E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Communicable Diseases

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 11 NOVEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Ayurveda in the Prevention of Communicable Diseases

Metangale AR1*, Mishra BR2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.11.25

1* Ashwini R Metangale, Associate Professor, Dept of Prasuti Tantra Evam Stri Roga, Shri Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2 Brijesh R Mishra, Principal HOD Professor, Dept of Samhita evam Siddhanta, Shri Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Introduction: Infectious or communicable diseases can be defined as illness caused by another living agent or its products that spread from person to person and can be a cause of emergency. Ayurveda do believe in microorganisms i.e., Krimi, but emphasized more on body’s response and occurrence of disease i.e. Vyadhikshamatwa. Communicable diseases well described by Acharya Sushrut termed Aupasargika Roga for epidemic condition, spread through contacts. Acharya Charak coined Janapadodhvansa Roga for pandemic conditions involving rapid outbreak on large scale. Because of improper diet, lack of exercise, stress, fast food, junk food & global warming overall health status of individuals is poor and they are prone to communicable diseases like Covid 19, H1N1 Influenza creating a burden over health care system.

Aims and Objectives: To spread the awareness about Ayurvedic approach towards preventing communicable diseases. And to study the role of Ahara and Vihara in prevention of communicable diseases.

Result and Conclusion: A healthy and long peaceful life devoid of any disease is the main aim of Ayurveda through implementation of Dincharaya, Rutucharya, Sadvritta is important for physical and mental health. With the help of Shodhan (Panchakarma), Shamana (Aushadha) & Rasayana these diseases can be cured. In this literary work, efforts have been made to find out how Ayurveda can help to prevent communicable diseases.

Keywords: Aupsargik, Janapadodhwansa, Communicable, Vyadhikshamatwa

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ashwini R Metangale, Associate Professor, Dept of Prasuti Tantra Evam Stri Roga, Shri Ayurved College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Metangale AR, Mishra BR, Role of Ayurveda in the Prevention of Communicable Diseases. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(11):181-185.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4039

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-10-07 2024-10-17 2024-10-28 2024-11-09 2024-11-24
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© 2024by Metangale AR, Mishra BRand 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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Ashwini RM et al. Role of Ayurveda in the Prevention of Communicable Diseases

Introduction

In 21st century, infectious diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Ayurveda has given practical explanation about communicable diseases in various contexts which are applicable in day-to-day life in their prevention and management. The different modes of prevention of Communicable diseases can be achieved with maintenance of health by Dinacharya & Ritucharya (Daily Practice & Seasonal Practice) are well illustrated in classics. Various modes of transmission of communicable diseases by Touch, Inhalation, Sharing Fomites, Polluted water, Air, Soil have been explained in Ayurveda. The epidemics and pandemics have been explained in Ayurveda as Aupasargika Roga,[1] Janapadodhvansa[2] and Maraka[3] or Janamara.[4] Classical texts also explain preventive measures and management of those occurred diseases. Sthana Parityaga[5] (leaving place or staying in self-isolation) has been explained in Ayurveda as a measure to prevent healthy individuals from getting infected when a disease is very fast spreading and difficult to control,. Various measures of Vayu Shuddhi, Jala Shodhana etc. have been well explained to prevent spread of Air-borne and Water-borne diseases respectively in community level. While for personal health protection and prevention use of Rasayana,[6] (ojas) strengthening[7] and thus Vyadhikshamatva[8] Concept of Dinacharya,[9] Ratricharya, Ritucharya,[10] Sadvritta,[11] Swasthavritta, Adharaneeya Vega[12] etc. have been explained.

Ayurvedic Pathogenesis of Communicable Diseases:

Ayurveda defines health as equilibrium of three body humors (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), digestive fire (Agni), all body tissues (Dhatus), waste products (Malas) with pleasantly disposed and satisfied mind, senses and spirit.[13] If any of these components either increase or decrease that is unhealthy or a disease condition. Furthermore, Oja (fine essence of all Dhatus) or immunity is important factor to maintain healthy state. According to Charaka depletion of immunity is prevalence of communicable diseases,[14] He also said that, if anyone have vitiated body humors, body tissues and depletion of immunity those are more susceptible to diseases.

Later on, the Ayurveda also accepts the macro and microorganism as an Aguntuja Hetu (exogenous factor) that vitiate the body humors which affect body tissue and leads diseases if immunity is depleted. So, in Ayurveda it is strongly recommended that the transmission of diseases from one person to another depends upon the strength of immunity. Therefore, person with low immunity have more chances to get affected by different communicable diseases.

Materials and Methods

This Literary review is attempted to highlight the Preventive aspect of communicable diseases described in Ayurveda Classics. Janapadodhvansa refers to a similar scenario where a large population of a particular area is afflicted with similar set of symptoms and illness which is probably highly infectious or communicable. Contamination of Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Desha (Soil or place) and Kala (Climatic changes/ seasonal) are considered as the very responsible factors for Janapadodhvansha.

The main cause of Janapadodhvansha is said to be Adharma[15] which can be taken as a sin to self (Pragnyaparadha (committing some mistakes with one’s knowledge), Vegasandharana (controlling the natural urges), not following Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta etc.) or to others (Dashavidha Papakarma to other persons or animals or to the planet i.e., improper waste management leading to pollution and thus leading to various diseases.

