At a time when the whole world is fighting the COVID -19 pandemic and trying to figure out different ways and means to control it, the Ayurvedic Research Hospital in Nintavur along with its traditional practitioners have taken remarkable steps to combat this deadly virus. An initial attempt in studying the “Immunity Boosting Measures for Self-care during COVID-19 Crisis” as a comprehensive management criterion for prevention is now underway by a medical team headed by its Director Dr. K.L.M. Nakfer.
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the entire human race has been affected and has gone untold hardships. Highly populated countries such as the Republic of China, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Brazil and some Arab countries are severely affected and their quarantine centres are overflowing with COVID-19 patients. The experts concerning this disease have come out saying that enhancing the body’s immunity (defence system) is very essential in maintaining optimum health.
It has been officially informed that no medicine has yet been developed for the prevention of COVID-19 to date. As such, it would be good to develop our own preventive measures which can boost our immunity in these difficult times.
Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining a healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge based on preventive care, derives from the concept of “Dinacharya”- daily regimes and “Ritucharya”- seasonal regimes to maintain a healthy life. It is a plant-based science. The simplicity of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her immunity is emphasized across Ayurveda’s classical scriptures.
Dr. Nakfer told the Daily News that he had held several discussions with traditional practitioners in the first week of March, this year and formed a group comprising traditional practitioners at the Ayurverdic Research Hospital in Nintavur. He said they had conducted a number of awareness programmes at their Research Hospital, with the participation of the local public, while maintaining social distancing. They also provide self-immune boosting drinks to other patients who visit their hospital daily. “This procedure is still being continued,” he said.
Dr. Nakfer has been conducting awareness programmes for officers and staffs of the MOH offices and police officers attached to police stations, courts, Army camps, DS offices, education offices. Immunity booster packets are being given to participants at these awareness sessions. Last week, he visited District Secretary’s Office in Ampara, the General Officer Commanding 24 Division at Malwatte Army Camp and the Office of the Regional Superintendent of Police in Ampara.
“Meanwhile, as all arrangements are in the offing to resume tourism in Arugam Bay, the hoteliers and other personnel involved in tourism are given awareness and were given immunity booster packs,” he said. Dr. Nakfer also said those who were mentally distressed due to being confined to one place without any income were also treated by him. He also added that he has maintained a special unit in his hospital at Nintavur to take greater care in treating patients with Ayurvedic therapy. Those who have undergone treatments under him were highly satisfied. He told the Daily News that his treatments were successful.
While treatments are going on at a considerable rate, advice on eating habits and preventive measures are also being given to those who visit his hospital. The increasing numbers at his hospital indicate that his treatments are successful. In this regard, the Nintavur Ayurvedic Research Hospital recommends the following self-care guidelines as preventive health measures and immunity boosting steps with special reference to respiratory health. Dr. Nakfer said these guidelines are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.
IMMUNITY BOOSTING FOODS
Drumsticks: Drumstick is one of the super foods which helps in boosting your immunity and acts as a shield for any virus to grow.
Coconut water with lemon: Intake of coconut water should always be fresh. When you add half a lemon to fresh coconut water, Vitamin C shoots up by 10 times. For the next few days, having coconut water with lemon once a day is a must. (Note: Kidney patients should not have coconut water)
Garlic, onion and turmeric: These three are natural super foods that will help kill the bad bacteria that thrive within us.
Pumpkin seeds: Just by having three–four spoons of pumpkin seeds everyday can provide you with substantial quantities of healthy fats, Magnesium and Zinc which are vital for immune functions.
Red Capsicum: Vitamin C present in red capsicum is three times higher than the Vitamin C found in an orange.
Ensure to have red capsicum in your salad every day before meals.
FOCUS ON HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Stress and fear weaken our immune system. Hence, we should consciously avoid taking any stress, as it will directly affect our immune system.
Avoid stress
Meditation: Being active by practicing yoga or brisk walking will always help. In particular, Pranayam works best in strengthening our respiratory system.
Take proper rest: Good quality sleep every night recharges our immune system.
Practice gratitude and love: Just as sanitizers and masks work as shields on outside, your healthy thoughts and immunity are your inner shields. Every moment thank God for being safe, strong and healthy. Just like we can spread a disease, we can also spread love and gratitude.
Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands at regular intervals - Make this a habit, in every three–four hours, wash your hands for 10–20 seconds thoroughly.
RIGHTEOUS EATING PATTERNS:
Cooked foods: Restrict the number of cooked meals to only twice a day (lunch and dinner). Eat more raw vegetables and fruits.
Empty stomach fruits: Works miraculously and is highly recommended for making the system alkaline and building good health.
Cucumber and carrot: Having one small bowl before lunch and dinner every day will make our body alkaline.
Water: Drink at least two liters of water every day. Drinking sufficient water will not only help flush out toxins but maintain a healthy fluid balance.
Unhealthy foods: Avoid junk foods / dairy/maida / non-veg / deep-fried / packaged-food as much as possible.
Avoid handshakes
Avoid crowded places and quarantine yourself - We can all do this not only for ourselves but also for the safety of others too.
Avoid going out - Use this time constructively at home instead of feeling stressed. Taking risk of going out is not advisable.
Avoid public transport and unnecessary travel - This reduces your chances of catching an infection and the lesser the interaction, the better it is.
Social distancing - Avoid meeting people and practice social distancing for your own safety and the safety of others. This is our foremost responsibility and we must act sensibly now.
Don’t panic: Refrain from reading and circulating wrong information and causing fear amongst people.
BENEFITS OF FRUITS:
Fruits have to be had on an empty stomach. An ideal way to start your day after Jeera water is by having seasonal fruits.
Benefits
• Adds a lot of fiber to your body.
• Increases your energy levels.
• Tonnes of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• Helps in bowel movement.
• Helps in weight loss.
Correct way of eating fruits
It means not eating fruits after your meals.
Fruits should be eaten only on an empty stomach.
Benefits of intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is not a diet, but rather an eating pattern. It is an eating cycle between periods of fasting and feasting.
Benefits: It helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
It induces various cellular repair processes.
Helps to lose weight and belly fat.
Helps to reduce insulin resistance and lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of good sleep:
Good sleep is important. Striving to have a peaceful night, and getting quality sleep and rest is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being.
Benefits:
Helps in hormonal balance.
Reduces inflammation.
Decreases lifestyle disease risk in both adults and children.
It boosts your immunity.
Try to minimize exposure to any gadgets an hour before you are about sleep. This will help to ensure deep sleep.
Recommended measures
General Measures
-Drink warm water throughout the day.
-Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes (stay home, stay safe)
Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and garlic are recommended in cooking.
Ayurvedic immunity promoting measures
1. Take Chyavanprash 10g (1 tsf) in the morning. Diabetes patientss should take sugar-free Chyavanprash.
2. Drink herbal tea/decoction (kenda) made from Tulsi (basil), Dalchini (cinnamon), Kalimerah (black pepper), Shunthi (dry ginger) once or twice a day, Add jaggery (natural sugar) and/or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
3. Fresh milk, half teaspoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.
Simple Ayurvedic procedures
1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil/coconut oil or ghee in to both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.
2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 tablespoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.
During dry cough /sore throat:
1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
2. Lavang (cove) powder mixed with natural sugar/honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.
1. The above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience.
2. These measures are recommended by eminent doctors from traditional medicines.
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