Indian Lifestyle With Ayurveda Perspective During Covid-19 Pandemic


Department of Panchakarma, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College and Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Maharashtra, India, 9860667023
Department of Rachana Shareer, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences(DMIMS), Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by novel Coronavirus. The overall prevalence rate of Covid-19 in Worldwide ( 9.94M )& it is (529 K) & (153 K) in India and Maharashtra. This situation can be considered under JanapadodhwansaVyadhi in Ayurveda. The primary purpose of Ayurveda is the prevention of the disease in healthy individuals and eradication of disease, which are curable. Immunity comes under the Vyadhikshamatva. Further, Covid-19 infection is correlated with Vataj-Kaphaj Jwara. In Ayurveda Rasayana therapy to boost up immunity (Bala & Vyadhikshamatva). The present study aimed to explore the concept of infectious disease and its prevention through different lifestyles described in Ayurveda. The above need-based information is collected from various Ayurvedicliterature (Laghutrayee, Bruhatryayi) along with numerous research articles from databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar. All collected data were depicted in narrative form and tabular manner under different heads. Considering the above aspect in the prevention of Covid-19, the role of Ayurveda intervention may be proved more beneficial in Covid-19. Further, adoption of code of conduct may efficiently overcome the current pandemic situation by maintaining good immunity & implementation of Ahar, Vihar Vidhis, Dincharya, and Rutucharya& Sadvritta for improving disease resistance.

Keywords

Covid-19, Ayurveda, Prevention, Dincharya, Rutucharya, Immunity

Introduction

Covid-19 is an infectious pandemic disease caused by novel Coronavirus, now called as a severe acute respiratory disease. The overall prevalence rate of Covid-19 worldwide is 9.94 Million, and it is 529 Thousand and 153 thousand in India and Maharashtra, respectively (Zhang, Wang, & Jia, 2020). There is no standard line of treatment established for the management of this pandemic. Prevention is the better option in this current dreadful situation, and the preventive aspect of this highly infectious disease is emphasized by modern science. However, the prevention of any illness is highly appreciated by Ayurveda, which is the ancient and holistic science of life. Such a pandemic situation is correlated with JanapadadhwansaVyadhi in Ayurveda (Agnivesha, 2020). The primary purpose of Ayurveda is the prevention of disease in healthy individuals and eradication of disease, which are curable (Agnivesha, 2020).

Immunity is the backbone of a healthy life. The immune system helps to protect the host from pathogens; they are minimizing damage to tissue. The immune system consists of an unlinked network of cells, lymphoid organs, and proteins that are strategically placed to ensure maximal protection against the infection (Walker, Ralston, & Davidson, 2010). Vyadhikshamatva is a crucial factor in the daily lifestyle of human beings for the prevention and recovery of the disease. That’s why prevention of this disease can be very well done by maintaining good immunity (Singh & Verm, 2012).

Aim And Objectives

Considering the high need-based scenario, it becomes imperative to search for some alternative, safe, and effective in immune-modulatory remedies in Ayurveda. Utilizing this modality, we can enhance immunity. Through this paper, the novel efforts are made to compile the various immune-modulator regimens mentioned in Ayurveda in the form of a healthy lifestyle and seasonal purification (Rutucharya) and daily dietary & behavioural regimen (Dincharya) which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and exclusively narrated in Ayurvedic sculptures.

Materials and Methods

The information regarding the above need base study is collected from various Ayurvedic literature (Bruhatrayi, Laghutryayi). Different research articles from databases such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc., all collected information is described under the heads in narrative and tabular form.

Result And Observation

Proper Ahar, Vihar, and Nidra are the fundamental pillar for the healthy maintenance of life and prevention of disease. This triad compromises robust lifestyle module in the current dreadful situation of COVID-19which demands for specific lifestyle modification at three levels

  • Particular lifestyle for patient suffered by COVID-19

  • Lifestyle for healthy persons for the prevention of COVID -19

  • Lifestyle for the Person who is highly susceptible to COVID -19

Specific lifestyle for patient suffered by COVID -19

The disorder Covid-19 it can be correlated with Vataj-KaphajJwara. Therefore, Vataj-Kaphaj Shamak Chikitsa and AgnideepanChikitsa can be given. Agnidipak, Laghu Ahara, and nutritious (Yusha, Laja, Manda, Peya, Vilepi), which are essential for immune-modulator & digestive stimulant properties mentioned in Table 1, (Agnivesha, 2020).

Table 1: Recommended Daily Regimen for suffered Person

S.N.

Ahar

Vihar

1.

Peya, Manda, Vilepi, Yusha

Langhana

2.

Shalidhanya

Vishrama

3.

Moonga, Masur

VamanaKarma

4.

Draksha, Dadima

Tarpana

5.

