Abstract

Traditional medicine is primarily interested in pathogenetic processes in the human body. A more logical process, although still somewhat unfamiliar for the medical personnel, is salutogenesis, which seeks causes of health development. Salutogenesis theories reject the traditional medical model of dichotomy separating health and illness. Health is  understood as an active and constantly changing situation caused by a myriad of determinants. The main component of salutogenesis is human orientation towards problem solving and capacity to utilize existing resources. Individuals and societies can shape the sense of coherence by applying empowerment strategies.