Abstract

THE CONCEPT OF VYADHIKSHAMATVA (IMMUNITY) IN AYURVEDA

Vd. Ruchira S. Virkar*, Dr. Aanand V. Kalaskar and Vd. Shivani R. Bhawarekar

.

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic crisis has turned the world’s attention to immune system, the body’s defense force against disease. Ayurvedais an oldest science of life and health care in the world; it is interesting to know that in this ancient ayurvedictexts there are in detail explanations and descriptions about immunity. In Ayurvedathe immunity is explained under the term Vyadhikshamatva. Ayurvedasystem of medicine not only deals with treating the disease but also aims for prevention and plays a larger emphasis on building strength of mind and body to cope with various infections. In Ayurveda, the superior vital essence of all bodily tissues is called as ‘Ojas’. Acharyaspromoted the use of rasayana (Rejuvenation) to enhance ojasand vyadhikshamatva(immunity). Rasayanasare health promoting and rejuvenating agents which by their empirical effects produce resistance against disease both physically and mentally. Ojasis responsible for good health, better immunity, longevity, intelligence and thought process. For this purpose, use of different types of ojaspromoting herbs have been described in Ayurvedawhich can be immensely helpful in the management of immunodeficiency disorders. Similar to innate and acquired immunity, vyadhikshamatva concept is considered equivalent to immunity (balaor strength) classified as natural (sahaj), chronological (kalaj) and acquired (yuktikrita). The current article critically reviews the available literature to evaluate ancient concepts of vyadhikshamatva and immunity in the recent era.

Keywords: vyadhikshamatva, bala, immunity, Ayurveda.