Have you ever wondered that why some of you are easily susceptible to seasonal infections like cold, flu etc. whereas others sail through this period with great health and no issues at all? The secret lies in your immune system. Let’s learn about Boosting immunity through Ayurveda.
The world is facing global crisis. We are trying our best to come out of this pandemic by finding out ways to improve immunity against COVID-19. Only a strong immune system can help us tackle the current situation.
Let’s now understand what is the immune system as per western science.
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protects the body against infections and other diseases. If bacteria, virus or any other foreign substance (antigens) enters the body, white blood cells identify and produce antibodies to attack, weaken & destroy the antigens. The immune system has memory and remembers them and can attack quickly the next time they see the same antigen. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your immune system to have good health.
Interestingly, your immune system starts to develop even before your birth. The majority of it is built during the initial years of your childhood. The antibodies are passed through the mother to the baby by way of placenta, via birth canal and breastfeeding. Post birth, babies produce their own antibodies every time they are exposed to antigens, but it takes time for their immunity to fully develop. Mother’s level of immunity plays a vital role in determining the amount and type of antibodies passed to the baby.
Now, let’s explore Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing systems, developed in India, for boosting immunity.
Ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system for Boosting Immunity
In Ayurveda, immunity means more than just resistance to outside invaders but also to rejuvenate the body and enhance longevity and wellbeing in the long run. In other words, the immune system is composed of the physical body and all the mind and spirit. Ayurveda describes immunity means ‘Ojas’. Ojas is the essence of all the dhatus and tissues in the body or in other words ‘the ultimate balance of all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) is called Ojas’.
Here are the steps that you can take for boosting immunity or Ojas:
Follow the ‘The Ayurvedic Clock’
Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda had outlined an ideal daily routine which is called ‘The Ayurvedic Clock’ or ‘Dincharya’ which not only helps us restore balance in your life but also helps to improve your health.
According to Ayurveda, there is a perfect ideal time for every activity we do during a day. The Ayurvedic Clock captures the time for eating, sleeping, working or even thinking / introspecting. It is linked to how our genes & hormones operate and demonstrates a strong link between our body’s energy and the energy of the doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha).
You can refer to our detailed blog here . You can also book a one on one Ayurvedic session with our Chief Ayurveda Consultant to understand this better.
Sleep for boosting immunity
Ayurveda clearly mentions the importance of sleep and highlights that our internal organs rest and recover when we are sleeping. As per Ayurveda, 10 pm is the ideal time to go to bed, to aid the repair process. From 10 pm to 2 am, our liver repairs, so we should be at rest then, in-order to heal. When you deprive yourself of good sleep, you are more likely to fall sick after being exposed to an infection. We must sleep for 7-8 hours. Must also go to bed at the same time every night to create a sleep routine.
Nutrition
As per Ayurveda, there are five micro elements that constitute the universe called the Panch Mahabhuta and they are space, air, fire, water and earth. In the same way we have five elements in a human body and they are space – face / cosmic energy, air – lungs & heart, fire – digestive fire, water – urinary system and earth – reproductive energy. These five elements form the three doshas. In simple terms it is defined as types of energy that circulate within the body. While one doshas may be dominant, everyone is a combination of all three.
The Ayurvedic diet is based on determining your dominant dosha (or your body type) and consuming or avoiding foods to promote balance of the three doshas. We are healthy, when the doshas are in balance. When they are out of balance, we get prone to diseases.
You can determine your dominant boshas by booking a one on one Ayurvedic session with our Chief Ayurveda Consultant.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of warm water. Experts recommend to drink water from a copper vessel first thing in the morning. Copper will help in killing the bacteria in the water.
Move your body for Boosting immunity
You know that consistent exercise is good for overall health but do you also know that it’s beneficial for immunity. Exercise aids in promoting good circulation which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and identifying antigens. We can inculcate simple habits such as taking a daily walk, yoga practice or following a comfortable exercise routine can strengthen your immune system.
De-stress for immunity
Stress is a normal reaction to exciting events in your life. When it triggers, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) signals the ‘fight or flight response’, which mobilizes you to take action and avoid danger. The underlying issue is that your body doesn’t know the difference between a tiger chasing you and work-related anxiety. Your body’s stress response is perfectly healthy when there’s a real emergency (like a tiger chase), but if your body is constantly getting stress signals for everyday issues (such as work-related anxiety), you’ll burn out over time and it affects your immune system which in turn affects your ability to sleep at night. Hence, it is important to find out ways to cut the stressors out of your daily life. You can also lower your stress levels by following self-care practices like yoga, meditation, exercise etc.
Conclusion
Doing all of the above may look a bit challenging & overwhelming but will reap huge benefits in the long run. This will surely help you to restore your balance and enhance your wellbeing and immunity. Given the current circumstances, it recommended to consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner and learn about Boosting Immunity through Ayurveda.
References
- Improving / Boosting immunity with Ayurveda
- Sleep and immune function – Sleep and the circadian system are strong regulators of immunological processes
- The Sleep-Immune Crosstalk in Health and Disease
- The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defence system
- Immunity: The science of staying well by Jenna Macciochi
- The immune system recovery plan
- Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry
- Current Directions in Stress and Human Immune Function
- How your baby’s immune system develops
- Ayurveda and the Immune System (Ojas)
- The Ayurvedic Secret of Healthy Immunity – Ojas
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