Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in India where health and wellness depend on the balance between the mind, body, and spirit whereas yoga is a practice. This Sanskrit term ‘Ayurveda’ also means ‘Science of Life’; Ayus is Life and Veda is Knowledge or Science.
What is Ayurveda and Yoga?
Originating in India, throughout the century’s, surviving and flourishing till date, natural practices, observations, discussions were continued and concluded that Ayurveda is gaining the knowledge of the human body. Ayurveda believes five basic elements Pancamahabhutas (space, air, fire, water and earth) manifest in the human body as three basic humors known as tridosas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Ayurveda and Yoga is day-to-day practice to improve immune system and focusing on body’s natural tendency towards health and self-healing, developing inner awareness. Practicing yoga increases flexibility, muscle strength and tone, improves respiration and metabolism, and helps in reducing weight. Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which is known to have ill effects on the body and mind.
Corona – Covid-19
Covid-19 or corona is an illness caused due to novel coronavirus 2, now called as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus -2 (SARSCoV2). Analysing the study, many patients were reported with fever, dry cough, fatigue, and minimal respiratory distress at initial stages. Notifying all the factors, COVID-19 can be considered as a Kapha-Vata jwaram meaning fever caused by disbalance in Kapha and Vata, with Pitta in the beginning. And in later stages developing the disbalance in all three doshas in a certain subset of the patient.
Patients not suffering from any chronic ailments have an overall fatality rate of 0.9%. The case fatality rates of those above 60 years is varying from 3.6% to 14.8%. The case fatality with people suffering from other issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases or hypertension is around 6% to 10%. The virus progresses into 5 stages from no symptoms, mild symptoms, fever, fatigue, severe pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to Septic shock.
Why Ayurveda and Yoga?
The experience and lessons from the earlier Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic has led to better approaches and strategies in public health and medical care. Conventional mainstream medicine is at the forefront when it comes to curbing this disease, especially at the critical care stage. Ayurveda can be used to take precautions during such a pandemic. This is the next big thing in alternative health! In this ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the word immunity has become a buzzword as people are focusing to enhance their body’s natural defence mechanism, which helps to fight the novel coronavirus or any other viral diseases. Ayurveda experts have found that several medical herbs such as neem, giloy, amla and shilajit are helpful in strengthening the immune system which is key to fighting the virus.
Nowadays, people have started realizing the advantages of Ayurveda and opting for various precautionary measures for a healthier lifestyle. However, it is taught in the Ayurvedic philosophy that in order to live a healthy, productive life one has to balance their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Based on the philosophy, health is dependent upon a person living in harmony with their internal and external world.
Yoga and Meditation for Mental health
While the popularity of this ancient healing technique began long before the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people seem to be turning to the practice of Ayurveda and yoga to relax, boost the immune system to help fight off infections, including the one caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for everyone, profoundly painful for others, and can be a trigger for emotional distress in most of us. Acute COVID-19 infection and the economic effects of social distancing are not the only issues we need to address during this pandemic. The beneficial effects of meditation and yoga practices works as an additional precaution for COVID-19. Daily practice of yoga and meditation can help boosts human immunity.
Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths possibly raise stress and anxiety, while loneliness and depressive feelings are likely due to mandatory social distancing measures. Adding pranayamas, the practice of breath control, in daily routine can make lungs more efficient. Breathing exercises can help manage respiratory ailments which improves immunity, helps reducing stress and enhances quality of life. Pranayama is considered as one of the best exercises for lungs. Breathing techniques such as Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, Ujjayi pranayama, Kapalbharti and Bhastrika can benefit health in many ways, improving weight loss and dealing with stress related disorders. A number of studies back up the idea that regular practice of yoga and meditation can help increase lung capacity, manage health conditions that put you at risk of contracting COVID-19. According to yoga experts, regular practice of pranayama or breathing techniques make your lungs more efficient among several benefits.
Living in the moment is mindfulness and meditation is an exercise needed to practice mindfulness. Daily meditation for 15-20 minutes can help you relieve anxiety issues, recovers sleeping disorder, and many more.