why of things. There's nothing in there about herbs, or medicine or similar topics.
I am glad it talks about things from a psychological perspective, as that's a topic rarely mentioned in "wellness" books. Overall, a decent enough read!
October 24, 2019
It is the best and recommended book about "Science of Ayurveda"
It makes so much sense why your body behaves in a particular way and what it demands from us.
So much simple to understand.
Must Read!!
It makes so much sense why your body behaves in a particular way and what it demands from us.
So much simple to understand.
Must Read!!
April 29, 2020
Ayurveda and correct way of pranayama
May 29, 2019
We keep thinking about our physical health, our mental health is slowly becoming our priority (hopefully) but do we even consider our stomach as the most important organ of our body? (After our heart and the brain). This book tells us how our stomach controls almost everything and how an eating sense can give us a wellness sense.
The Wellness Sense gives us an Ayurvedic perspective towards our wellness and health. It tells us how food plays a great role in every aspect of our lives, also how our emotional and mental health is extremely important for our physical wellbeing. It has explained everything in utter detail. A number of appendices have been given at the end of the book to give us a small list of what kind of food is the best for us.
The title of the book is as witty as the last book I had read by Om Swami. The book describes what the wellness sense and other aspects of the same are. The cover is a beautiful mix of shiny and subtle that gives of the right calm yet catchy vibe.
The language of the book is simple to read. Though a lot of Sanskrit words have been used due to the Ayurvedic outlook but it has been explained very well. All aspects have been described well.
The content of the book is a guide in a nutshell. I was amazed to see so many things being described so well. No useless examples, no self-praising and filled with knowledge. The Ayurveda has been backed up by modern science and this makes the book very different from the other typical wellness books.
In the end, I would love to say that I, personally, have got an idea of how my body works. I now know what can be considered to eat and what I can skip on. I loved the part where the author has not prohibited anything. He teaches us about our body and leaves us with many choices.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their health or wants to know more about their body for better functioning.
The Wellness Sense gives us an Ayurvedic perspective towards our wellness and health. It tells us how food plays a great role in every aspect of our lives, also how our emotional and mental health is extremely important for our physical wellbeing. It has explained everything in utter detail. A number of appendices have been given at the end of the book to give us a small list of what kind of food is the best for us.
The title of the book is as witty as the last book I had read by Om Swami. The book describes what the wellness sense and other aspects of the same are. The cover is a beautiful mix of shiny and subtle that gives of the right calm yet catchy vibe.
The language of the book is simple to read. Though a lot of Sanskrit words have been used due to the Ayurvedic outlook but it has been explained very well. All aspects have been described well.
The content of the book is a guide in a nutshell. I was amazed to see so many things being described so well. No useless examples, no self-praising and filled with knowledge. The Ayurveda has been backed up by modern science and this makes the book very different from the other typical wellness books.
In the end, I would love to say that I, personally, have got an idea of how my body works. I now know what can be considered to eat and what I can skip on. I loved the part where the author has not prohibited anything. He teaches us about our body and leaves us with many choices.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their health or wants to know more about their body for better functioning.
June 21, 2016
This book has helped me get back on track. Due to menopause I had rapidly gained weight. This made me depressed about the way I look and feel. I was lethargic, had no interest in anything and could not motivate myself to even do basic everyday stuff.
Once I started to read the book I realised why I was feeling so low about myself. It's said we are what we eat and noticed that I had bad cooking and eating habits. The appendices at the end of the book showed me that I was eating the wrong type of foods.
Swamiji has covered every topic that promotes good health. Eating according to our body (doshas) type, what and when to eat during seasonal and body ( young, old pregnant, menstruating....).
I have learnt to be mindful of what I eat, how much I eat,when to eat. Every time I am tempted to eat more I remember his words.. If you eat to your fill, imagine your stomach as a fully loaded washing machine.... It may wash but doesn't clean...
I buy only satvik foods mentioned in the appendices. I don't over eat and only eat the right foods timely in moderation and with gratitude.
I have lost a dress size. Feel as fit as I was in my teens . Can walk five kilometres at a stretch without any strain. Earlier I used to get breathless walking a few steps . I feel more confident, energetic.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their mental and physical well being
Once I started to read the book I realised why I was feeling so low about myself. It's said we are what we eat and noticed that I had bad cooking and eating habits. The appendices at the end of the book showed me that I was eating the wrong type of foods.