Pertaining to the large number of casualties, Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Bhela termed Janapadodhvansha as Maraka and Janamara respectively. Acharya Sushruta has also introduced the concept of Aupasargika Roga as those diseases which spread from person to person by repeated close contact, droplet transmission, eating together (Salivary secretion), sharing bed (Sexual Transmission), Sharing clothes, Jewelry, Cosmetic products (Fomite borne).[16]

The diseases Kustha (Skin diseases), Jvara, Shosha and Netra-abhishyanda (contagious group of eye diseases) come under this category. Acharya Vagbhata coins the term Sanchari Roga for diseases with similar mode of transmission and gives example of eye and skin aliments.[17]


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Ayurvedic Management of Communicable Diseases:

The Ayurvedic treatment encompasses the equilibrium of dosha (body humors), Dhatua (body tissue), mala (waste products), Indriya (sense organ) and mana (mind). Basically Ayurvedic systems of medicine followed three types of treatment procedure like Yukti Vyapaashrya (rational treatment), Daivavyapaashrya (spiritual treatment) and Satvavajaya Chikitsa (psycho-somatic treatment). Here rational treatment is more applicable because it comprises Shodhana (Ayurvedic cleansing therapy that is used to remove toxins from the body) and Shaman Chikitsa (Ayurvedic medicines are used internally and externally to that reduce, suppress, and eliminate disease symptoms). Charaka describes three different modalities viz. Apakarshana (elimination therapy), Samprapti Vighatan (breaking the pathogenesis of diseases) and Nidaana Parivarjan (avoid the diseases causing and aggravating factors) in management of micro and macro organisms tend to produce communicable diseases.[18] Some other Ayurvedic procedures and protocols like Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Rasayan Chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy) and Achar Rasayan (behavioral therapy) also help to prevent various infectious diseases.[19]

Nidaana Parivarjana Chikitsa

Nidan Parivarjan means to avoid the known causative factors of a particular disease.[20] It can be followed by lifestyle modification such as Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) and Sadvritta (rules of good conduct).

Apakarshana Chikitsa

Apakarshana is the process by which the unwanted components removed or eliminated from the body by using a various purificatory process like Vaman (therapeutic emesis), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Basti (enemas), Nasya (nasal instillation) and Rakta Mokshana (bloodletting).[21] These processes may help to eliminate the toxins or unwanted components from the body.

Samprapti Vighatan Chikitsa

Samprapti Vighatan is the process by which the favorable environment for growth of organisms is destroyed and disease progress is stopped.

Basically, Ayurvedic pharmacology depends on Rasa (taste), Guna (attribute/quality), Virya (potency), Vipak (metabolism), Prabava (specific action) and Karma (action) of particular drugs. According to Charaka those drugs having the taste of Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaaya (astringent) and properties of Kshar (alkali), Ushna (hot), that aids to decreases the unwanted substances or toxins or foreign bodies[22] so that body can produce more defensive activity against the organisms.

Rasayan Chikitsa

It would be very supportive from the attack of communicable and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Aacharya Charak also describes the rejuvenation therapy may be used as prophylactic for communicable disease with minimal precautions.[23]

Vyayam

Exercise is an essential component for promotion of health and curing the disease of a patient. It is the easiest way that keeps the person free from various physical and mental disorders and assistance to rejuvenation and longevity without any medication.[24]

Pathya

According to Ayurveda, the wholesome food is referred as the “Greatest Medicine.” The wholesome food is the wellbeing of human growth but unwholesome food is the root of all diseases.[25] The wholesome food nourishes the mind, body and soul and proper quantity provides strength, vigor, good complexion and nourishes the tissues.[26] The healthy food is based on age, lifestyle, climate, health conditions and body constitution.[27] Nutrition has a significant role in supporting the immune system.[28]

Satvavajaya Chikitsa

Basically, mind control therapy includes replacement of emotions, assurance and psycho-shock therapy. Mind control therapy is applied in varying forms in all kinds of diseases, but specially indicated in mental diseases.[29] According to Ayurveda the mind can control by correction of misconceptions, self-realization, adaptations of prophylactic measures, better inter-person relationships, change negative thoughts, high level of awareness etc.[30]


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Thus, this way mind control therapy can play a significant role in the maintenance of a pleasant state between the body and mind and can use as a prophylaxis of various disease.

Discussion

The emerging and re-emerging nature of infectious agents have always been a threat to humans. The occurrence of epidemics, pandemics etc. is unforeseen therefore we normally are not prepared to take those leading to devastating social and economic disruption. It takes time to discover and develop vaccines and treatment for any noble infectious diseases but from our end, strengthening the host immunity, and preventing the environmental transmission can be done. Rasayana potentiates Ojas or in other words boosts the immune system; for example, it has been proved through various researches that intake of Amalki, Pippali, Haritaki, Shilajatu increases gamma globulins leading to increase in nonspecific resistance.19 Therefore, use of such Rasayanausadhis, implementation of Yoga and Pranayama into daily regimen and intake of healthy food and drinks need to be done. The appropriate lifestyle right from Brahma muhurta Uttisthet (early rise from bed) to sleep at second Prahara of Ratri (early to bed and early to rise) is extremely beneficial in maintenance of healthy status.

Conclusion

The main motive of any branch of medicine is to benefit the mankind. The conventional system of medicine which deals with post affliction has also given a special place for preventive aspect. The holistic science, Ayurveda accepts prevention as the first and cure as the second objective. Ayurveda not only implements pharmacological means but also non pharmacological ways like Yoga, Pranayama, lifestyle improvement, and Sadvritta for psychological, spiritual and social well-being. The concepts like Sutikagara (post-partum ward), Sthanaparityaga are the ways of self-isolation to break the chain of transmission. Among the four factors responsible for the development and transmission of infectious agent, Ritu (the favorable season) may not be under our control but Kshetra (Host body) can be made less susceptible by the measures told in Ayurveda. Ambu (Reservoir) can be destroyed by Vayu, Jala etc.

Shuddhi measures and Beeja (spores) can be removed by screening, isolating and treating any cases. Ayurveda thus needs to be implemented for “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam”.

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