Ayurvedic notion of immunity is a fascinating topic, covering the various things that guarantee a balanced physical condition. Vyaadhiksamatva (Sanskrit), which translates into immunity against diseases, is the Ayurvedic term for resistance. It covers both physical and psychological aspects of immunity. Additionally, it has the guidelines to maintain a balanced condition that guarantees prevention against diseases and healing from diseases.

Vyaadhiksamatva

(immunity) is the whole capacity of the body to prevent diseases of all sorts. It’s all about keeping in equilibrium all of the three doshas and dhatus so that ailments steer clear of the person. Ayurveda does not have recommendations against certain diseases or conditions. It’s all about maintaining the physical components and bio energies in equilibrium, so the body will always have the resistance against diseases of various types.

Food, lifestyle, etc all have impacts on the immunity. Bala or strength is another term used in connection with resistance. It’s all about the bodily strength of the individual. This strength is accountable for the growth and functioning of both muscles. Additionally, it keeps in great condition that the sensory and motor nerves, mind, etc.. Good voice, complexion, excellent reflexes, bodily strength, great digestion, etc are different symptoms of very good bala.

Immunity

Immunity in Ayurveda isn’t only about prevention against different diseases, but also about strengthening the body to resist the diseases that have attacked the body. The drugs, food & lifestyle limitations, etc are all aimed at strengthening body functions. Anyone can observe the various levels of immunity in any different community or households. The persons subjected to similar conditions like temperature, dust, etc will exhibit varying degrees of immunity against diseases like cough, common cold, etc..

While all the men are exposed to similar sorts of germs, only a few men develop ailments. It is simple to state the persons who have shown resistance against diseases have higher levels of immunity while some have lowered levels of resistance. Ayurveda explains this condition because the reduction of balanced condition of the human body. The balanced state isn’t easily changed for healthy men, while for others, it’s easy to fall in ailments. The same sort of pathogens such as bacteria, but different results on different men – it clarifies the idea of immunity well.

Take note

The general health of the individual, his/her tissues (dhatus) and the balanced condition of doshas determine the immunity of the individual. Ojas is an Ayurvedic idea, which does not have some parallels in allopathic medicine. It’s the essential vital energy present in most cells and tissues. It permeates the entire body and fills the empty spaces. It’s the essence of all of the cells combined together, it determines the immune status of the individual. When the ojas is weak, the man or woman is more prone to diseases, while a individual who has strong ojas will be immune against all types of diseases.

According to Ayurveda scriptures, Ojas is of two types – Para and Apara. Para Ojas is identified as eight drops situated inside the heart, the reduction of which contributes to death. Apara Ojas is spread throughout the entire body, the loss of which causes disorders to the body. The elements that strengthen Ojas incorporate regular healthier lifestyle, healthy food, regular exercise, good mental illness, etc.. The opposite may result in reduction of Ojas, which leads to distress in the shape of various ailments.

People who have weak Ojas or have their Ojas dropped succumb to various diseases. However, this Ojas isn’t a simple topic explain. You may see people who lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food, yet suffering from various problems. It is also possible to see people eating irregularly, taking no exercise, yet not suffering from any sort of diseases.

Resistance

Ayurveda concept of resistance takes the most fascinating twists and turns from there. You want to explain different things that facilitate care or destruction of Ojas, the very important energy responsible for immunity. Ayurveda considers the variables like karma, reluctance to change lifestyle based on changes in seasons, beliefs, ideas, mental conditioning, social behavior, exposure to incorrect situations or persons, etc while describing the idea of immunity.

These are all elements which have direct control over the resistance of a individual and his/her ability to deal with changes. Ayurveda identifies three kinds of immunity – Sahaja, Kalaja and Yuktikruta.

