National Ayurveda Day: Boost Your Immunity

Ayurveda Day is observed, Every year on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti, this Year it will be celebrated with the theme “Ayurveda for COVID-19”. The Objective of the day is to focus on strengthening Ayurveda and its unique treatment principles in reducing disease mortality by utilising the potential of Ayurveda.

Every year since 2016, on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti, Ayurveda Day is observed, this year it will be celebrated on 13th November with the theme “Ayurveda for COVID-19”. According to Indian mythology, Lord Dhanvantri is the God of medicine. In a statement released by AYUSH Ministry, it says, “The Objective of Ayurveda Day is to focus on strengths of Ayurveda and its unique treatment principles, to work towards reducing the burden of disease and related mortality by utilising the potential of Ayurveda, to tap into the potential of Ayurveda to contribute towards National Health Policy and National Health programmes, and to promote Ayurvedic principles of healing in society. Thus, Ayurveda Day is more an occasion of rededication to the profession and the society, than one of festivities or celebrations”.

It further states, “Ayurveda, the original healthcare tradition of humanity, is not just a medical system, but a manifestation of our symbiotic relationship with nature. It is a well-documented system of healthcare, wherein prevention of disease and promotion of health are both given due consideration”. Therefore, since this year the focus is on defeating the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many ayurvedic herbs and remedies that have helped in strengthening the immunity and managing the COVID-19 symptoms. Here is what you need to know about immunity as per Ayurveda.

Understanding Immunity In Ayurveda?

The AYUSH Ministry explains that In Ayurveda, immunity is referred to as vyadhikshamatva. Ayurveda has a comprehensive approach of immunity encompassing two-fold management, respectively of health and disease. Vyadhikshamatva is the resistance of the body to fight disease by either of the following two ways:

1. Vyadhi-Bala-Virodhitvam – The resisting power of the body to restrain or withstand the strength or severity or progression of a disease, or
2. Vyadhi-Utpada-Pratibandhakatvam – The resisting power of the body to prevent the manifestation of a disease.

Lifestyle And Routine Tips For Boosting Immunity

Here are some of the Routine tips or ‘Dinacharya’ as recommended by the AYUSH Ministry for the general public and health workers, suspected and quarantined and immuno-compromised people. This routine can be followed in order to boost immunity:

Early Morning Regime (4.30 am to 8.30 am)

• Wake up between 4:30 - 5:00 in the morning or 45 minutes before sunrise.
• Drink 1-3 glasses of warm water
• Gandusha / Kavala (Oil Pulling) 1 tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil for Kavala followed by a warm water rinse.
• Gargle with warm water added with a pinch of turmeric and salt, Triphala, and Yashtimadhu. ShuddhaTankana (2% aqueous solution), Madhoodaka (5% aqueous solution) also can be used for Kavala Graha.
• Nasal Health – Pratimarsha Nasya (2 drops of sesame/coconut oil each nostril).
• Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH
• Warm water bath

After Noon Regimen

• Don't sleep during the daytime
• Involve in Work from Home/Indoor recreational activities like Studies, Reading, Painting, Gardening, Playing-listening Music, Social Media etc.

Evening Regimen

• Meditation / Pranayama – 30 minutes
• Indoor Recreational Activities

Dietetic Rules

• Eat only when hungry, in the appropriate amount according to the digestive power (Neither too less nor more).
• Always take a fresh & warm diet.
• Eat easily digestible foods.
• Eat a night meal 3 hours after sunset or till 8 pm.

Sleep at least 2-3 hours after dinner. Adequate sleep is very important for health.

Other than this,

• Stay aware
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Follow physical distancing
• Additional care for children, elderly, comorbid and immuno-compromised people
• Have a healthy diet
• Do not stress or panic
• Exercise and meditate regularly
• Have a good sleep of 7-8 hours
• Avoid self-medication, especially when you have existing health conditions
• Wear a mask when stepping out and other protective gears

Hence, the best way to keep yourself from contracting COVID-19 is by following all the preventive measures and keeping your immunity boosted. Even if you suffer from the infection once, doesn’t mean there are zero chances of the re-infection. You can also be a carrier of the virus for the people who have not been infected yet. Thus, maintaining proper distance and personal hygiene is important.