E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Vyadhikshamatva

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 7 July
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Ayurvedic Vyadhikshamatva in prevention of Covid-19

R. Kapse A.1*, Khobragade N.2, Kumar Dass R.3
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.7.16

1* Achal R. Kapse, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyana, Shri NPA Govt. Ayurved College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

2 Namrata Khobragade, Reader, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyana, Shri NPA Govt. Ayurved College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

3 Ranjip Kumar Dass, Professor & HOD, Department of Panchakarma, Shri NPA Govt. Ayurved College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Recently whole world has affected by COVID-19. It is an infectious disease caused by corona virus 2 (SARS-COV-2), that is novel corona virus. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, breathlessness, body ache, and loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, which are similar to flu. These symptoms may vary according to individuals. COVID-19 is declared as pandemic. In Ayurveda pandemic is explained in Charak Samhita Vimansthana Adhyaya 3 along with its prevention and cure. COVID-19 usually affects the people with low immunity. Enhancing the immunity of human body is the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection. Ayurveda explained immunity under the heading of Vyadhikshamatva. Vyadhiksamatva explained in Ayurveda is depends on Sharira Bala, Oja and Prakrita Shleshma. By increasing Bala, Oja and adopting way of living as directed by Ayurveda help in enhancing the immunity. In Ayurveda various types of regimens like Dincharya, Ritucharya, Aaharvidhi, Rasayana Chikitsa, Vyayama, Pranayama, Yoga are explained. These regimens are very much helpful to strengthen the immunity.

Keywords: Bala, Oja, Vyadhikshamatva, Immunity, Rasayana

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Achal R. Kapse, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyana, Shri NPA Govt. Ayurved College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Email: 		Achal R. Kapse, Namrata Khobragade, Ranjip Kumar Dass, Role of Ayurvedic Vyadhikshamatva in prevention of Covid-19. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(7):97-102.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2606

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-05-24 2023-05-26 2023-06-02 2023-06-09 2023-06-16
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 17%

© 2023by Achal R. Kapse, Namrata Khobragade, Ranjip Kumar Dassand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-COV-2). The first case was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and then it rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and loss of taste. Symptoms may appear in 1 to 14 days after exposure to virus. Older people are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID symptoms. COVID-19 transmits when infectious particles are breathed in or come into contact with the eyes; nose or mouth. Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and distributed in various countries. Other prevention measures include physical or social distancing, quarantining, ventilation of indoor spaces, and use of face mask in public, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing and keeping unwashed hands away from the face. Management of COVID-19 involves the treatment of symptoms through supportive care and isolation.[1]

Ayurveda is an ancient science. The most important aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of healthy persons and cure the diseases of sick people.[2] Here the word health does not mean only physical health but also spiritual and mental well being.[3] Vyadhikshamatva is derived from two words - Vyadhi and Kshamatva. Here Vyadhi means disease and Kshamatva means inherent capacity of body against the disease. So, concept of Ayurvedic Vyadhikshamatva is equivalent to immunity. Vyadhiksamatva explained in Ayurveda is depends on Sharira Bala, Oja and Prakrita Shleshma. By increasing Bala, Oja and adopting way of living as directed by Ayurveda help in enhancing the immunity.

Aim

To understand the role of Ayurvedic Vyadhikshamatva in prevention of COVID - 19.

Materials and Methods

The materials for the study were collected from various classical Ayurvedic Samhitas and its commentaries available in the library of Govt. Ayurved College, Raipur (C.G.). References from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita are reviewed for this article.

Literature Review

Ayurveda is a health science that not only deals with the prevention of disease but also cure the disease by enhancing the strength of body.

The Ayurvedic concept of Vyadhikshamatva contains two factors.[4]

  • Vyadhi Utpada Pratibandhakatvama - It means inhibit the occurrence as well as recurrence of the disease.
  • Vyadhi Bala Virodhitvama - It is ability to inhibit the strength or severity of the diseases.

Lakshana of Shrestha Vyadhikshma Sharira[5]

  • Samamansa Praman (Well-proportioned in flesh)
  • Sama Sanhanana (Well-Knit in figure)
  • Drudhendriya (Firm of senses)
  • Vikaranam na Balena Abhibhuyate (Not overpowered by the violence of disease)
  • Kshutsaha (Able to endure hunger)
  • Pipasasaha (Able to endure thirst)
  • Aatapsaha (able to endure heat)
  • Sheeta Vyayama Sansaha (Able to endure cold and the strain of exercise)
  • Sampakta (Normal digestive and assimilative powers)

Vyadhikshamatva depends on Sharira Bala, Oja and Prakruta Shleshma.

 Bala[6]

jaims_2606_01.JPG



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Sahaja Bala: Bala which is present in body since birth is called Sahaja Bala.

