Even as predictions of effective specific antiretroviral treatment improved after 1996, many scientists and health professionals remained committed to the dominant role of prevention over treatment and care. With the growing need for vaccines and safe medicines, more attention is now being paid to the traditional system of medicine. Ayurveda and Yoga are engaged in fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to maintain your overall health. The aim of the present study is to get a holistic view that suggests preventive approach and strengthening Bala and Ojas. Ayurveda and Yoga give importance to physical immunity as well as psychological immunity. By following Rasayana, Sadvritta, Acharsayana, Ashtang Yoga and Satvik Karma, one manages physical and mental health as well as proper balance and tridosha. There is a need to explore holistic care modules as described in various Ayurvedic classical texts and Yoga for COVID-19.
Introduction
The global momentum regarding the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) continues to be unresolved, and a second wave is feared. We have to learn from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic that better strategies and medical care modules are needed for public health. WHO. has declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. A total of 61,308,161 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 have been reported so far in a total of 218 countries and territories and 2 conveyances around the world and still counting, the death toll has risen to 1,437,835. India is the second worst affected country in the world after the United States. COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory and vascular disease, caused by SARS Corona Virus 2. People with the same infection may have different symptoms, and their symptoms may change over time. High-risk groups added another challenge to medical professionals as their prognosis was very poor and life threatening. The presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and old age lead to poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, in such situations, preventive measures play a better role rather than curative modalities. This is a conceptual and literature-based study in the management of COVID-19 through Ayurveda and Yoga and gives a ray of hope that traditional medicines can prove to be a boon in managing one's health and lifestyle along with mental harmony, without which Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are not possible. According to Ayurveda Outlook, health is the harmonious relationship between mind, soul, body and country. The health of a person depends on the environment in which he lives. In Ayurveda many factors influence the disease condition one of which is Asadharan-Sadharan. Asadharan is a disease that is caused by one's lifestyle habits and eating habits or genetics and Sadharan is a disease that is susceptible to any disease that affects a large population and it is Janpadodhwamsa. The second classification of disease is Nija and Agantuja. Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana) mentions Janpadodhvamsa (epidemics), and defines Vyadhikshmatva (immunity) as the ability to prevent and halt the progression of disease in order to maintain homeostasis. Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana, Janpadodhvamsa) describes Yoga as an art based on the mind, soul, and body; the classical text Yoga Vasistha describes a healthy person as one who is free from physical disease and stable in mind. Yoga proclaims that man can experience the Panchkoshas for his existence. Prana is the vital force that fills the Panchkoshas, nourishes and maintains them. Ayurveda describes the concept of Pancha Prana/Pancha Vayu that takes care of the functioning and stability of the body, mind, and soul. Mental health is much more important than the absence of psychological disorders. Enhancing psychiatric immunity is as important as improving general immunity. WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which a person realizes his potentialities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and can contribute to his community. Through Anukta Vyadhi and by evaluating the symptoms for the involvement of Prishtha-Dushya - Samurchana and successful management of disease understanding, the Nidan Panchaka is important which includes Nidan (etiology), Purvarupa (prodromal features), Rupa (signal symptoms), Upashaya-Anupashaya (relieving and distressing factors), and Sampraapti. The integrated approach of Ayurveda and Yoga provides a balance of the doshas in the body and enhances a functional and structural activity useful in maintaining homeostasis and attainment of health.COVID-19 Metaphor in Ayurveda
