Tapping Ayurveda to protect ourselves from COVID-19
Amidst the pandemic, we are all trying our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this new virus. Protecting yourself from contracting the virus is extremely crucial. But, what can you do to keep yourself reasonably safe even when exposed to the virus ?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill with governments all across the globe shutting down everything except essential goods and services, requesting people to stay home and practice social distancing.
The disease is caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-
India recorded its first case at the end of January this year and despite the subsequent lockdowns, the virus continues to wreak havoc and spread fear among the general public.
As things stand, the number of people who have tested positive for this virus in this country is in excess of 55,000 and a definitive drug or vaccine against the coronavirus is still a work in progress.
Antibodies from blood donated by people who recovered from the illness and hyper-immunoglobulins are also being considered for treatments.
Hence it would certainly take a few months for the curve to flatten and to ensure that normalcy is restored.
In the meanwhile, as we feverishly wash our hands and avoid social contact, let us also look at what Ayurveda offers in order to help us prevent any infection of this sort.
In fact, the state Government of the southern state Kerala had earlier decided to use Ayurveda to try and mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.
Dr. David Frawley, an expert in Ayurveda recently stated:
“Ayurveda works to balance our internal energies and strengthen our primary vitality to counter disease. Modern medicine aims at destroying the pathogens attacking us. While radical methods may be required to counter the pandemic, building our immunity is the long term need.”
According to Ayurveda, we should look to keep our Agni or the digestive fire strong with a strict dinacharya or a daily routine. This refers to basic hygiene and good habits that has been propagated from many years in our culture. This includes waking up early, drinking warm water and herbal teas to boost our energy.
Suryanamaskar and pranayama in the morning will drastically improve your lung capacity and keep respiratory illness at bay.
Ideally, in the morning, one must practice seven rounds of surya namaskar followed by eight pranayama exercises:
Such a practice will enhance immunity, strength and flexibility and improve the digestion process.
As the great Greek physician Hippocrates stated, “Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.”
So, eating fresh food and avoiding fermented or stale food is of paramount importance to prevent common cold. Also drinking ginger, turmeric, lekin tea without milk is also a healthy practice.
Cold and flu are said to be caused by excess ‘kapha’ in the body. Intake of dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and paneer is said to increase the ‘kapha’. Having Tulsi tea or having tulsi herbs in an empty stomach will ensure that the kapha is kept in check. Ginger in limited quantities is said to keep the ‘kapha’ in check.
The lockdown could affect individuals mentally causing work related stress and frustration. This can be appeased by taking supplements made from extracts of the heart-shaped herb, Giloy.
Ayurveda has solutions to help people cope when tough situations arise. It is up to us to maintain discipline and follow such practices to lead a happy and content life.