Swamiji has covered every topic that promotes good health. Eating according to our body (doshas) type, what and when to eat during seasonal and body ( young, old pregnant, menstruating....).
I have learnt to be mindful of what I eat, how much I eat,when to eat. Every time I am tempted to eat more I remember his words.. If you eat to your fill, imagine your stomach as a fully loaded washing machine.... It may wash but doesn't clean...
I buy only satvik foods mentioned in the appendices. I don't over eat and only eat the right foods timely in moderation and with gratitude.
I have lost a dress size. Feel as fit as I was in my teens . Can walk five kilometres at a stretch without any strain. Earlier I used to get breathless walking a few steps . I feel more confident, energetic.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their mental and physical well being
April 1, 2016
How to eat , what to eat , when to eat , what not to eat, how food affects your body and mind , how your thoughts affect your mind, how to detoxify your mind and body, how to stay healthy - these are the few points he covers in this book. It is a breezy read but don’t get mislead by the easy manner in which this book in presented , it has some solid information that if followed I am sure will help us all in our quest for a healthy life, tremendously.
I was amused by the intellectual method of mental detoxification , we all do it occasionally but I never realized it actually has positive effects on our psyche. Thought journal was another idea I liked ,definitely not a novel idea nevertheless a good one and am sure an effective one too.
The bit about physical detoxification is very similar to the one I read in the book asana pranayama mudra bandha by Bihar school of yoga and many other tips are the ones I have grown up hearing from my own granny and elders.
The reason I liked this book is because it's all the constructive advice in one place , given in a very intuitive , easy manner. The clarity in the style of writing is amazing , it was like an interesting science book with tips that you can actually use in your daily life.
I was amused by the intellectual method of mental detoxification , we all do it occasionally but I never realized it actually has positive effects on our psyche. Thought journal was another idea I liked ,definitely not a novel idea nevertheless a good one and am sure an effective one too.
The bit about physical detoxification is very similar to the one I read in the book asana pranayama mudra bandha by Bihar school of yoga and many other tips are the ones I have grown up hearing from my own granny and elders.
The reason I liked this book is because it's all the constructive advice in one place , given in a very intuitive , easy manner. The clarity in the style of writing is amazing , it was like an interesting science book with tips that you can actually use in your daily life.
June 4, 2019
Since my childhood, I always heard that ayurvedic medicine works very slow and better to take allopathy medicines and just get well soon :) faster. When my friend read this book and suggested me to read it once, initially it didn't catch my attention. But after a while, I just started reading it and completed hooked on this until I finished it.
This book helped me to understand so many aspects of Ayurveda perspective. A perfect book for a beginner to understand the body and mind. How our lifestyles change everything from inside out, how nature affects us from inside out. Real life examples and personal experiences are something unique which I loved about. Concepts regarding food, effects on our body and how we can use food as a medicine is simply awesome.
Learned a lot and working towards to apply in my daily life. A must buy book. This is my first book from Om Swami collections, and I am looking forward to reading many more.
This book helped me to understand so many aspects of Ayurveda perspective. A perfect book for a beginner to understand the body and mind. How our lifestyles change everything from inside out, how nature affects us from inside out. Real life examples and personal experiences are something unique which I loved about. Concepts regarding food, effects on our body and how we can use food as a medicine is simply awesome.
Learned a lot and working towards to apply in my daily life. A must buy book. This is my first book from Om Swami collections, and I am looking forward to reading many more.
July 25, 2020
A MUST READ.
EVERY SINGLE HUMAN ON THIS PLANET SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
Most non fiction books are boring but this book will keep you interested till the last page of the book. This is the book where often you would want to highlight the entire page LOL.
Its a life changing book for me. I learned so many stuff! This book has everything one need to know about physical well-being and their are parts about mental well-being too!
Most non fiction books are just extension of one single thought throughout the book or chapter but with this book every single line is important.
This was my first book by Om Swami and I know for certain that I WILL READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS!
Also, this book is only about 200 pages. so one would think oh I can finish it in a day or two but NO! This is not the book to finish in a day. Every single line is important and you don't want to hurry while reading such a masterpiece.
EVERY SINGLE HUMAN ON THIS PLANET SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
Most non fiction books are boring but this book will keep you interested till the last page of the book. This is the book where often you would want to highlight the entire page LOL.
Its a life changing book for me. I learned so many stuff! This book has everything one need to know about physical well-being and their are parts about mental well-being too!
Most non fiction books are just extension of one single thought throughout the book or chapter but with this book every single line is important.
