CORONA VIRUS THROUGH ARYURWEDIC EYE

Coronavirus through Ayurvedic Eye

Outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is exaggerated a pandemic situation globally. The pandemic declaration was done on March 11, 2020 by World Health Organization (WHO) aftermath declaration which as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020. WHO recommends that the interim name of the disease causing the current outbreak should be "2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease" (where 'n' is for novel and CoV is for coronavirus). 

Aforementioned statistics elaborate that COVID-19 is highly spreading among general public. For the promotion of COVID-19 prevention and control work nationally following essentials are need to be done. 

·         Strengthen coordination of COVID-19 prevention and control institutions

·         Complete the epidemic information monitoring and report.

·         Achieve "early detection, early report, early diagnosis, early quarantine and early treatment". 

Aforesaid measures will decrease the spread of current epidemic, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve the life of general public safety and health, as well as, supports to maintain social stability. WHO suggests to classified COVID-19 as a Class B communicable diseases and manage as a Class A communicable disease. 

Therefore, immediate actions to be taken are essential to prevent further spreading. As a result. WHO has introduced some safety measures (3) to prevent from COVID-19. 

•         Washing hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub

•         Maintain social distance at least 01 meter

•         Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

•         Practice respiratory hygiene.

•         Seek immediate medical care at any respiratory related symptoms

Recommendations given by the WHO is beneficial in health prevention and promotion, though the awareness of general public is still questionable while observing new infected rates worldwide.

Ayurveda, the science of longevity describes same manner of etiopathogenesis of communicable diseases in authentic classics such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Charaka has quoted epidemiological diseases (Janapadodhwamsa - mass destruction of a large population in a specific area due to a particular cause) could be caused due to 4 key factors, as

·         polluted air.

·         polluted water,

·         seasonal issues and

·         geographical matters because of intellectual blasphemy (Prajnaaparadha).

 Sushruta has already discussed on etiopathogenesis and management of communicable diseases (aupsargika roga) like diseases associated hyperpyrexia (Jwara). As per the Sushruta, being avoided maintaining social distance cause epidemiological diseases and many polyherbal recipes have been introduced for disinfectant purpose including medicated smoking etc. All the Ayurveda classics opine that proper practice of daily regimens (Dincharaya), night regimens (Ratricharya), seasonal regimens (Ritucharya).  Preventive and health promotion methods (Sadvrutta) will be beneficial in promotion of individuals' physical and mental health 

Ayurveda explains that prevention from epidemic outbreak or taking necessary steps is mainly centered on two aspects that determine health and disease resisting capacity of an individual. According to that 'Agnithe energy which is responsible for all sorts of metabolic and transformation activities in physical body as well as "bala' strengths acquired by genetically and proper practice of diet, behavior and seasonal regimens will elaborate significant health [4). 

Hence, Sri Lankan Traditional Medical (STM) sector is readying to collaborate with modern medical science and Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services in prevention and management of COVID-19 through proper practice of Ayurveda and Indigenous medical guidelines for disease free life. The potential to develop regional network with the provincial Ayurveda Department has already been developed through the National committee (Indigenous) to address health needs and challenges during current outbreak. 

The technical feasibility was supported by specially qualified experts in the indigenous medical field and helped to identify to the local needs priorities for prevention and protection of health as well as opportunities and gaps. With reference to the parenting activities of China in relation to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which demonstrates the potential value of their Medical system. Chinese government identified the collaborative approaches showed disproportionately affecting the preventive and protective measures of public health. 

                                                                                          Aruna  Fernando