COVID-19

The aftermath of the spread of the Novel Corona Virus has shaken the whole globe. The pages of history has seen many pandemics, but this one broke the anchor. From sealing of country borders to shutting down of the economy, the havoc this little creature created has been startling. Since, this virus has already spread too much in our nation, and the authorities are trying their best to flatten the curve of the rising graph, we need to pitch in too. We must remember that pandemics arise suddenly, stay for a definite period, and then decline. During the ongoing pandemic, we hope everybody is following the norms provided by the WHO and AYUSH Ministry, and staying safe.

We can play the blame-game for as long as we want, but Ayurveda’s theory behind the rise of pandemics says differently. According to Ayurveda, the pandemics arise with the rise of malpractices and sinful acts, and decline of Sattwa in people. By sinful acts, we mean to indicate towards the immoral acts done for the temporary pleasure of senses. These acts are not in harmony with nature. In Ayurveda, the epidemics and pandemics are termed as Janpadodhwansa, meaning, the group of situations which slaughter people physically, mentally, and economically leading to almost dissolution of the race.

“Prevention is better than Cure”

The spread of the infection highly depends upon the Sattwa and Immunity of the community. Ayurveda describes immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) as Bala or Oja. Immunity is our body’s natural armour against diseases, infections and provides resistance against pathogens. Accumulation of Ama (toxins from undigested food), lack of Sattwa and lack of Oja (the essence of body tissues) weaken the defence mechanism of the body, making it prone to infections. 

Modern medical science remarks that mortality due to COVID-19 is because of some underlying disease of the patient, for instance, Tuberculosis, uncontrolled Diabetes, uncontrolled Hypertension, etc. Ayurveda views this as- the body is already in a state of Dhatukshaya (unhealthy tissues) and Ojakshaya (lacking the essence of life), and superadded infection by the COVID-19 worsens the situation.

In order to break down the pathogenesis, we need to rule out the cause of spread, Nidana Parivarjana; follow the safety guidelines provided by WHO; and enhancing immunity. These will help to prevent being affected by the disease and maintain optimum health.

Guidelines By AYUSH Ministry-

Ministry-of-AYUSH

• Consumption of luke warm water.
• Practice of Yogasana, Pranayama, Meditation for at least 30 minutes.
• Regular use of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic in cooking.
• Intake of light, easily digestible and nutritious meals
• Adequate sleep of 7-8 hours daily.
• Maintenance of personal hygiene, washing hands frequently for minimum 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Practicing social distancing and using homemade masks whenever going out.
• Spending quality time with family, playing indoor games and being happy.

Guidelines By WHO-

World-Health-Organization-Logo

• Cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintaining at least 3 feet distance between yourself and others; and avoiding to go to crowded places.
• Avoiding to touch eyes, nose and mouth.
• Covering mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then disposing of the used tissue immediately and washing hands.
• Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until recovery.

Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.

-Gautama Buddha

Know More-

Janpadodhwansa

The group of situations which slaughter people physically, mentally, and economically leading to almost dissolution of the race is known as Janpadodhwansa, in Ayurveda. To know more, click here.

The Pandemic, 2020

What are the thoughts one new medicines being launched to fight corona virus, and the need to keep following preventive measures as per the guidelines? To know, click here.

Immunity

Ojas is responsible for essentially the psychological health of the being besides nourishing his physical and immunological self. To know about immunity, click here. 

Enhancing Immunity

Vyadhikshamatva, the body’s resistance is not only essential for the prevention of disease but also speedy recovery from the ailment. To know about Ayurvedic strategies for acquiring or enhancing immunity, click here.