AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF IMMUNITY: A REVIEW

Dr. Asha Bhardwaj*, Dr. Nikhila Ranjan Nayak, Dr. Chandrasherkhar Ghatge and Dr. Shraddha

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is the science of human health and disease. It deals with comfort, discomfort, physiological and pathological aspect of life. The word immunity means the strength of protecting from infectious diseases. The immune system evolved as defense system to protect body from invading pathological microorganisms and malignant diseases. Strong immunity is the key for maintaining stability in health with the changing season. Vyadhikshamatva is described in Ayurveda and this concept is considered equivalent to immunity. Normal condition of kapha, Bala and ojas are also similar to immunity. Vyadhikshamatva literally means resistance (ksamatva) against disease (vyadhi). Physical and mental resistance to disease is of enormous significance for all living being, it regulates both prevention against and rapid recovery from diseases. Ojas is final and excellence of the product dhatu and vyadhiksamatva depends on it. Innate immunity may be correlated to sahaja bala and kalaja bala may be correlated to acquired immunity. Here is a review of Ayurvedic texts regarding immunity and concept of Vyadhiksamatva which depends on normal dosa, equilibrium state of dhatu, normal agni bala and ojas etc.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Immunity, Vyadhiksamatva, ojas, Bala.