Improve your Immunity (VyadiKshamthva) the Ayurvedic way

 Strengthen your Immunity 

Dr Roopa Kamath, Ayurveda Consultant, Institute of Applied Dermatology, Kasaragod, Kerala

Vyadikshamathvaas understood in Ayurveda has much broader implications than the term immunity used in modern medicine. It is explained in Sanskrit as“Vyadibalavirodithvam” which means it opposes the strength of the disease.

The concept of immunity building is practiced by IAD as in Ayurvedic medicines is always in favour of enhancing the body’s natural resistance power towards the root cause of the disease.

Ayurvedic science has always emphasized on preventive aspects of diseases by quoting “Dinacharya”-healthy lifestyle adaptation in ones day to day life and “Ritucharya”-seasonal regimes to maintain a healthy life.

Ayurveda explains “Sahaja Bala”-one which acquired at birth and YukthikrithaBala-that which is developed by following mentioned lifestyle regimes. The word “Bala” is synonym with VyadiKshamathva

Considering the present scenario immunity building becomes a crucial aspect of maintaining health.

Let’s put light on some simple measures that can promote immunity at home.

Have easy to digest food-Include seasonal and local food in your diet. Eat only when hungry. Drink water, stay hydrated—each right proportion of food according to your appetite. Do not consume canned, frozen food. Eat a nutritious and balanced meal.

Both physical strength and mental endurance is required-Focus on Yogasana, pranayama to stabilize both mind and body.

Have a good and sound sleep for at least 7-8 hours

Use of Rejuvenating therapy prescribed to enhance immunity and prevent early aging- Example-Include a spoonful of Chayvanprash in the morning along with a glass of lukewarm milk, or have a glass of turmeric latte at night

Timely internal purificatory measures are useful to keep our body free from toxins

Example-NithyaVirechana with Triphala powder, which means a daily intake of Triphala at bedtime that helps in the elimination of toxins from the body and cleanse our body. Panchakarma procedures like Vamana,Virechana,Nasya Basthi ,Raktha mokshana helps in detoxification of the body, making it immune and rejuvenated.

Snehana (Oleation therapy) and Swedhana(sudation therapy) are also considered best for removal of toxins from the body and help us free from the diseases.

Including some immunity-boosting herbs in your daily regime-

Example

·         Amalaki-Indian gooseberry

·         Yastimadhu-Licorice

·         Brahmi-BacopaMonnieri

·         Ashwagandha-Withaniasomnifera

 (Note-Consult an ayurvedic practitioner before self-medication)

Understanding the Ayurvedic perspective, it’s not only the organisms in the environment that causes the disease but the body balance is focused on the doshas (Life forces-vata, pitta, and Kapha) and dhatus(bodybuilding elements)making it clear that Ayurveda always looks into “swasthya” where both mind and body calmness is looked into for a happier soul.

Maintain a simple and healthy lifestyle and boost your immune system!