The different terms mentioned in Ayurveda for Janapadodhvamsa show that they are ways of spreading the disease. Contamination of Vayu (air), Jal (water), Desha (place or soil) and change in Kaal (weather) are responsible for Janpadodhamsa. Symptoms of contaminated Vayu, Udaka, Desha and Kaal are explained. As said, Ayurveda has also explained the mode of transmission and comparative study. Acharya Charaka has given the root cause of occurrence of any epidemic as Dharma and Pradhyaparadha. Acharya Sushrut has mentioned Aupsargi Roga as the main cause of disease spread. These modes of transmission are still relevant for the vantage point of the current pandemic. The symptoms of COVID-19 are probably like Sannipatik Jawar in Ayurveda and its different stages are described based on its severity. If the main stage is controlled then the disease will not manifest further and can be prevented. Ayurveda believes that the manifestation of disease is due to imbalance of Tridosha which creates disease conditions in the body and creates environment for the development of disease. The most prominent causes are Pranjyaparadha, Asatmendriyartha Samyoga and Parinama/Kala. Wrong habits adopted by individuals are the contributing factors for Pranjyaparadha which includes violation of actions verbally, mentally and physically which aggravates Rajas and Tamas diseases as well as Tridosha. Asatmendriyartha Samyoga means improper contact of the senses with their objects resulting in excessive stimulation of sensory activity. Parinama/Kala has seasonal effect on Belgamvar. Anitya and Adharma are the causal factors of the disease. Along with the above-mentioned factors, other disease manifesting factors are Shastraprabhavaja, Abhishanghaja and Abhishapaja. In epidemiology, the epidemiological triad which includes a host, agent and environment handles the causation of the disease. Shatakriyakala in Ayurveda explains well about the phase wise manifestation of the disease and if diagnosed early, the disease can be prevented from progressing. As per the signs and symptoms, the symptoms of COVID-19 show similarity with Pranavaha Srotas. As per Shatakya Kaala and Ritu Sandhi it is Samprapati. COVID-19 may be related to Abhinaya Jwar which is a type of Sannipataj Jwar which affects Rasavaha and Pranavaha Srotas, it may also be related to Bhutabhishang Jwar which is a type of Agantuj Jwar and related to microorganisms which cause disease in the body when vitiated. Acharya Sushrut in Nidan Sthana had described Aupsargika Rog and Sansargaj Rog, which if worsened can lead to epidemic or pandemic like situation. Psychoimmunity is not being given attention by regulatory bodies, which will be extremely important pre and post COVID-19 time to reduce the painful impact of the pandemic. The tools to enhance psychological immunity are as follows:Role of Rasayana in COVID-19
Ayurvedic classical texts guide us on how to maintain health in pandemic through Rasayana Chikitsa. Medicine should be collected before the outbreak of any pandemic so that it can be used later for treatment as everything becomes polluted and ineffective during Janpadodhwamsa. Out of all these, Namittika Rasayana is helpful as it makes the cells potent to disease causing pathogens. The herbs are mixed during the preparation of Rasayana, they act as an immunomodulator and restore and balance the body's immunity. Rasayana is an additional treatment for the current pandemic prevention. Phytochemicals present in Rasayana herbs possibly restore pulmonary health by strengthening endothelial dysfunction and reducing oxidative stress. Rasayana medicines like Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu and Amalaki. It has shown commendable results in boosting immunity in COVID-19. Administration of these herbs in specific dosage forms or in formulations prepared from them under the guidelines of an Ayurvedic physician can be a strong measure to prevent further spread of COVID-19 among healthy individuals. Rasayana immunomodulation action promotes health by providing strength to the sources, promotes agni, strengthens the body, nourishes the skin, provides longevity, provides good memory and intelligence, it acts as a rejuvenator in a diseased person.Role of Aachar Rasayan (Code of Conduct) in COVID-19
Acharya Charak has described Aachar Rasayan in Rasayan Chapter IV Pada of Chikitsa Sthana. Health is much more than just a disease. It is a medicine that everyone can use in daily life to maintain overall health. According to Ayurveda Aachar (behavior) Rasayan is a code of conduct such as truth, non-violence, lack of anger, talking with pleasing words, focus towards spirituality, be aware, less egoistic, share more, be less demanding, make good plans to achieve a better future, follower of Dharma, consume milk and ghee in daily diet, be respectful, avoid cruelty, respect your elders and old people, be kind, do charity, have patience, avoid hard work, be pure, have faith in God, maintain peace and everyone needs to maintain peace to maintain not only disease-free body but overall health. They are brain tonics as it nourishes our thoughts which are expressed in our actions and thoughts which are beneficial for us as well as those around us. Positive mind and healthy body are sources of happiness. Sattvajaya Chikitsa is required for people with low will power.Ayurvedic Daily Practices for Prevention of COVID-19
