Question to TKV Desikachar:
Sir, could you please tell us what is meant by health?
How do you understand a healthy person?
TKV Desikachar Response:
“The best word that comes to my mind for health is the Saṃskṛta word Svastha.
Sva plus Stha is Svastha. Sva indicates myself and Stha means to remain.
For me health is that state of being where I can manage myself.
This is indicated by the word Svastha.
A-svastha is that state where I am not able to manage by myself.”
– TKV Desikachar from an interview in the Journal Viniyoga Italia on Yoga and Well Being.

“Where do Āsana lead us?
1. For seated practices
(Adhyātmika Krama or Yoga Practice as a Self-Inquiry)
To stay in a stable posture with the spine erect,
for Dhyāna or preparation for Dhyāna.
2.  For health.
(Cikitsā Krama or Yoga Practice as a Self-Healing)
They do something for the energy flow of the body.
3. Ability to master the body
(Śakti Krama or Yoga Practice as a Self-Empowerment)
Not necessarily to promote health,
but to show that we can master the body.
Often these are good for health,
though many are only useful as challenges.”
– TKV Desikachar
Further Reading – What is the Yoga of Krishnamacharya?