Ayurveda is a five-thousand year old Indian Traditional Medicinal System that has evolved over the years based on its universal concepts that are strangely and evidently applicable even in today’s health scenario. We all know how indispensable our immune system is and how it helps us fight various infections and inflammations. Let us first try and understand how Ayurveda defines immunity.
Immunity according to Charak Samhita is termed as Vyadhikshamatva which is translated as ‘the resistance to disease’. The ability to fight any disease and not necessarily communicable disease is called immunity.
The term OJAS from Ayurveda can be very well associated with immunity as Ojas is the subtle nutritional end product of the metabolic processes that take place to build up the body. This ojas is formed as a result of metabolism, oxidation and multiple filtering processes of the macro and micro nutrients that we consume.
In my practice I have noticed that patients with better immune system or Ojas healed and showed better results with just basic minimal changes in the diet and regimen. Whereas those with lower immunity took longer duration to heal from very simple infections or inflammations and were more prone to seasonal allergies.
So here are the various ways in which we can achieve the best of our immunities.
- DINACHARYA/ DAILY ROUTINE Daily Routine termed as Dinacharya in Ayurveda is the healthy routine that one must follow in order to achieve a great immunity. Waking up in Brahma Muhurata (3am – 6am), sleeping well in time , Nasal drops or Nasya, Gandusha or Kaval (Oral regimen), Yoga & Pranayama, Discipline in Diet and Regimen are some examples of an ideal Dinacharya.
2. RITUCHARYA/ SEASONAL ROUTINE
Ritucharya or Seasonal Routine is the second most important aspect that is variable depending on our environment, weather and country. This is why the same formula of diet and regimen might not apply to two different countries of different time zones. Hydration might be extremely important in hotter dryer nations whereas of lower importance in colder humid climates.
4. AGNI & KOSHTHA/DIGESTIVE STATE
The environment that we eat in plays a really important role in a good digestion and absorption and eventually taking the best nutrition forward. Relaxed state of mind, eating in a well ventilated space and complete awareness of the food and taste always helps improving overall digestion and appetite. Drinking small quantities of luke warm water throughout the day can help with improving digestion and absorption. Adding digestive herbs to your diet and chewing food very well will further aid in best absorption of the vital nutrients.
Having a healthy evacuation or having a healthy Koshtha as per Ayurveda is also very important to have a great absorption. You must have heard about the intestinal villi that help to absorb nutrients. What if these villi are covered with undigested coatings of food material? Will it still absorb to its best capacity? The answer is no and therefore the need of good absorption and good evacuation arises. Getting an intestinal detox every six months can help achieve a better absorption and better metabolism thereby improving overall immunity.
5. A HEALTHY STATE OF MIND
As we all know a positive mental state of mind can help us build our immunity due to the release of right hormones and improved blood circulation. Yoga and pranayama can help us build a balanced state of mind which can help us choose an overall positive approach towards life and people around us. A positive mindset can have a very favorable effect on our healing and our ability to fight disease.
6. RASAYANA/ IMMUNITY BOOSTING HERBS OR MEDICINES:
Hope these insights will help you step up in your overall health and immunity. But always remember that it is always best to get your diet and routine planned according to your present prakriti and seasonal routine. So that you learn and make all the necessary changes in your routine and diet. And don’t forget to stay calm, positive and happy. It is important to celebrate and be grateful for all you have to achieve mental peace and a great immunity.
Book an online consultation for your Prakriti Analysis and Ayuryoga plan for yourself.
Author
Dr Neelam Bhardwaj,
Ayuryoga Mantra, London