Written in a lucid style with in-depth and comprehensive coverage, this book will be ideal for students and teachers of psychology and medicine at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels for all universities in India. Introducing readers to a wide variety of concepts and developments in this new and rapidly emerging field, the book: * gives a historical perspective of healthcare across different ancient cultures from India to China and from Greece to Rome * charts the evolution of health from ancient medicinal schools of thought to modern innovations in theory and practice *encompasses the bio-psychosocial aspects of health and health care with special reference to the Indian context and also treatment practices of diseases in India * takes a close look at modern diseases such as AIDS and obesity * examines the role of stress in everyday lives and techniques of managing it *looks at chronic diseases, terminal illnesses and mental health issues as well as health behaviour and health promotion *discusses new age addictions as well as gender differences in health