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

We are largely made up of water, which makes hydration as important as nutrition. Optimal hydration is a core factor that helps in mobilising the microscopic elements of the defence system. Dehydration can significantly impact how the immune system functions. It can lead to reduced WBC (White Blood Cell) activity, impaired antibody production, reduced phagocytic activity and decreased mucosal production that acts as a primary barrier for pathogens. 

Maintain Physical strength

Maintaining good physical strength works wonders by improving circulation and boosting lymphocyte production significantly. It also helps by regulating the HPA (Hypothalamo – pituitary -Adrenal) axis, thereby influencing stress response, which promotes an overall improved immunity. It is essential to keep in mind that excessive and prolonged, chronic overtraining can work against the system by causing nutritional depletion. 

Healthy Mental state

An optimistic outlook and a sorted mental status are shown to enhance the immune response. Studies observe such people to have a resilient and adaptive immune phenotype which influences the ability to recover from inflammation-induced symptoms. This state of mind improves cellular immunity and provides protection against most viruses. It is important to address mental health issues and ensure a naturally occurring positive state of mind. Psychotherapy can be of help to achieve this.

Sleep cycle

The immune system is influenced by different phases of the sleep-wake cycle. Sleep deprivation can result in altered inflammatory mediators. Sleeping through, at the right time (ratrikala) can activate and fine tune the defence mechanisms in the body. Our increased demand for sleep during most of the ailments is an indication to this complex relationship between sleep and immunity.

Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana

These include elaborate and well-defined regimen, recommending morally right behaviour. This isn’t an imposition from an oppressive point of view, but an encouragement towards enabling smoother functioning of the closely knit families and communities. These include simple instructions like being truthful, stay free from anger and violence, meditation, restrained negative thoughts and a loving, caring attitude towards others. Such behaviour patterns promote a more content and positive attitude towards life, impactin the ‘happy hormones’, which in turn nourish gut bacteria, thereby improving immunity. 

Dinacharya Rtucharya Rajaswalaparicharya

The act of balancing doshas in everyday life is the idea behind Dinacharya (daily life regimen) and Rtucharya (seasonal regimen). In addition, women go through fluctuating hormonal levels during the menstrual cycles, pregnancy, post-partum, perimenopause, and menopause. Rajaswalaparicharya (regimen of menstruation), pre-conceptional care, garbhini paricharya (pregnancy care) and sutika paricharya (post-partum care) have been proven beneficial in managing hormonal stability as well as promoting optimal recovery. It can also significantly influence the immunity of the progeny.

Herbs, Panchkarma, Rasayana

The immune system has its own share of wear and tear which may not always be adequately addressed with preventive modalities alone. Using the right herbs like Guduchi, amalaka, yashtimadhu, bala, and drugs based with Swarna and Rajata can amplify the efforts on preventive health. Abuse of herbal preparations in the name of natural medicine is common, and it is good to be aware and informed while opting for long term medications. Intake of rasayana (rejuvenating drugs) after Panchakarma is the best way to ensure optimal absorption. 

Protecting and preserving Ojas

This includes aspects of optimal living conditions from healthy, sattvic food choices to a calm, stress-free, detached lifestyle. Ojas can be elevated by practices of Yoga and Pranayama by bringing in discipline and focus. Maintaining good Ojas is not measured by quantity but by the cumulative outcome of consistent efforts. 

Limit exposure to toxins

Though it is not entirely possible to stay away from toxins, the exposure can be minimised through mindful living. This can be achieved by making conscious choices through well researched information. For instance, sugar! It is one of the most potent toxins that has been so casually dumped into our system through decades. Informed choices have led to a positive change in the way sugar is perceived now. Similarly, there is a lot to be undone.

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.