This was my first book by Om Swami and I know for certain that I WILL READ ALL OF HIS BOOKS!
Also, this book is only about 200 pages. so one would think oh I can finish it in a day or two but NO! This is not the book to finish in a day. Every single line is important and you don't want to hurry while reading such a masterpiece.
June 13, 2017
A Must have health guide in every home!
A must have health guide which gives complete information from all three perspectives of Ayurved, Yog and Tantra. All the information is given with practical guide which can be followed in day to day life. One must try to follow as much possible techniques from this book to maintain perfect health. Swamiji writes from his first hand experiences and not just copying texts from some ancient books. Very nice illustrations with real life examples with real results. I must say - This is a perfect wellness book not just for the body but for your soul as well.
Hare Krishna!_/\_
A must have health guide which gives complete information from all three perspectives of Ayurved, Yog and Tantra. All the information is given with practical guide which can be followed in day to day life. One must try to follow as much possible techniques from this book to maintain perfect health. Swamiji writes from his first hand experiences and not just copying texts from some ancient books. Very nice illustrations with real life examples with real results. I must say - This is a perfect wellness book not just for the body but for your soul as well.
Hare Krishna!_/\_
October 21, 2017
In one word if I have to review the book its "awesome".
Very good book if you want a ready reference about healthy living.
The book also highlights the fact how certain incidents in your past life influence your present life.
Most importantly the language in which the book is written is very lucid and the authors appeal to its reader to stay healthy is very well addressed.
Overall the book is good, though it doesn't cover all aspect in details, I don't complain because it's not possible to provide detail knowledge about health and wellness within 220 pages and also keep the reader hooked up with interest.
Very good book if you want a ready reference about healthy living.
The book also highlights the fact how certain incidents in your past life influence your present life.
Most importantly the language in which the book is written is very lucid and the authors appeal to its reader to stay healthy is very well addressed.
Overall the book is good, though it doesn't cover all aspect in details, I don't complain because it's not possible to provide detail knowledge about health and wellness within 220 pages and also keep the reader hooked up with interest.
September 19, 2017
What a wonderful book for those who are interested in knowing holistic wellness, specifically based on the ancient Indian principles of yoga and ayurveda. Detailed information especially on how the food we eat impacts our physical, mental and emotional health. How disease is the symptom of a deeper underlying cause...and most importantly the various ways we can lead a healthier and fulfilling life. I have learnt some great lessons and have already started implementing them in my life. It is a well written book that's easy to assimilate. Thanks a million to the author, Om Swami.
December 30, 2018
You may buy this book, but you will read and complete this book only when you are ready to accept the information written it it.
If you have picked up this book that means you are looking for answer regarding your health or diet. For everyone looking for these kind of things, this book is a perfect read.
It’s not only about what you eat. It talks about when you eat, why you eat and how you eat and how much quantity you eat. Such deep analysis of the food we eat makes this book worth reading 100 times.
If you have picked up this book that means you are looking for answer regarding your health or diet. For everyone looking for these kind of things, this book is a perfect read.
It’s not only about what you eat. It talks about when you eat, why you eat and how you eat and how much quantity you eat. Such deep analysis of the food we eat makes this book worth reading 100 times.
November 17, 2016
Om Swami presents a holistic understanding of health. In the book, the wellness sense, he brings the wisdom from the disciplines of Ayurveda, yoga and tantra, which insists that we are an integral part of nature, to the fore. He explains how living in harmony with nature brings changes in our very own nature. He also succinctly writes about the correlation and interdependence between one's mental and physical states; how one's state of mind affects one's physical health and vice versa!
April 28, 2023
This book has been a profound revelation to me. For it has pointed out my own ignorance towards my health & mental peace. It has also changed my thinking towards modern medicine vs our indigenous Ayurvedic knowledge. After having read this, my relationship with food and nature has changed completely. I will surely keep coming back to this book for reference in future, and I'm going to make my loved ones also read this.
August 21, 2015
If you have not yet been introduced to Ayurveda, this book will well do that. If you have not yet given the attention that your body deserves from you, this book will well (make you) do that. If you have not yet read practical non fiction books about health that completely changed your life, this book will well do that.
March 1, 2016
This is how a non-fiction book has to be written. Full of knowledge without useless noise of information. If you want to have a glowing skin, this is the book! If you want to lose/gain weight, this is the book! If you want to be your own Doctor/Dietician, this is the book...Or simply if you want a happier life, this is the one book you have to read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews