Ayurveda and yoga could provide an effective, affordable means for COVID-19 prevention

biotech healthcare

New coronavirus possibly circulated within humans before COVID-19 pandemic Ayurveda focuses on the host response and includes herbal preparations as well as measures for a healthy lifestyle to better cope with various stressors, including infection. This concept of stimulating immune function is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practice. The authors discuss local prophylaxis, including use of Ayurvedic practices to help block virus entry to the body and passage to the lungs. This may include consumption of hot water, hot food and herbal drinks, gargling with medicated water, and steam inhalation. Systemic prophylaxis focuses on overall health and includes factors such as diet, sleep, mental relaxation, lifestyle behaviors, and yoga. The authors describe the science supporting Rasayana therapies, a specialty of Ayurveda that deals with rejuvenation and can stimulate immunity. They note botanicals that have been found to be effective in immunomodulation and restoration of immune homeostasis. In COVID-19 we are seeing a collision of the acute (the virus) -- and the chronic (the host conditions that increase susceptibility). The authors assemble a well-referenced argument from biomedical research and some traditional texts to make a compelling case for more increased clinician and research attention to integrating Ayurveda and Yoga with biomedical approaches as prophylactic, host-supporting measures." John Weeks, JACM Editor-in-Chief, johnweeks-integrator.com, Seattle, WA Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Journal reference: Tillu, G., et al. (2020) Public Health Approach of Ayurveda and Yoga for COVID-19 Prophylaxis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine . doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0129 .