It depends on the healthiness of Shukra (sperms) and Artava (ovum).

Kalaja Bala: Bala which is based on the seasons and persons age is called Kalaja Bala.

According to the Kala (Ritu)

SN Uttarayana[7] Dakshinayana[8] Bala
1. Shishira Hemanta Uttama Bala
2. Vasanta Sharada Madhyama Bala
3. Grishma Varsha Heena Bala

According to the Vaya[9] (age)

SN Vaya (Awastha) Bala
1. Balyavastha Madhyama Bala
2. Yuwavastha Uttama Bala
3. Vruddhavastha Heena Bala

Yuktikrita Bala

Yuktikrita Bala means the strength obtained by the proper healthy diet (Ghrita, Dugdha, Mansa etc.), physical activities (Vyayama, Pranayama, Yoga etc.) and taking Rasayana (Chyavanprasha, Guduchi, Amalaki Rasayana etc.)

Oja: The Sara (essence) of Saptadhatus is called Oja.[10]

Types of Oja[11]

SN Oja Types Para Oja Apara Oja
1. Location Hridaya Sarva Sharira
2. Quantity 8 drops ½ Anjali

Oja Guna[12]

1. Guru

2. Sheeta

3. Mridu

4. Shlakshna

5. Bahal

6. Sthira

7. Prasanna

8. Pichchila

9. Snigdha

10. Madhura


Oja Karma[13]

SN Oja Karma  
1. Sthira Upchita Mansata To give strength, stability and maintain muscles growth.
2. Sarvacheshtashu Apratighata Ability to perform all activities without any hindrance.
3. Swarvarna Prasada Maintain clarity of voice and brightness of complexion.
4. Bahyanamabhyantaranam Cha Atma Karyapratipattir Bhavati Helps to maintain the proper function of internal and external sense organs and also mind.

Oja Vikriti[14]

SN Ojovistransa Ojovyapada Ojakshaya
1. Sandhi Vishlesha (Looseness of joint) Stabdhagatrata (Rigidity in body) Murchchha (Fainting)
2. Gatrasada (Gidiness) Gurugatrata (Heaviness in body) Mansakshaya (Muscle wasting)
3. Doshachyavana (Dislocation of Doshas) Vata Shopha (Swelling due to Vata Dosha) Moha (Confusion)
4. Kriya Sannirodha (Impairment in activities) Varna Bheda (loss of complexion) Pralapa (Delirium)
5. - Glani (Depression) Marana (Death)
6. - Tandra (Drowsiness) -
7. - Nidra (Excessive sleep) -

Ojakshaya[15]

  • Bibheti (fear complex develops)
  • Durbaloabhikshna (General weakness)
  • Vyathitendriya (Discomfort in sense organ)
  • Dushchhaya (Loss of complexion)
  • Durmana (Unstable mind)
  • Ruksha (Roughness)
  • Kshaya (Emaciation)

Shleshma: Prakrita Shleshma is known as Bala.[16] It gives strength to the body.

The properties of Shleshma are Snigdha, Sheeta, Guru, Manda, Shlakshna, Mrutsana and Sthira.[17]

Ayurvedic regimens for enhancing the Vyadhikshamatva (Immunity)

Dinacharya (Daily Regimen): Dinacharya includes awaking at Bramha Muhurt, Mukhaprakshalana (Cleaning the face with water), Anjana (Collyrium), Abhyanga (Oil massage), Snana (Bathing), Anulepana, wearing of neat and clean cloth, footwear, coverings for protection (like mask, cap), Padaprakshalana (washing of feet), Danta Dhawana (brushing with Neema, Karanja), Jivha Nirlekhana (tongue cleaning),


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Gandusha (gargling with Tila Taila), Kawala (mouthwashes by medicated paste), Dhumpana (smoking by medicated paste prepared), Nasya (nasal drops such as Tila Taila, Anutaila), Vyayama (exercise and yoga).[18]

Rutucharya (Seasonal Regimen)

One’s diet of various types leads to promotion of strength and complexion only if he knows the wholesomeness according to different Ritu (seasons) dependent on behaviour and diet.[19]

Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Therapy)

Rasayana Chikitsa is used for enhance the immunity and strength of the body. It is used in preventing and curing diseases as well as the prevention of senility.[20] Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), are some of the Rasayana Dravyas (drugs) mention in Ayurveda which are helps to improve the Vyadhikshamatva (Immunity). Shodhan Chikitsa should be done before taking Rasayana Chikitsa, it may give more benefits to the patient.