Dugdha

Virechana

6.

Ushnodaka

Niruha

7.

ShadangPaniya

Anuvasana

8.

LaghuAhar

Abhyanga

9.

MamsaRasa

Parisheka

10.

Sarpipana

Pradeha

Table 2: Recommended Daily Regimen for healthy persons

S. N.

Recommended Regimen

Expected mode of Action

1.

Brahma Muhurta

Nourishes the tissue rapidly, feeling of well being and happiness

2.

UshnaJalapana

Feeling of lightness in the body

3.

Sauchvidhi

Every Person should eliminate the natural urges daily

4.

MukhaNetraPrakshalan

Prevent the eye and mouth disease

5.

Jivhanirlekhan

The tongue should be clean with plant material

6.

Dantadhavan

Increase salivation and stimulate taste perception

7.

Snehagandushdharan

Which improves circulation of the oral cavity

8.

Nasya ( Navan)

To avoid entry of dust particle into nasal tract

9.

Anjana (Rasaanjana)

To drain out Kapha secretion from the eyes

10.

Abhyanga

A person should do oil massage daily

11.

Vyayam

It improves work capacity, increases digestion power

Table 3: Specific lifestyle for the Person susceptible for COVID-19

S.N.

Ahar

Vihar

1.

Moonga

Yoga

2.

Masur

Pranayama

3.

Ardraka

Meditation

4.

Lasuna

Asanas

5.

Neem

JalaNeti

6.

Dhanyaka

Kavala

7.

Chyavanprash

Gandusha

8.

Dugdha

-

9.

Amalaki

-

Lifestyle for the healthy persons for the prevention of Covid-19

Ayurveda has described some daily regimen, which is useful for a healthy lifestyle and maintenance of positive health mentioned in Table 2 , (Chaudhary & Rana, 2017).

In Brahmamuhurta, the expected mode of action nourishes the tissue rapidly, feeling of wellbeing and happiness. Ushnajal Pana brings the lightness in the body. In Sauchvidhi, every Person should eliminate natural urges daily. In MukhaNetraPrakshalan, prevent the eye and mouth disease. In Jivhanirlekhan, the tongue should be clean with plant material. Dantadhavan increases salivation and stimulate taste perception. Sneha Gandush Dharan improves the circulation of the oral cavity. Navan Nasya avoids the entry of dust particles into the nasal tract. The use of Rasaanjana helps to drain out Kapha secretion from the eyes. In Abhyanga, the Person should do oil massage daily. Vyayam improves work capacity, increase digestion power.

The sedentary lifestyle during the lockdown period may result in weight gain. Therefore, more emphasis should be given over the indigenous, proper Yoga and healthy lifestyle, as Yoga and meditation increase Manobala. Regular practices of Yoga and proper exercise should be adopted, but these should be carried out under supervision or adequate guidance for only experts.

The specific lifestyle for persons who are susceptible for COVID-19

The specific lifestyle for the Person who is susceptible to COVID-19 is described in Table 3.Immune-modulator drug should be given to the Person. Diet, Exercise, Meditation should be given (Tillu, Chaturvedi, Chopra, & Patwardhan, 2020).

Discussion

Dincharya should be followed regularly to helps improve the physical, mental, spiritual wellbeing of individuals. Daily habits of people make their happy lifestyle. SatmyaAhar, Vihar, Nidra, Yogic Asan, and Brahmacharya should be followed to boost the Vyadhikshamatva. Rasayana therapy promotes and rejuvenates the physiology of the body (Subhrajyoti, 2020). It brings proper uptake, growth, and improvement of essential Saptadhatuswhich plays a vital role in immunity building.

In a nutshell, the Vataj-KaphajJwar, Ahar, and Vihar should be followed regularly to helps improve physical health. Agnideepak, LaghuAhar, and nutritious food items should be accompanied to boost the immunity (Lohi & Sawarkar, 2020).

Yoga, Asanas, Pranayama should be followed regularly to improves the lifestyle of patients (Sawarkar & Sawarkar, 2020; Vaidya & Sawarkar, 2020). In Chyvanprash, Amalaki plays a vital role in boosting immunity.

Conclusion

Considering the above discussion, it is reflected that the integrative approach of AyurvedaFor Healthy Lifestyle based on a healthy diet or healthy dietary regimen, proper seasonal regimen and adoption of code of conduct may efficiently overcome the current pandemic situation by maintaining good immunity of the Person as well as by minimizing the morbidity and mortality rate. There is ample scope for further research for the above mention regimen in the future.

Acknowledgement

I am sincerely thankful to our respected Dean Dr Vaishali Kuchewar and my guide Dr Punam Sawarkar for their constant guidance and support.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest for this study.

Funding Support

Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Maharashtra, India.