Abstract

ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA AND RASAYANA IN COMBATING PANDEMICS – A PREVENTIVE ASPECT

Sachin Sharma* and Kshipra Rajoria

Abstract

As the world is suffering from pandemic COVID-19. People are losing their lives all around the globe. The maximum mortality in this crisis is found in people who are immunocompromised, aged, suffering from respiratory and metabolic disorders. The pandemic in Ayurveda is mainly explained in Charak Samhita Viman Sthana under Janpadodhwansniya Adhyaya. The management part of Janpadodhwansa includes early collection of medicines before outbreak of pandemic, Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy) and Panchakarma therapy. The collection of required medicines, medical equipment, testing kits etc. before outbreak is very important to combat a pandemic and its importance is self-explanatory. Panchakarma and Rasayana therapies are capable of both preventing as well as curing diseases. In present scenario their preventive aspect may be very useful to deal with such pandemic situation. Our immune system plays a vital role in combating pandemic like COVID-19. Ayurveda has explained the immune response of the body through Vyadhikshamatva Bala or Ojas. Ojas plays an important role in maintaining many vital functions of the body, physical, mental and spiritual health of individual. In the present review article, an attempt has been made to analyse the effect of Panchakarma and Rasayana in maintaining state of good health and boosting immune system, thus preventing pandemic like COVID-19.

Keywords: Ayurveda, COVID-19, Preventive aspect, Ojas, Ritushodhana.