Hasta-Pad Snaan to prevent the spread of external infections, Medicated Water Bath to prevent the spread of external infections, Abhyanga to strengthen the skin by increasing blood flow, Sweating during massage helps flush out toxins from the blood, Kavala-Gandusha cleanses the oral cavity and removes excess mucous. Corona viruses are abundant in the mucosa of the nose and mouth, removing them can reduce the severity. Nasya disinfects the nose as well as reaches the bloodstream and also helps in reducing respiratory disorders. Fumigation of the house can be correlated with Dhupan and Homa for purification of vitiated air and country. Vaada Chikitsa (Sound Therapy) Sushruta Samhita) During Janpadodhamsa food gets contaminated during this period and if that food is there, it will be harmful to eat, so different pastes need to be applied on different instruments to produce sound to get rid of poisonous food. Immediately after giving birth to a child during the days of Sutakkal, the mother should avoid contact with people of the society, which will possibly protect the newborn and the mother from getting infected. In Ashtang Sangraha, the term "Sancharirog" has been used in the context of an infectious disease spreading from one person to another.Diet for Vyadhikshamatva in COVID-19
Undernutrition is one of the reasons due to inadequate dietary intake of nutrients, which weakens the immune defense system. It also reduces its strength to prevent the entry of disease-causing pathogens into the body, making people more susceptible to various infections. The Trividha Kukshi diet improves the metabolism and nutrition of the body, thus increasing immunity, which is a key factor for the prevention of COVID-19. Vital vitamins that work to boost immunity and keep infectious diseases at bay are obtained from food. Avoid stale food, humans have known before that food causes disease by microbes Diet is the building block of an immune system and not only this, it also maintains the normal functioning of various systems.So, a balanced diet taken in right quantity in right combination of foods with right mindset boosts immunity and provides strength to fight any disease, consuming nutritious and unhealthy diet without following the factors mentioned in Ashta Aahaar Vidhi Visheshayatana described in Ayurveda which includes Prakriti, Karan, Samyog, Rashi, Desha, Kaal and Upyogsamastha gives rise to Gurutva, Shrama, Aalashya, Sanchay, Parigraha. Greed, cheating which are the common qualities of Anuvartavachana (lies) and one of the main causes of Adharma further gives rise to anger, ego, hatred, fear, grief and anxiety which are generally responsible for a sick person who loses control over his needs. Overeating weakens the immunity which leads to poor physical health one day and later mental health is also affected.
Sadvrittas Role in COVID-19
Sadvrittas play an important role in keeping oneself healthy and disease prevention. Sadvrittas are applicable to people of all age groups, all the time and all places.Types of Sadvrittas
These codes of conduct include the following groups.1. Vyavaharika Sadvrittas (moral code of conduct)
2. Samajik Sadvrittas (social code of conduct)
3. Manasik Sadvrittas (mental code of conduct)
4. Dharmik Sadvrittas (moral code of conduct) 5. Sharirika Sadvrittas (physical code of conduct).
Vyavaharika Sadvrittas
• Always speak the truth so that people around you are not hurt and everyone benefits, whenever one goes for a walk, always carry an umbrella with you. • Do not exercise excessively. Because proper exercise stimulates lightness, working capacity, stability, resistance to discomfort, digestive power. Excessive physical exercise causes fatigue, exhaustion and excessive thirst, bleeding from various parts of the body, darkness before eyes, cough, fever and vomiting. • Sleep on a comfortable cot as it removes fatigue, normalizes Vata, provides aphrodisiac, satisfaction • Sleep normally and do not stay awake too long at night. Because sleep taken at the proper time enhances nutrition, good complexion (complexion), strength, vigour and maintains the normal condition of tissues. • Do not bathe after exertion until your body reaches normal temperature, do not bathe before washing your face, nor in a nude state. After bathing, one should not wear the same clothes again which were last worn.Social Virtues
• Be friendly, calm anger, and console the frightened, help the poor, be truthful, peaceful and mind your tongue before speaking ill of anyone. • Always respect guests and show hospitality to them • Avoid combing hair in a public place. Do not bite your teeth or put fingers in the nose or ears in the presence of people • Do not laugh loudly and do not expel air from the stomach with a voice • Always cover the mouth with a hand while coughing and sneezing. Because various types of droplet infections spread from one person to another through the fluids coming out of the mouth and nose. By covering our mouth we are stopping the germs that come out during coughing and sneezing • Do not use unwashed clothes, dirty or uncomfortable clothes, clothes worn by others, not suitable for the season, occasion, or made of unnatural fibers. Wearing clean clothes increases desires, reputation, longevity and protects from inauspiciousness. It brings happiness, grace, competence and a good look• One should not abandon relatives, loved ones who have helped in times of trouble and those who know the family secrets
• One should not expose one's genitals or sexual organs or body parts
• One should not associate with women, friends and servants of ill conduct.
