“The immunity, vyadhi-kshamatva, is a strength within all of us that resists the causes of diseases and their aggressive tendencies.” - Chakrapani Datta : Charak samhita commentator
We had learned many lessons during COVID-19 pandemic regarding health. The pandemic has challenged health care systems across the globe. The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world’s attention to the immune system, the body’s defence force against disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other organisms that we touch, ingest and inhale every day.
The classic Ayurveda text Charaka Samhita, mentioned about epidemic management and defines immunity as the ability to preventing and arresting the progression of disease for maintaining homeostasis. The Ayurveda pays larger emphasis on building strength of mind and body to cope with various stressors, including infection. Similar to innate and acquired immunity, the Ayurveda concept of immunity (Bala or strength) is classified as natural (Sahaja), chronobiologic (Kalaja), and acquired (Yuktikrut).Immunity – Fighting power of our body
With the changing environment around us, it has become very common to fall sick during every weather change. Also, various flus and colds which are a part of viral infections have become a sort of epidemics that need to be curbed. If one’s immune system is strong enough, it suppresses the virus which eventually becomes latent. Whereas, if the immunity levels are low, there are bound to be outbreaks and relapses which can also be dangerous in the long run.
For a good quality of health according to Ayurveda, for immunity, one needs to retain natural resistance to diseases and its symptoms.
Ayurveda compares the concept of healthy body to a barren land. Just as a barren land cannot bear fruits or flowers, similarly healthy body cannot favour infectious conditions. Infections can develop when the body immunity Is low, infectious agent is strong with depleted bala (immunity).
Body immunity cannot be enhanced overnight. Daily regimen, dietary intake contributes to immunity. Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens (Charya), regarding diet and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without altering body homeostasis.
Immunity- Understanding the concept through Ayurveda
Ayurveda explains immunity under the concept of Bala and Vyadhikshamatva.
The Ayurvedic view of immunity is based on the concept of inherited reserve and acquired reserve. In the Ayurvedic Classics, it is literally known as ‘vyadhi-kshmatva’ or ‘self-avoidance of disease’.
Vyadhikshmatva is composed of two words – Vyadhi + Kshamatva where Vyadhi means ‘Disease’ or ‘Illness’ and Kshamatva means ‘to resist’.
Ayurveda defines 3 types of immunity:
1. Sahaja vyadhikshmatva– That which we inherit by birth and is genetic.
2. Kalaj vyadhikshmatva – Seasonal or age related.
3. Yuktikrit Vyadhikshmatva – Immunity which is acquired through a healthy diet, lifestyle, and general well-being.
Factors affecting Vyadhikshmatva/ Immunity:
1. Prakruti (natural body constitution) –
Immunity responses of body differ according to individual prakruti. Every prakruti will have different responses for different spectra of diseases. Individuals with Kapha prakruti tend to have a better immune system than others.
2. Health of Ojas (the essence of our Dhatu’s or body tissues) –
Ojas is unique concept mentioned by Ayurveda. Ojas means “vigor.” Ojas is said to be the pure substance that is accumulated from properly digested food. It gives life and energy to the cells in the body. In the practice of Ayurveda, ojas is thought to be responsible for strength, health, long life, immunity and mental/emotional wellness.
3. Agnibala or digestive power –
A good digestion and gut health are key in Ayurveda. A healthy digestion nourishes the tissues (sapta dhatu), which in turn feeds the heart and builds immunity. If digestion is impaired, then it cannot metabolize the appropriate nutrients required for nourishment of the tissues and results in the depletion of Ojas. A weak digestive fire accumulates toxic,
known as ama, which can clog the channels and obscure nutritional absorption and emotional assimilation.
4. State of Mind or Mansika Doshas –
Emotional balance and nourishment plays an integral part in normal functioning of our immune system. Therefore, Ayurveda emphasis on daily rituals (Dincharya) that nourish both the physical body and mind for a strong immune system.
Low immunity and poor health have symptoms like constant manifestations of diseases, low resistance, allergies, fatigue, low energy, weakness, respiratory issues, stress and depression, digestion issues and chronic insomnia. There are many causes of low immunity which includes genetic factors, poor mental health, pollution, poor diet, lifestyle and metabolic issues. All these problems can be overcome with the help of various tips that are easy to follow.