Types of Rasayana[21]

SN Types of Rasayana Uses (Karma)
1. Naimittika Rasayana It is used for cure the particular disease. Eg.-Shilajatu, Bhallataka Rasayana
2. Ajastrika Rasayana It is used to built and maintaining good health. Eg.- consumption of Ghrita, Milk etc.
3. Kamya Rasayana It is used for achieving a specific desire. Eg.- Shankhapushpi

Achara Rasayana[22]

For good health and improving quality of life, it is very important to have a calm, composed and concentrated mind. And to have a calm mind disciplined training is more useful. Ayurveda explains this with a concept called Achara Rasayana. It is Ayurvedic concept of mind rejuvenation.

Practicing methods

  • Satya Vadi - Be truthful
  • Akrodha - Free from anger
  • Nivruttam Madya Maithun - Avoid alcohol and following Brahmacharya
  • Ahinsa - Avoid violence
  • Anayasam - Avoid exhaustion, excessive thinking, stress and worries
  • Prashant - Calm
  • Priyavadinam - Talking with pleasing words
  • Japa - Following religious rites
  • Shouch Param - Maintain hygiene
  • Dheeram - Stable in thoughts and courageous
  • Shastachara - Good conduct
  • Deva Go Brahmana Acharya Guru Vriddharchane Ratham - Respect god, cow, brahmana, teachers, and old people etc.

Swarna Prashana: Acharya Kashyapa explained the Swarna Prashana which should be given to the newborns as an immunity and memory booster. It increases intellect, digestive and metabolic power, strength, gives long life, increases complexion and eliminates the evil effects of Grahabadha.[23]

Yoga (Meditation): Yoga is a system of exercises for physical and mental nourishment. It is a slow, thoughtful system of stretching and balancing. There is a pose which affects every muscle in the body and the poses activate and stimulate circulation, digestion, excretion, the nervous system and the endocrine system. A good Yoga session ends with a period of deep relaxation. This calms the mind, slows the pulse and brings the body to a state which is receptive to healing. Yoga can be a very practical system for improving life. It actually changes people, physically and mentally.[24]

Daily used Rasayana

  • Kshira
  • Ghrita
  • Chyavanprasha Avaleha

Discussion

In Ayurveda it is explained that Vyadhikshamatva is mostly depends on the Sharira Bal, which is strength of body to fight against diseases and to prevent the future development of disease. Sahaja Bala comes from the parents, Kalaja Bala developed according to the Vaya & Ritu and Yuktikrita Bala acquired from Aahara, Vihara and Rasayana Sevana. Due to its similarity types of Bala can be correlated with the types of immunity eg. Sahaja Bala with Innate immunity, Kalaja & Yuktikrita Bala with acquired immunity.

Developing the Bala, Oja, balance of Kapha Dosha, Dhatu etc. are helpful to increase Vyadhikshamatwa against COVID - 19


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Conclusion

COVID-19 usually affects the people with low immunity. Enhancing the immunity of human body is the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection. Vyadhiksamatva explained in Ayurveda is depends on Sharira Bala, Oja and Prakrita Shleshma. By increasing Bala, Oja and adopting way of living as directed by Ayurveda helps in enhancing the immunity. In Ayurveda various types of regimens like Dincharya, Ritucharya, Aarvidhi, Rasayana Chikitsa, Vyayama, Pranayama, Yoga are explained. These regimens are very much helpful to strengthen the immunity.

Reference

1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19

2. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2007, page no. 447

3. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita Part 1, Chaukhmbha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2021, page no.84

4. Harish Chandra Singh Kushwaha, Charak Samhita Part 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2011, page no.472

5. Harish Chandra Singh Kushwaha, Charak Samhita Part 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2011, page no.312

6. Brahmanand Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2019, page no.240

7. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2007, page no. 107

8. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2007, page no. 108

9. Brahmanand Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2019, page no.771

10. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita Part 1, Chaukhmbha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2021, page no.79


11. Harish Chandra Singh Kushwaha, Charak Samhita Part 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2011, page no.271

12. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2012, page no. 581

13. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita Part 1, Chaukhmbha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2021, page no.79

14. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri, Sushruta Samhita Part 1, Chaukhmbha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2021, page no.80

15. Brahmanand Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2019, page no.352

16. Harish Chandra Singh Kushwaha, Charak Samhita Part 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2011, page no.278

17. Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 2, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2007, page no. 38

18. Brahmanand Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2013, page no.115

19. Priyavrat Sharma, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varaasi, 2004, Page no. 42

20. Rajeshvardutta Shastri, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, Page no.5

21. P. V. Sharma, Sushruta Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2009, Page no.498

22. Brahmanand Tripathi, Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 2013, page no.69

23. P. V. Tewari, Kashyapa Samhita, Chaukhambha Visvabharati oriental publishers, Varanasi, 2016, page no. 7

24. Anil K. Mehta, Ayurvedic Physiotherapy & Yoga, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, Delhi, 2010, page no. 364


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