Need to differentiate the
usual monsoon illnesses and COVID-19 fear
Monsoon
season has set in, bringing along its usual woes, adding fuel to the already
flaming COVID-19 disaster. This monsoon, dual burden of diseases is imminent
upon us. The usual rise in vector-borne disease during monsoon is putting extra
pressure on India 's
public health infrastructure, which is already burdened with the COVID-19
pandemic. However, the diseases caused due to monsoon and the COVID-19 panic
are different, which we need to understand. If we talk about the difference
between the symptoms of COVID-19 and common flu — the patient loses his sense
of taste and smell in the former but in the latter case, these two are normal.
Are you confused between
the COVID-19 panic and common monsoon illnesses? In monsoon, there is a rise of
seasonal diseases like malaria, dengue, flu, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis and
fevers, which have symptoms similar to that of COVID-19. But these acute
diseases are different from that of COVID-19. For seasonal flu strains, you do
have the immunity to combat, but for COVID-19, you don’t have as of now. And,
in the rainy season, the body becomes increasingly defenceless to medical
problems as immune intensity gets lowered. As the manifold increase in diseases
is expected this monsoon, you need to boost your immunity doubly. For this, the
ancient science of Ayurveda provides certain rejuvenating tips that will boost
your immunity and keep you away from viral infections as well as monsoon
diseases.
“As the COVID-19
scourge is looming large, and monsoon has already set in, which brings numerous
diseases. However, if we follow the Prakriti (PsychoSomatic Constitution),
which is determined by 5 elements-air, ether, earth, water and fire, we will
sail through this health crisis. As per Ayurveda, the combination of these five
elements are into three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. And, in the (Varsha
Ritu) monsoon season, Vata — the invisible force of movement composed of space
and air reduces and Kapha (composed of earth and water) increases. Pitta
(composed of fire with water) is not increased but gets accumulated wherein Ama
(a product of indigestion formed in the stomach, which tends to cause many
systemic diseases) also increases along with Kapha. Thus, the digestion of Ama
is very important. Therefore, your food should be according to your
Prakriti”, said Mr Anand Shrivastava, Chairman, Maharishi
Ayurveda.
“Besides following the
Prakriti, a balanced lifestyle which involves nutritious eating habits, plenty
of exercises, yoga and meditation, sound sleep, herbal and mineral support coupled
with several Ayurvedic practices could help in boosting the immune system.
Amidst the COVID-19 scourge, we need to rework to boost our immunity to fight
the pandemic rather than being carried away with fear psychosis” added Mr
Shrivastava.
Combating Monsoon Ailments
— The Ayurveda way
As per Ayurveda, in the
monsoon season, due to drastic environmental change, the balance of Vata, Pitta
and Kapha doshas require extra caution and care to maintain good health.
Monsoon is characterized by doshic imbalances and low immunity.
During monsoons, Kapha and
Pitta doshas aggravate and weaken body systems. The accumulation of Pitta dosha
affects the digestive system to make it sluggish. If the foods are not digested
well, Ama (Toxins) are formed, which we need to detoxify. And the process of
detoxification neutralises our body.
Thus, if we concentrate on our Prakriti,
and eat accordingly, it will be digested well, thereby enhancing strength (bal)
of the body. This will also give our body the required nutrition. Hence, by
strengthening the digestive system and clearing the body of toxins, optimum
immunity can be achieved.
Also, Ayurveda does not see
viruses as a primary cause of disease. With every disease, the best possible
protection is a strong immune system. Enhancement of immunity plays an
important role in maintaining optimum health and preventing infectious diseases
like COVID-19.
“In Varsha Ritu (Rainy
season), usually, immunity gets lowered, allergies, indigestion, infection and
sluggish metabolism blow up. However, Ayurveda advises having rejuvenating
treatments along with nurturing and nourishing ourselves through a regimen of
beneficial diet and lifestyle. We need to augment metabolism and immunity. This
plays an important role in realigning these imbalances, building our immunity
and checking the adverse impact of seasonal changes on the body”, said Dr
Saurabh Sharma, Medical Superintendent, Maharishi Ayurveda
Hospital .
According to Ayurveda,
monsoon is the best time to detox and rejuvenate, healing chronic diseases and
strengthening immunity and health. But the aggravation of Kapha and
accumulation of Pitta dosha in monsoon season is the cause of various diseases.
It’s up to us how we use its wisdom for enhanced well being.
28, July 2020