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With the Lockdown 4 coming to an end and most of the restrictions being lifted we have to make our mind that we have to live with Covid-19 together till a vaccine is developed. Day by day the number of cases of Covid-19 infection in India is increasing. With the spread over more than 28 states, isolation and social distancing is the general measures taken up by the public promoted by the government in the form of lock down. Among the confirmed cases 60-65% of the subjects belong to four states viz., Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan. That means other states are also having active cases. Also the cases in Nagaland are increasing in an alarming rate and the treatment lies in enhancing our Immunity the natural way and also maintaining social distancing.
Ayurveda documented Epidemics/Pandemics under the context of Janapadodhvamsa (conditions devastate the human settlements). Similarly, infectious/communicable diseases have been considered under SankramikaRogas. There were three major infectious diseases which were mainly handled by Vaids and Hakims in India in the past:
● India suffered from infectious diseases even when allopathic medicine was not introduced in the country. In 1720, there was an outbreak of Plague and eradicated by the 19th century. The British government honoured an Indian Vaidya DiviGoplacharyulu, Madras Province with the title of Vaidyaratna for his efforts in managing plague with Hemadipanka.
● India also suffered from Cholera in 1817 where 12 million deaths occurred. Another 15 million deaths occurred between 1817-1865. Cholera troubled India even when modern medicine existed.
● India suffered another major outbreak in the form of Spanish Flu killing 17-18 million Indians between June-Aug in 1918. During this outbreak also Vaidyas / Hakims have helped the Government.
At present India is having the growth rate which is steadily increasing daily. While Europe and US have the highest growth rate in the number of cases. The role of social distancing and lock down cannot be ignored while the individual innate immunity of the Indian population also plays a major role in keeping the infection under check.
To preclude the spread of the Covid-19 please practice the following (NIA, Jaipur):
1) Protect Your Self: One’s own Safety lies in one’s own hand so it’s the duty of everyone to follow all these following points.
• Don’t touch your eyes, mouth or nose with unclean hands.
• Avoid touching surfaces of wall, floor, table, doors, handles, switch boards, biometrics machine, etc.
• Wash your hand regularly with plenty of antiseptic soap and water before and after food preparation and consumption.
• Frequently wash the hand after touching pets and animal products.
• Regular bath is advised.
• Keep an alcohol-based sanitiser ready for times when soap and water are not available.
• Keep distance of at least 2 meter from anyone coughing or sneezing.
• Follow no-touch greeting to avoid germs contraction - “Namaste” or Hand Waving over Handshake is preferred.
• Individual having the sore throat like symptoms should do gargling with Luke warm salt water.
• Avoid street foods intake and avoid visiting Salons and Spas.
• Disinfect equipment’s and working area once in a day.
• Use foot operated peddle dust bins.
• Download “AarogyaSetu” App by MoH& FW for Corona Virus contact tracing.
2) Protect your loved ones:
• Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands.
• Use a tissue or napkin and throw it away immediately.
• Sneeze in the inner side of your bent elbow.
• Don’t travel or visit crowded places if you’re sick.
• Do wear a mask if you’re sick and also if you are taking care of someone with the symptoms.
3) Protect your community: Nagaland is a tribal dominated State and all its Civil Societies, NGO’s Tribal Leaders has been strong enough to contain Covid-19 till date by strictly adhering to tribal laws and practice. The state government officials, district administration, frontline workers and police also deserve a big applause for their relentless services.
• If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay indoors
• If you feel unwell, seek medical attention.
• Do not share and forward messages which creates panic among the public.
• Authentic information coming through medical experts should be shared.
• Avoid taking part in the community activities like – attending gathering, marriages, death rituals, conferences, fairs, shopping mall, cinema theatres, gyms, swimming pools etc.
• Avoid /minimize the travelling if you are suffering from fever and cough.
• Call healthcare professionals and follow their advice
• Wash hands regularly
• Wear masks
• Yoga & Meditation
• Vegetarian Food
• Consult Doctor if any Flu like Symptoms
• Avoid Crowded places
• Alcohol & Tobacco consumption
• Drug Abuse
• Non-Vegetarian Food
• Self Medication.
Please Download “AYUSH Sanjivani” App. The app has been developed by the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). The AYUSH Sanjivani mobile app will help to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures among the population and its impact on the prevention of COVID-19. It is expected to reach out to a target of 50 lakh people. The Ministry of AYUSH has recommended the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications (Recommendations available in Ministry of AYUSH website).
Recommended Measures
1.Drink warm water throughout the day.
2.Daily practice of Prayer & reading of holy books
3.Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH (#YOGA at Home #Stay Home #Stay Safe).
4.Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
1.Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
2.Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
3.Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.
1.Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (PratimarshNasya) in morning and evening.
2.Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.
1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.
Dr.Imlikumba BAMS, MD (Ayu)
Medical Officer (Ayurveda)
North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM),
(An Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India)
East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India
E-mail: imlikumba@gmail.com
Youtube: Health naturally
The author is working as Medical Officer (Ayur.), in the North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine, Pasighat, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
The above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience. These measures are recommended by eminent Vaidyas from across the Country as they may possibly boost an individual’s immunity against infections.