Abstract

IMMUNITY- AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES

Dr. Priyanka B. V.* and Dr. Abhijith Joshi

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda describes four type of Ayu (Life) i.e Hita (Wholesome), Ahita (Unwholsome), Sukha (Healthy) and Dukha (Unhealthy) with reference to Dravya (Substances), Guna (attributes) Karma (Action) and Pramana (Duration). The Explanation of Ayu indicates the complete Health concept of World Health Organization (WHO). Immunity in Ayurveda can be understood with the concept of Vyadhi Kshamatva (Capacity to fight against disease) and Bala (Strength). Vyadhi Kshamatva is the state of the body developed due to regular intake of Hita Ahara, to reduce the severity of disease and prevention of the same. The concept of immunity – the process which resists pathogenesis, is of Acquired or Innate. Innate immunity can be Sahaja
Bhava and acquired immunity is compared to the methods which increases the Vikara Vightakara Bhava in the Shareera. Kalakruta Bala can be achieved by adopting the seasonal regimen considering the Desha, Satmya etc. Following the daily regimens and modification of the same according to season helps to maintain health as well as prevent onset of diseases (Vikara Anutpattikara Chikitsa). Adopting Sadvrutta helps to achieve Spiritual and Social Health and certain practices prevents Agantuja Vikaras like infectious communicable disease. Yuktikruta Bala is following the right Ahara and vihara that helps to achieve immunity. achieve immunity. For example regular consumption of Nitya Sevaneyas or Ajasrika Rasayana according to matra considering Agni provides immunity against Vyadhi. By regular practice of all the above said measures one can be able to develop a state of Vyadhisaha shareera and Vikaravighatakara bhava and reduce the severity of a disease if it manifests or can prevent the manifestation of diseases.

Keywords: Immunity, Ayurveda, Vyadhikshamatva, Bala, Dinacharya, Health, Immunity.