Building Immunity

IMMUNITY AS VYADHIKSHAMATVA :

 A Closer Understanding of the Biological Security System

The obsession with immunity is real. Everyone desires it but very few are willing to do what it takes. In a reality where immunity is sold as a commodity, what is barely focussed upon is the fact that our immune system is an evolving, adapting, intellectual entity. It is a vast defence mechanism made up of so many different elements, ranging from physical barriers to microscopic cells, enzymes, hormones and even bacteria. Good immunity is a collaborative outcome of the harmonious functioning of these elements whose delicate harmony is constantly challenged by the many external stimuli of everyday life. This very concept is described as Vyadhikshamatvam in ancient scriptures. Vyadhikshamatvam, the ability of the body to fight against and withstand infections. It is closely dependent on the overall health, which is defined as “a state of existence of balance and harmony between doshas, dhatus, mala, agni and their functions, along with the happy and content state of atma, indriya and manas.”  Achieving this state is the real challenge of immunity. The route involves determination, discipline, and a mindful existence, as well as co-existence. Healthy lifestyle patterns and regular conditioning of the body through consistent physical strengthening  pave a sustainable way to establish this. 

Factors that contribute to Vyadhikshamatvam:

1. Doshas – A balanced dosha status ensures smooth functioning of the immune system. Kapha dosha in its state of health is directly translated into Bala or strength, whereas Vata when disturbed can have a gross negative impact on immunity. These doshas are easily impacted by age, food and time of meals, sleep, changing seasons, activities, as well as emotions. 

2. Agni – Though this is roughly translated into digestive fire, Agni represents all factors that contribute to the process of digestion. The capacity of the body to break down and assimilate the nutrients in food is essential to make healthy building blocks of a robust immune system.

3. Srotas – The channels of circulation, macro, and micro, that carry nutrients and metabolic wastes when blocked, can result in improper transfer of nutrients as well as immunological factors. These include large vessels like the lymphatic drainage to the unseen structure-less endocrine network. 

4. Dhatu & Mala – Ideal state of health of all dhatu (tissues) and mala (proper excretory functions) helps maintain the continued process of metabolism. The body stays at its receiving end, without any hindrances, putting all efforts into fruition and bringing about a wholesome working environment. 

5. Manas – The role of the manas in immunity is just as the character of mind is – erratic, overpowering, elusive, extensive, and intricate. Healthy neurotransmitters support the gut-brain axis. This helps deal with inflammatory modulators, adaptive stress response, smooth endocrine function, having a bidirectional impact on the body in terms of gut health as well as immune strength. 

6. Ojas – An elusive and sometimes sacred element of health, Ojas can be understood as immunity itself. It is described as “nectar of life” or “essence of the body,” said to impact, health, longevity, immunity, and vitality. Residing in the heart, Ojas is affected by diet, activities, and thoughts. Maintaining Ojas once again, is no different from the ways of vyadhikshamatvam, making it an interesting observation of how subtly the idea of immunity has been discussed in Ayurveda. 

Health in our hands:

Though the strength of the immune system is greatly determined by genetics, the best part is that there is always a chance to acquire, develop and maintain it, and pass it at its best, to the next generation. This puts us in place of power, to establish our own health. Immunity is proof of ‘health in our hands.’ Listed below are the many ways to establish Vyadhikshamatvam. A slow and steady incorporation of these time tested hacks can go a long way in creating a sound internal defence system. 

Right Food

It is true that we are what we eat, but good immunity is not really influenced by just adding herbs or picking a certain category of food. It is rather impacted by consistently healthy diet patterns. 

• A balanced meal that nourishes the gut with its complex carbohydrates, sufficient protein servings and healthy fats, combined with fibre, fermented foods and spices rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals like pepper, turmeric, garlic etc can establish a healthy immune response. Refined food that is stripped off its nutrients and vitality, easily damages the gut microflora, leading to immune disruption. 

• Timely meals also carry equal weightage. Respecting the body’s requirements is a subjective analysis that everyone needs to evaluate. Some may require three meals while some may do well with one. These practices are sometimes, commonly applied, based on studies or references. Avoid such blind fads, force feeding against the Agni or pulling off exaggerated fasts. Such behaviour induces stress and disrupts metabolism. 

  
  

Hydration

Maintain Physical strength

Healthy Mental state

Sleep cycle

Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana

Dinacharya Rtucharya Rajaswalaparicharya

Herbs, Panchkarma, Rasayana

Protecting and preserving Ojas

Limit exposure to toxins

Immunity is not a supplement. 

It is a blessing given by the body in return to the favour it receives. 

When it comes to immunity, we are still part of the herd. 

Let us educate more people, improve our immunity and the herd’s as well.