An integrative approach of SARS-CoV-2 through Ayurveda

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). COVID-19 has become a global health threat. Till now COVID has affected large number of populations of world and still new variants affecting human’s life. The scientists worldwide are striving vigorously to discover the etiology, spread, and pathogenesis of new COVID-19 disease and pragmatic approach of this knowledge for the development of standard drugs as well as treatment protocols for its successful management. The present review study is to formulate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in the light of Ayurveda through an integrated approach. The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as one type of Janapadodhwamsa mentioned in Charak Viman Sthan. In Ayurveda, the microbial infection can be elucidated in the terms of Bhuta, Rakshasa, Graha, etc., having idiosyncratic manifestations. The coronavirus can be contemplated as distinct type of Bhuta affecting Pranavaha Srotas and causing Bhutabhishangaja Jwara, which is one type of Agantuja Jwara. Later as the disease advances, it gets metamorphosed into Nija Vyadhi (endogenous form) exhibiting as different forms of Jwara depending on the extent of vitiation of Dosha along with extensive Pranavaha Srotodushtijanya Vikaras. The factors involved in pathophysiology of any disease mainly Nidana (etiology), Dosha, Dushya (Dhatu, Srotasa), and Agni are reciprocally interlinked with severity and stage of disease. It is crucial to recognize extent of vitiation of each of these factors in order to determine customized diagnosis and management for the patients of COVID-19. The integrative approach plays a vital role in meticulous comprehension of COVID-19 in terms of Ayurveda to recognize each stage for specific management.