COVID-19- Understanding the emerging viral disease through the concepts of Ayurveda

Abstract

Introduction: Disease pattern is constantly changing yet infectious disease remain the major cause of mortality and morbidity in less developed countries. The world around has experienced many outbreaks and epidemic in the last few decades most recently being the COVID 19. The viral infections emerging in India can be classified in three major categories of respiratory viral infections, arboviral infections and bat-borne viral infections. There are seven variants of corona virus that are known to infect human. The SARS and COVID-19 are closely related and pose a threat to the global population. The life-saving drugs and antibiotics used against these infections are rapidly losing effectiveness and the viruses develops resistance against it. The mortality is higher in individual with low immunity, having respiratory tract related illnesses and metabolic disorders. Aim: To understand the currently prevalent pandemic COVID-19 through various Ayurvedic concepts which may further assist in knowing the disease pathology correctly. Data Source and Review Method: For the systematic review article, various Ayurvedic texts- Charaka and Sushruta Samhita with Chakrapani and Dalhana Teeka are studied. Peer-reviewed clinical studies, review articles, evidence-based articles published on-line, various websites are considered. Result: Ayurveda has vast treatment modalities like Rasayana, Panchakarma, Sadvritta etc which not only prevents the occurrence of viral infection but also avoids the spread and mortality. The ideas of Ojas, improving the Bala through Yukti, undergoing Ritu Shodhana can certainly add years to the life along with improving the quality of life. Conclusion: The emerging viral disease can be prevented by proper use of the knowledge and principles of Ayurvedic texts.