Ayurvedic pandemic perspective: A narrative review

Abstract

The human race has been under the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past several months. The frequency, magnitude and unprecedented nature of the pandemic have imposed global chaos. The traditional lessons procured from the epidemic approach have converged to the delta of trained in capacity in tackling the grave issue, eventually opening the door to Ayurveda for experiential and experimental knowledge. To explore and draw a narrative review on the conceptual framework of Janapadhodhwamsa (Epidemics), eliciting causative factors, alarming signs, and nature and providing a guideline of remedial measures for such engulfing catastrophes. Materials and methods include a review on the concepts of Janapadhodhwamsa and Kalaja Vyadhi (seasonal diseases) in classical Ayurveda texts of Charaka and Susrutha, followed by a PubMed search using keywords such as COVID-19, disease transmission, climate change, socioeconomic impact, and pandemic risk. A scheme comprising a compilation, in-depth study, contemplation and coding of the relevant literature was employed. Ayurveda portrays the meaningful concept of Janapadhodhwamsa, the tragic scene of death, disease, and the resultant devastation of a large population spread over geographical entities, countries or the world as whole. Hence, it effortlessly justifies a vivid description of COVID-19. The paper intends to contribute to understanding and contributing to tackling the current pandemic by incorporating Ayurvedic principles with a focus on Janapadhodhwamsa.