The COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire world to a standstill. India has effectively managed the COVID-19 pandemic, but cases are still emerging as of mid-2022. India and the entire world have been working towards recuperating from the aftermath of this pandemic. During this process, it has been evident that more impetus should be towards long-term health.
COVID-19 has been deadly for people who had overall poor health. Either they had co-morbid conditions like hypertension and diabetes or they had poor lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, attaining long-term health should be India’s top priority, and that can’t be achieved by chugging multiple pills.
A holistic approach should be adopted towards health, and Yoga and Naturopathy might be the way to do so.
The case of Yoga and Naturopathy
Yoga has been practiced for ages. However, in the modern era, its application is only limited. It is recommended to people for basic fitness, flexibility, or for people who are contradicted to strenuous physical activity. It is never looked at from a clinical perspective to treat conditions, let alone a pandemic like COVID. However, COVID has proven that the medical community needs to broaden its horizon concerning Yoga and Naturopathy.
The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) released certain guidelines for Naturopathy practitioners for COVID-19. The guidelines were in addition to the standard treatment guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India. This itself goes to show that Yoga and Naturopathy interventions were something to be used along with the standard treatment protocol.
Immunity is a very important factor in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. It is influenced by various factors like physical fitness, psychological stress, nutrition, sleep, comorbid conditions, etc. Yoga and Naturopathy specifically work towards these particular factors, which will increase immunity and help in prevention. The Ministry of AYUSH thus stated using Yoga and Naturopathy as “adjunct preventive management”.
Effective Yoga and Naturopathy interventions against COVID-19
Yoga can be used for increasing immunity and preventive care. Yoga exercises have been effective to improve Salivary beta-defensin 2 levels, which benefit mucosal immunity. The mucosal immune system is the largest component of the entire immune system. It protects the mucosa (inner lining of organs) which has the most threat of being infected. Yoga can also be used to reduce stress, and help improve fitness, lung functions, and sleep quality.
Naturopathy on the other hand can be used for both prevention and symptom management of COVID-19. Steam Inhalation with Tulsi, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil is effective for symptoms like cold, running nose, chest congestion, and nasal congestion. Gargling with hot water helps with a sore throat. Chewing ginger is a solution for expectorant cough. Preparation of ginger, honey, cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric is effective against dry cough.
A naturopathic procedure called Aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds for physical well-being. Aromatherapy with Tulsi or lavender oil is extremely effective against headaches. Other procedures like heliotherapy (exposure to the sun) and acupressure (massage treatment) are effective as well. Naturopathic nutrition has always advocated the use of a balanced diet high in protein and low in fats.
Recently, a study demonstrated the use of Yoga and Naturopathy control measures against COVID-19. Tamil Nadu government in association with the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) started Yoga and Naturopathy measures for COVID-19 patients along with allopathic treatment. The results were astounding. A team of Yoga and Naturopathy practitioners provided treatment across 37 districts of Tamil Nadu. The two districts of Chennai and Coimbatore which had the highest number of positive cases were effectively managed with Yoga and Naturopathy interventions. The study also mentioned that many patients gave positive feedback about the treatment protocol. The patients were also advised to take regular medications for long-term benefit after being discharged. Tamil Nadu was successfully able to implement Yoga and Naturopathy treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Yoga for mental health during COVID-19
The catastrophic environment and the fear of isolation and stigma led to a rise in mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Yoga has proven to be an important tool for the mental health of patients during COVID-19.
A study was conducted among 130 positive patients admitted to a hospital. The patients had symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yoga and Naturopathic interventions were given for an hour a day for two weeks. It was noted that all the patients showed a positive response. Both depression and anxiety measured by the hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) and Corona anxiety scale (CAS) showed significant reduction.
It is well established that Yoga and Naturopathy interventions can be effectively used for all aspects of COVID-19 prevention and management.
References
- Guidelines for Naturopathy practitioners for COVID-19 document by Ministry of AYUSH.
- Eda N, Lee E, Shimizu K, Suzuki S, Tanabe Y, Akama T. Efffects of yoga exercise on salivary beta-defensin 2. Springer. 2013 Oct;113(10):2621-7.
- T. Prabhu, K. Kahil Subramanian, N. Manavalan, S.T. Venakateswaran, and K. Maheshkumar. An approach towards COVID-19 pandemic with Yoga and Naturopathy interventions – Tamil Nadu model. Clin Epidemiol Global Health. 2021 Oct-Dec; 12: 100807.
- R Jenefer Jerrin et al. Yoga and Naturopathy intervention for reducing anxiety and depression of COVID-19 patients – A pilot study. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. July-Sep 2021