AYURVEDIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO MANAGE A BETTER LIFE
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome commonly known as AIDS is a progressive failure of the immune system which makes the body susceptible to life-threatening infections. HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the type of virus that causes the infection that leads to AIDS. The virus is transmitted through body fluids during unsafe sex, blood transfusion, contaminated needles, pregnancy and also through breast milk. HIV infection is considered to manifest as drastic weight loss, weakness, skin irritations, susceptibility to allergies and respiratory disorders that often leads to tuberculosis. After contracting AIDS, the infected person is asked to follow a healthy regime that constitutes measures to stay immune and to improve longevity.
In Ayurveda, Aids maybe correlated with Ojakshaya, where Ojas is the strength in the body that is the underlying factor for health and immunity. When Ojas deteriorates, the body is at risk of infections and inflammations that brings down health. As Ayurveda focuses predominantly on improving the longevity of human body through a holistic approach, following an Ayurvedic lifestyle regime can be considered beneficial for managing health of an HIV infected person.
Ayurveda recommends certain approaches to bring down the risk of infections by promoting immunity in an infected person. This is facilitated through a continuous process of rejuvenation and detoxification therapies namely Rasayana and Shodhana. In consultation with specialised institutions that are recognised HIV or AIDS care centres, an approach can be developed to promote health and longevity as the aforesaid therapies are to be prescribed according to an individual’s body constitution.
Rasayana is the internal medication processes that aid in rejuvenating the weakened body, while also strengthening the deteriorating immunity. Ayurvedic herbs like Amla, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Peepli, Amruth, Turmeric, Bola, Haripathi, Nirgundi, etc. are recommended to help in cell regeneration and rejuvenation, reducing infections & inflammations and boosting immunity. Chyavanaprasha is advised as an immune modulator to improve the functioning of the immune system. Yoga, pranayama, Ayurvedic daily regime and seasonal routines, diet including sattvic foods, seasonal foods and vegetables rich in antioxidants are recommended to cleanse the body system and to restore health. After analysing the conditions subjected to detoxification, Panchakarma therapies and purgation procedures like Vamana, Virechana and Vasti are prescribed to support the processes of building immunity. The rejuvenation and detoxification procedures are carried out as an ongoing and repeating process to promote longevity.