Page 7 - February 2021
P. 7
Ayurveda’s approach to immunization Vaccines are made up of parts of the
is all-encompassing. ‘Vyadhikshamatva’ offending agent and cause the body to
or resistance to disease through strong develop passive immunity by making
immunity is a core philosophy of antibodies against it. This means the
Ayurveda. Strengthening the body person receiving the vaccine needs to
is also covered under ‘Rasayana have good immunity for it to properly
and Vajikarana’ (rejuvenation and work. Two or more staggered doses are
aphrodisia) therapies. And, Nidan often needed for protection. Pediatric
Parivarjan is the principle of avoiding and adult immunization schedules are
causes of infection or disease. It requires provided by the Centers for Disease
awareness of how the body reacts to Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines
unwanted stimuli. Staying away from and Immunizations | CDC. These
polluted water, air and noises which rigorous schedules require parents to
cause harm (5G is a case and point in make tough decisions on timing of doses,
our modern era!) are all examples. It combining vaccine, and simply whether
also involves following healthy daytime, or not to give them.
nighttime and seasonal patterns of
lifestyle and diet, such as eating food Caregivers need to be able to manage
rich in antioxidants, avoiding bad vaccine side effects, which range from
food combining, oiling, massaging, mild fever and pain at the injection site
exercising, meditating, chanting to severe reactions like Guillain–Barré
mantras, and so much more. syndrome and anaphylaxis. Due to public
fear, in 2001, thimerosal, a mercury
In Allopathy, vaccine shots are compound used to manufacture certain
considered a safe and proven way to vaccines, was removed from childhood
prevent unwanted diseases. Most of the vaccines because of concerns that it
world has been eradicated of smallpox, caused autism, though the evidence
polio, tetanus and other diseases never proved this.
because of worldwide vaccination
efforts. But not all people are keen on Where does that leave us now? There is
getting immunized, called ‘vaccine mounting pressure for worldwide covid
hesitancy’. According to The World vaccination amidst many unanswered
Health Organization (WHO), this is questions. For example, what is the
the main reason for major global deaths vaccine’s actual effectiveness against the
and disease outbreaks from vaccine- known strain and newer, more virulent
preventable diseases. strains? Will it be given yearly like the
myindigosun.com 7