Manasika Sadvritta
• One should not engage in any activity without proper investigation • Control your senses and do not let them control you • Take your time to analyze things properly before coming to any conclusion • Do not be overjoyed on gaining and sad on losing.Dharmika Sadvritta
• One should not go out without touching gems, the feet of an eminent person, auspicious objects and flowers. Always wear auspicious herbs like Tulsi, Sahadevi and Rudraksha which protect against evil. One should respect the gods, cows, teachers (gurus), elderly people and those who have attained spiritual perfection • Do not wander around in unknown places and forbidden areas at night. Do not take shelter at night in temples, under sacred trees, meeting places of four roads, gardens, graveyards and slaughter houses. • Do not pass mucus, wind, stool and urine in front of wind, fire, water, moon, sun and Gurus.Sharirika Sadvritta
• Always wear gems and ornaments. As it enhances prosperity, auspiciousness, longevity and grace and prevents danger from snakes, evil spirits etc. It is pleasant and attractive. It also conducts Ojas • Follow the routine of oil massage on head, ears, nose and feet daily • Always follow the routine of hair cutting, nail clipping and shaving at least 3 times in a fortnight. Keep nails and hair clean and well trimmed every fortnight or as required. As hands and nails easily pick up dirt and infectious agents on coming in contact with various things, washing hands at regular intervals and removing nail clipping is imperative, especially to prevent diseases transmitted through the fecal-oral route. • Take bath once or twice daily according to the season as bathing is auspicious and aphrodisiac. It removes fatigue, sweating, increases self-confidence and keeps one emotionally healthy. Bathing removes dirt and bad odour from the body. It promotes vitality in the body and increases longevity. It brings strength to the body and is an excellent aid for improving Ojas. It also helps one to look fit and good. Bathing improves blood circulation and increases immunity • Shoes should be selected according to our physical structure, geographical location, weather and type of work. Wearing shoes is good for eyes, vision and skin. Relieves foot discomfort, gives strength, is good for valour and sexual desire. Role of Sleep in COVID-19 Sleep is important for general psychological well-being. It is also related to the reduction in people with mental conditions and timely and regular recovery of the body.Role of Brahmacharya in COVID-19
Celibacy (Brahmacharya) in Ayurveda for mental health and mental immunity. The action, thought and character of a person needs to be promoted with spiritual life and should live in constant harmony with the supreme soul [5]. COVID-19:Yoga Perspective
The psychological impact of COVID-19 is now impacting personal health, and then the thought of the fear of death is giving people anxiety, stress and psychological disturbances which delays the human body to recover from the disease and makes a healthy human diseased. Spiritual health is the relationship between physical, mental and social health which is achieved with the help of yoga. Yoga workout routines have a holistic effect and bring the body, mind, beliefs and spirit in balance. Pranayama is classified into different types based on the frequency, degree of depth used, type of holes used, and physical manipulations. Yoga and its different modalities have had a different medicinal effect on the community which is positively serving humanity. We are fortunate to have Yoga in our lives, and such a divine heritage that is booming to serve mankind with its hearsay in this current pandemic situation. The classical text Yoga Vasistha describes a healthy person as one who is free from bodily illness and wrong affections of the mind. Yoga gives great importance to a proper and healthy lifestyle whose main components are Aachar, Vichar, Aahara and Vihar. Yoga practices recharge the body with cosmic energy and facilitate the following: • Attainment of perfect balance and harmony • Promotes self-healing • Removes negative blockages from the mind and toxins from the body • Enhances personal power • Increases self-awareness • Helps with attention, focus and concentration, especially important for children • Reduces stress and tension in the physical body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is performed early in the morning on an empty stomach. It consists of 12 different yoga postures (Pranamasana, Hasta Utthan Asana, Hasta Padasana, Ashwasanchalana Asana, Chaturanga Dhandasana, Ashtanga Namaskar, Bhujang Asana, Adhomukha Shavasana, Ashwasanchalana, Hasta Padasana, Hasta Utthan Asana and Pranam Asana), two sets of which are beneficial. immunity, physical and mental development), it improves blood circulation, strengthens the core, is beneficial for hair, weight loss, improves body elasticity and flexibility. Postures that particularly support healthy lungs include: Veerasana (Hero/Warrior/Champion Pose) Supta Veerasana (Supta = Lying Down) Paryankasana (Couch Pose) Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose), and Postures for recovery after pneumonia include Salamba Sirasana (Salamba = Support, Sirsa = Head, "Headstand Pose") Salamba Sarvangasana, Halasana (Plow Pose) Paschimottanasana, Uttanasana (Forward Bend), Veerasana, Parvatasana, Matsyasana (Fish Pose). PranayamaAnuloma-Viloma Pranayama
