Boosting Immunity

Boosting Immunity

The ancient Vedic knowledge of India is the source of yoga as well as Ayurveda, a complete system of natural medicine. Ayurveda has many strategies for health, and one of its specialties, which is especially important today, is strengthening the immune system.

In Ayurveda, the diagnostic procedure known as pulse diagnosis determines a person’s immunity. Through that technique, the trained Ayurvedic physician places his fingers on the radial pulse below the wrist and evaluates the level of what is called ojas in the body. In Ayurveda, ojas is often equated with immunity. It results from eating the right foods, good digestion, the elimination of toxins in the body, and, in general, the coherent functioning of the mind and body.

Strong ojas is reflected in a radiance or glow in the person’s complexion and eyes (radiant health), the absence of significant aches or pains, mental clarity, and a profound sense of well-being. Low ojas is typically evidenced by dry skin, weak sense organs resulting in excessive sensitivity to sound and light, significant muscle or joint pain, frequent infections and illness, and anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Getting the Most from Our Immune System

So, how do we use increase the strength of our immune system and increase ojas? One principal means is through diet. However, because it takes a few weeks or months before changing our diet can result in increased ojas, and because of the different dietary rules, that subject is covered in the book.

But we also need to use our current physical state as well as we can by staying hydrated and increasing our circulation. Our white blood cells target bad bacteria and viruses and are important tools for the immune system to fight germs. Hydration and good circulation in both our blood system and lymph system allow our white blood cells to be transported around the body as needed. As a result:

• Drink six to eight 8 ounces glasses of water per day and four to eight ounces every fifteen minutes if you’re involved in strenuous exercise.
• Yoga is an excellent way of improving circulation. Poses such as downward dog, warrior, and poses with the legs up the wall, help with circulation, as well as an exercise known as Sun Salutations. The yoga poses and guidance on Sun Salutations can be found on the Internet.
• It’s important to try not to remain seated for long periods. Stand, stretch, do yoga asanas, and keep moving as much as is reasonably possible to increase circulation.

In addition, because we don’t want to damage the body by diminishing ojas, in flu season especially and when viruses are going around, we need to avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, soda and other foods and drinks high in sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (excess sugar can make the body acidic, which is a breeding ground for viral and bacterial infections), chemically processed foods (meaning foods with additives, preservatives, artificial colors, and the like), tobacco, junk food in general, and heavy foods including red meat

We should eat lighter in times of vulnerability to make sure we aren’t overloading our digestive system, and certainly don’t eat or snack all the time; the digestive system needs breaks.