  • Sahaja (Congenital or natural) – this kind strength or immunity from diseases is inherited from parents. There’s very little anybody can do to improve or weaken the Ojas. However, persons with weak immunity may maintain strength, if the appropriate guidelines for healthy lifestyle are followed.
  • Kalaja (Age & Season) – young people are going to have higher levels of immunity against diseases, while kids and people of older age are more vulnerable to diseases. Everyone will have greater levels of resistance or bodily strength during seasons such as spring, as against seasons such as monsoon or summer. Ayurveda also takes into consideration the time of the day and the period in which a man or woman is born. Another significantly important Ayurvedic notion of immunity is the impact of the area where a man or woman has been born and brought up. Places with abundance of water bodies and agreeable climate will have men with high levels of resistance.
  • Yuktikruta (Acquired or Learned) – individuals can create their immunity by practicing good way of life, ideal food habits, meditation, exercise, preventative health and changing lifestyle based on seasonal variations. The different elements that affect immunity include food, exercise and preventive medicines.
  • Vyayama (exercise) – daily exercise according to your capacity can improve immunity by allowing better digestion and strengthening of organs and organ systems. Rasayana chikitsa is preventative healthcare measure, aimed at strengthening the body of the individual. Certain herbs are utilized to rejuvenate the cells and cells of the person.

Psychological strength

Another thing to take into account about immunity is the psychological strength of the individual. A individual who has good willpower and mental strength can face key ailments as little ones and he/she can easily escape the diseases or conditions. Yoga meditation is 1 way of bettering your mind from worldly tribulations and joining it with the middle of the universe. It can bring in larger awareness of self awareness, in addition, it enhances Ojas, the very important energy responsible for immunity.

Certain choices in lifestyle and food may also determine the resistance of a person. Everyone falls into particular food and lifestyle choices, which may or might not be healthy. Such things can be categorized into three – Universally Beneficial, Universally Harmful, Beneficial or Harmful. Drinking fresh water and having regular night time sleep are beneficial for everybody, eating food items of contradicting personalities, irregular sleeping patterns, etc may lead to loss of resistance. There are things that are damaging for everybody, while things which are (generally ) beneficial for everybody.

Exercise

Additionally, there are exercise routines which are beneficial for a group of men, although it’s harmful for one more group. Additionally, there are food items which are good for individuals with specific constitution, while they cause diseases in others. Food may also be good or bad based on the season and time of the day somebody is taking it. Ayurvedic notion of immunity is a curious one and a few of the variables listed below might not go well with everyone.

Health of mother – the health status of the mother during conceiving and child bearing can determine the strength of immunity of a person. A wholesome uterus can bear a healthy child. Equally significant is that the nourishment a pregnant girl becomes before, during and after conceiving and child bearing. Nutrition after arrival – babies that get adequate nutrition during early days of infancy will grow into healthy individuals with strong resistance.

Physical Constitution (Dosha type) of the individual – Kapha type individuals are prone to disease, while Vata type individuals are most prone to diseases of various types. Mental Constitution – a powerful mind with positive ideas has powerful positive vibrations, which helps in strengthening and developing his/her immunity. Practitioners of medicine from throughout the globe bear testimony to this, despite the sort of medicine they practice.

Karma

Occasionally persons picking healthy lifestyle choices also can fall sick. The reason is attributed to the effect of Karma. The law of Karma says that what you send across will come around. The diseases can be due to bad karma you’ve performed in this lifetime or at any of the preceding births. There are numerous herbs and herbal formulations which may develop and improve your immunity. Rasayana formulations are a excellent combination of vehicles, assimilators, antidotes, etc.. Rasayanas of different kinds are the key way of improving one’s immunity.

The sort of rasayana is determined based on the bodily constitution, age and other variables of the individual. The goal of rasayanas is to ensure physical strength to resist diseases of all types and not against any one specific disease.

Final note

Here’s a parallel between vaccination and rasayana chikitsa – while hepatitis ensures immunity against a particular disease, rasayana ensures better physical strength to guarantee vitality for the entire body. The common kinds of chemical rasayanas comprise Chyavanaprash, Balasava, etc.. Single herb rasayanas contain herbs like Ashwagandha, Satavari, Garlic, Gooseberry, Licorice, etc.. Additionally, there are certain single herb rasayanas such as Brahmi, which are aimed at ensuring that the better functioning of thoughts. Thus you have seen the various angles in which Ayurveda approaches immunity. While some factors are under one’s control, others aren’t. It’s beneficial to have a profound knowledge on the functioning of immunity.