Anuloma means “with the grain” and Viloma means “against the grain”. This is the best Pranayama to maintain balance on Tridoshas and boost immunity. It involves keeping one nostril closed while inhaling and then keeping the other nostril closed while exhaling. The process is then reversed and repeated. Effects It effectively releases stress from the mind and body and helps in relaxing. It helps in harmonizing the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which deals with the logical and emotional aspects of our personality. It purifies the nadis, clears channels and blockages, and maintains the thermostat.Kapalabhati Pranayama
Kapalabhati Pranayama is a breathing exercise in yoga. When you exhale forcefully you try to expel all the toxins from the body which enables you to enhance the immune system, and your intellect becomes refined and sharp. This kriya is a breathing technique that strengthens your chest, clears your abdominal organs, and activates your circulatory and nervous systems. Effects Kapalabhati Pranayama helps you breathe correctly, and breathing correctly calms your mind. A calm mind leads to deep sleep quickly. It improves blood circulation throughout the body, boosts the immune system, cures diabetes, constipation, asthma, allergies, sinusitis and kidney diseases. Purifies the frontal sinuses, rejuvenates the whole body, keeps the face young.Bhastrika Pranayama
Bhastrika means below, it is called “bellow breathing”. Bhastrika Pranayama is a process of rapid inhalation and exhalation that energizes the body and hence is also called Yogic fire breathing. Once practiced the diaphragm and abdominal muscles draw air in and out of the lungs, and squeeze blood through the digestive organs causing heat to increase in the body. This heat helps to keep the body warm and boost the immune system. Effects It balances the tri doshas, energizes the body and mind, improves the function of the digestive and excretory organs along with increasing digestive power and cures cold, flu, sinus, asthma and is good for tonsils. It reduces stress and anxiety and increases concentration.Bhramari Pranayama
It is a calming breathing practice that calms the nervous system and helps us connect with our inner nature. Bhramari is the Sanskrit word for "bee" and this pranayama is so named because of the humming sound produced at the back of the throat during its practice - like the slight hum of a bee. This produces vibrations that stimulate the pituitary gland, pineal gland and activate the nerves of the brain and forehead. Effects It calms and soothes the mind, relieves brain tension, stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, calms the nerves, relieves stress and anxiety, alleviates anger, lowers blood pressure, strengthens throat health, strengthens and improves the voice, aids in the healing of bodily tissues, and induces good sleep.Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting Breathing Technique)
The Sanskrit word "udgeeth" means chanting. Udgeeth pranayama is Om kara chanting. The Omkar sound connects you to the silence within you. In this silence, our brain gets vibrations to tune into the natural frequency. Effects It controls high blood pressure, improves nervous system, and enhances memory, concentration, positive thinking and confidence, It improves blood circulation and relieves anxiety, stress, tension and anger. It reduces insomnia, cures acidity and improves digestive system. A strong approach about "Pratipaksha Bhavna" has been described in the literature where "Pratipaksha" means opposite and Bhavna means thoughts or feelings. Mind can be controlled with this therapy. This technique works towards positive thinking on the mind.Conclusion
Contemporary and traditional management together can improve the health of individual and society, Positive mind and healthy body are the sources of satisfaction in the pandemic. Thus, by adopting a good lifestyle with holistic approach, proper balanced diet, yoga, pranayama, meditation along with achar rasayana and sadvritta to lead a stress free life can prove to be a workable management for COVID 19.
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AYURVEDIC MEDICINES
