Ayuryukti

Prevention is better than cure: Easy Lifestyle Rules

Currently whole world is under fear of Corona virus (COVID 19); which has been announced as Global Pandemic by WHO. Each news channel is only broadcasting either number of infected people or number of deaths due to COViD -19. Ayurveda has described such pandemic as Janopadodhwansa. Now this is spreading very rapidly. Government is taking every necessary precaution. Earlier we have faced H1N1 (Swine flu), Ebola (Hemorrhagic fever), Chikungunya etc.

COVID 19 is basically Respiratory infection; transmits through respiratory droplets that people exhale, for example while coughing and sneezing. Droplets only stay suspended in the air for short time but may stay viable and contagious on metal, glass or plastic surface. It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other corona viruses. Studies suggest that corona viruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.

Currently we do not have any specific vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. Therefore Prevention is best solution for this. Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between Mind, body and soul. The main goal of Ayurveda is to promote good health. Our Acharyas have told us the rules for healthy life centuries ago like Dinacharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta Acharan. Prevention is better than cure. 

As responsible citizens we should be aware of following:

·        Avoid Handshakes

 As culture our ancestors had habit of greeting with “Namskar” or “Pranam”. We can accustom this habit and avoid direct contact.

·        Cover your face with napkin

While coughing and sneezing cover your nose and mouth with napkin. Also maintain a safe distance from others while coughing or sneezing.

·        Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

·        Use of disinfectant

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others.

·        Nasya (Nasal drops), Gandush (Gargling)

These karmas are advice in Ayurveda as part of your daily regime (Dinacharya).  2 to 3 drops of medicated oil or normal cow ghee are gently poured in nostrils. Simple way you can just apply cow ghee or medicated oil inside the nostril surface.

Gargle everyday with Luke warm water + Turmeric + salt.

·        Dhoopan (Fumigation)

Dhoopan is basically medicated fumigation. It is useful for creating aseptic environment so that no infectious diseases can develop. It is basic preventive measure. Indication of Dhoopan karma is Communicable diseases, Infectious fever etc.

Dashang Dhoopa:

                                      

Vacha (Achrous calamos), Hing (Ferula foetida), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Saindhav (Salt), Pippali (Piper longum), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Marich (Piper nigrum) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

Aparajita Dhoopan: (Rasatantrasa- Siddhaprayog sangraha)

Guggul (Comiphora wightii), Agaru (Aquilaria malaccensis), Arka patra (Calotropi sprocera), Vacha (Achrous calamos), Rala (Shorea robusta), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)

·        Jalapan (Drinking water)

Even though you are drinking filtered water; it should be boiled & stored properly. Ayurveda has described ‘Shadanga paniya’- Medicated water. This water is very beneficial in body heat, excessive thirst, Fever, diarrhoea associated with fever etc. Powders of Ushira (Khas), Parpataka, Musta, Shunthi, Raktachandana and Udichya to be added in water and boiled it. After cooling; this water is use for drinking.  

·        Annaprashan (Food intake)

Homemade food is best option. Under cook meat, stale food should be avoided. Open and road side food to be avoided.

·        Vyayam (Exercise)

For healthy life one should exercise daily. Pranayama and Yogasanas are really beneficial. Anulom-vilom pranayama, Nadi shodhan pranayama improve breathing. Yogasanas like Ardha Masyndrasana, Setubandhasana, Bhujangasana, Adho mukha svanasana & Shavasana provide strength to Respiratory system.

·        Rasayana Chikitsa  (Rejuvenation therapy )

Ayurveda has described Rasayan Karma which restricts ageing and improves immunity. Brahami, Amalaki etc. are Rasayan aushadhi. Chyavanprash is fortified with these Rasayan aushadhi. Chyavanprash not only improves immunity but also strength the Respiratory system. Eating 2 teaspoons of Chyavanprash is really beneficial. One can also have Moravala (Indian gooseberry jam).

If you see any symptoms related to COVID-19 Do not Panic, Consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile take Prevention & stay healthy !!!!

References:

Sartha Vagbhat, Dr. Ganesh Gadre, 8th edition.

Rasatantrasar &Siddhaprayogsamgraha, vol.1, Krushan Gopal Ayurveda bhavan, 8th Edition

Sangadhar Samhita, Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi

WHO official website

Wikipedia

                                             Dr.Anagha G. Nandoskar

                                                 M.D. (Ayurveda)