Common sense measures such as
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid close contact
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a face mask if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect your surroundings
- Avoid shaking hands instead do Namaskar (greeting accompanied by a hand gesture in which the palms are together)
According to Ayurveda Human body is considered as land ( Kshetra or Bhumi ) and viruses as seeds ( Beeja.If the body is filled with impurities or toxins (known as Ama , Kleda or free radicals)and thus lacking the Ojus ( Basis of Immunity) then the virus or bacteria will find the body a fertile place in which to sprout.On the other hand if the body is vibrant and well, then the seeds cannot take root, as if the body is infertile for the virus and bacteria.
🍀Ayurveda believes in connection with our digestive system and immunity.It talks about Ojus , the finest by-product of digestion and the master coordinator of all activities of mind and body, ojas leads to bliss, contentment, vitality ,longevity and strong immune system.
🍀Health – in the Vedic Literature is called Svastha. ‘Sva’ means Atma [the Self], and ‘Stha’ means established in Atma.Healthy is he, who is established in Atma, [ie. in his own infinite Self, Pure Transcendental Consciousness]. And established in Atma means established in the two opposite values—many and one—opposite values. It is the transcendental value of Brahm…”
– Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
🍀Daily routine if possible should include –
- Tongue scraping
- Throat Gargleing with pinch of sea salt & turmeric powder in hot water.
- Gandusha ( Oil pulling )
- Nasya ( lubricating nostrils with ghee or sesame oil)
- Abhyanga ( Self oil massage with seseme oil )
- Yoga Asanas, ( postures )
- Pranayama ( breathingtechniques )
- Experiencing Transcendence (self)
- Sufficient sleep, ( In particular ensure ample rest 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep per night with early to bed (by 10 pm) & early to rising with the sun )
- Regular meal times, Eating and drinking with attention to maintain healthy gut and digestion.
- Eating only when hungry ,avoid snacks between meals, no overeating , and having only a light dinner.
- Avoiding undue stress and strain ,Stress and over activity deplete ojus so firstly build your resilience to stress and balance your work and activities with a healthy routine.
- Rasyanas that restore the vitality of your body to its fullest capacity and to keep the body young and fit at any age of your life .eg. Maharishi Amrit Kalash, Haritaki, Amala, chavanprash.
- Satvik foods that increase Ojus (raise sattva or consciousness levels) Eg.Seasonal fresh fruits , ample of fresh vegetables, whole grain, pulses, sprouts, dried nuts, seeds, honey, fresh herbs,hot milk ,cows ghee , one that is fresh warm and clean.
🍀Cosmic routine Consider transcending.
Transcendental Meditation ( tm.org ) normalizes the functioning of the body and restores health. It establishes perfect coordination of the mind with the nervous system, improving the body and strengthening the mind at the same time. Abnormalities of body and mind are normalized.
🍀Balancing the Doshas We should be careful with Kapha ( phlem) aggravating food and drinks (i.e. cold, heavy, oily) Reduce the intake of dairy , avoid most sweeteners. Honey is one sweetener that can best pacify Kapha. Other sweeteners, however, should be avoided contributing to problems such as blocked sinuses, allergies, colds, and lethargy.Eating light, simple, and warm foods, particularly “clear foods”—clear broths, clear liquids (water and teas), and seasonal veggies that have some translucence once they’re thoroughly cooked.
🍀Natural urges various ailments are caused by suppression of natural urges.The things which are impending to go out have to be flushed out. When held up forcibly, or artificially obstructed they cause serious damage to the body and mind.
The held back wastes and toxins damage the cells, channels and organs of the body leading to wide array of disease ultimately immune system therefore the natural urges should neither be suppressed nor be artificially created when they are not impending. We have to allow their natural manifestation.Eg Urine , stools n other s
🍀Six tastes Ayurveda sees food and spices as medicinal substances and good digestion as one of the main factors to optimal health. This is why it places great emphasis on proper food combining and on the concept of six tastes. These six tastes —sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent— should be present in balanced proportions in the diet.Now It is better to avoid or reduce sweets and dairy products (especially if they are cold)
🍀Dhoopana .Purity the atmosphere .Dhoopana is a method by which drugs of herbal, herbo-mineral or animal origin are used for fumigation or the house.Eg.Agnihotra, it is a very powerful medium that has subtle effects. It charges the environment with Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) and creates a protective sheath.eg.gughul, tulsi , jatamansi ,Ashok.
🍀Kleshanasham kriya ( Dristi )- when Agni is reduced in the body it leads to various diseases so periodic cleansing of energy body or Aura wards out negativity and provides one with protective Aura supporting physical health and mental wellbeing.The process is done by running an Aarti ( fire bath ) along the aura to remove impurities.Aura cleansing leaves one rejuvenated by creating mental balance and improving physical health helping the body breathe better and remove negative influence s.
🍀Hot water is advisable to sip (which has been boiled for 10-20 min) but excess water intake is one of the causes of common Colds according to Ayurveda texts. In formation of Kapha, the earth and water elements meet , hence water should be taken in limit as necessary.Infusions like ginger, citronella,black pepper,cinnamon and tulsi.
🍀Free radicals The main thing is prevention of Ama (undigested waste material), having a good diet (fresh, organic, and easy to digest).Langhana (Fasting) until the digestive fire (Agni) becomes normal. It then reduces the obstructions in the channels.Herbs such as ginger , giloy ( Amrita ), nimba, and turmeric are best.Green mung dal is the best so should be taken on daily basis morning n evening.
🍀Positive Emotions -Inner strength and poise and the cultivation of positive attitudes and emotions increase Ojus .Maintain a positive attitude and walk away from situations that distress or anger you.
🍀VedAroma Many essential oils contain a large number of powerful constituents with antiviral and antibacterial effects.
Take internally as soon as you become aware of slight symptoms of getting a cold:
1 teaspoon honey + 1 drop Thyme essential oil, mix thoroughly and add ¼ cup slightly warm water, drink immediately.
Pancha pandav a well known recipe with clove,lemon,cinnamon bark,eucalyptus radiata,rosemary.
🍀Panchakarma ( Cleansing or Detox) Treatment begins with Deepan (Appetizers) and Pachan (Carminatives), and only then can detoxification be performed.Good quality of blood in necessary for strong system so regular virechan (drug induced purgation) is advisable at regular intervals with herbs eg. Castor oil, Triphala,Haritaki.
🍀Hot fomentation If you have the slightest symptoms of the beginning of a cold or flu, sudation therapy is the treatment done with hot water bag or bag filled with sand.This therapy relieves the obstructions in the channels mainly heat the lower back , chest and stomach.This induces sweating and removes obstruction in smooth blood circulation increases hunger and feeling of freshness.