Ayurvedic Approach to Enhancing Immune Function and Strengthening the Body’s Defences:
Keep the digestive fire strong:
The digestive fire or agni is vital to a strong immune system. The immunity of our body is totally under the power of agni or the digestion process through which the nutrients are absorbed in the body. If there is an imbalance within the agni, metabolism can be affected and immunity can go low. The toxic environment in the body leads to thriving viruses and bacteria as well.
Apt diet routine:
The foundations of a healthy immune system are based on a apt diet which is individual specific and according to changing season.
Our Nutrition directly affects Ojas and builds or weakens our immunity. Wholesome diet with proper timing is very important for maintaining good immunity.
Nadi Tarangini can provide perfect dietary guidelines based on individual prakruti and Dosha sthiti by analyzing Nadi.
Spices such as ginger, turmeric, Tulsi and garlic have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties and possess immune-modulator properties as well as keeping the digestion strong.
Lifestyle and Daily Rituals:
Along with a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle is also important. Daily rituals (Dinacharya) are the cornerstone of maintaining good health.
Nadi Tarangini can provide perfect lifestyle for maintaining good immunity based on Nadi Pariksha and prakruti Parikshan. Oil pulling using sesame oil, nasya, abhyang are some Ayurveda ways for maintaining good nourishment and hence immunity.Seasonal Regimen:
Ayurveda acknowledges the impact of seasonal variations on our health and immunity. To maintain robust immunity throughout the year, Ayurveda recommends specific practices during different seasons.
During the monsoon season, make it a point to prioritize boosting your digestion as it significantly influences your immune function. Incorporating warming spices like ginger and black pepper while avoiding heavy, greasy foods can support digestion and enhance immunity.
In the winter season, nourishing and warming practices are essential as the dryness tends to overpower. Consuming nourishing soups, stews, and herbal teas, along with maintaining a regular routine, helps fortify the immune system.
In the summer season, emphasize cooling and hydrating practices are helpful in maintaining health harmony. Consume fresh fruits, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive sun exposure to maintain a balanced immune response.
Exercise Regularly:
According to Ayurveda, it is very important to exercise taking into account one’s dosha or energy. Any kind of physical activity like walks, swimming, or even weight training in the gym helps the body to recover from the sedentary positions, thereby making it more active to the surroundings. It also helps to charge the body cells making it fitter and stronger and also increases the immunity levels tremendously. It is therefore recommended to exercise regularly every day for at least 30 minutes for long term improvement in health.
One can also practice pranayama and yoga which is habit of redirecting pranic energy through the breath. Pranayama purifies and toughens the body with peacefully composing the mind.
Panchakarma:
According to Ayurveda, indigested food is the root cause of toxins that spread across the body making it unhealthy and sick. The toxins stored within the body become breeding grounds for the parasites and begin to settle into weak places in the body causing infections and illnesses and finally weakening the immune system. Hence panchakarma therapies according to accumulated dosha are very important.
Rasayan chikitsa:
The word “Rasayana” means the way for attaining excellent Rasadi Dhatus.
Rasayana therapy replenishes the vital fluids of the body; boost the Ojas (vital force of life) and the immune system, thus keeping body away from diseases.
There are many types of Rasayana which enhances particular kind of Dhatu or systems.
- Vidang, Chitrak, and Haritaki: These substances are believed to enhance Agni and hence metabolism.
- Amalaki, Amrita, Pippli, and Kumari: These substances are believed to act on Dhatu.
- Aamalaki, Gambhari, Pippali, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Shilajatu: These substances are believed to improve nitrogen balance and promote tissue building.
Herbs like amalaki (Emblica officinalis), hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), haridra (Curcuma longa), manduka parni (Centella asiatica), aindri (Bacopa monniera), yashtimadhu (Glycirrhiza glabra), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis), vacha (Acorus calamus), jyotishmati acts like immunomodulators.
Ayurveda has always emphasized on enhancing body’s overall natural resistance to the disease causing agent rather than directly neutralizing the agent itself. Ayurveda emphasizes on practicing Dinacharya (Daily regimen) and Rutucharya (Seasonal regimen) for strengthening immunity. Other interventions include therapeutic cleansing procedures (Panchakarma) and certain immunomodulators (Rasayana).
Our immune system does a remarkable job in defending us from disease every single day, sometimes it fails. Enhancing it and keeping it functioning well, requires balance and harmony in diet and lifestyle. Adopting Ayurvedic principles are a good way to start giving your immune system the upper hand, choosing prevention above cure.