Management of HIV according to Ayurveda

Management of HIV according to Ayurveda

It is estimated that total 23 million people worldwide are having HIV infection and of which over 8.1 million people have developed AIDS. India is having the largest number of HIV infected cases in South Asia. The situation is going to be worse in the coming years. The role of traditional, complementary and alternative health care is rapidly changing in the world climate. People with HIV often consult with Ayurvedic practitioners to help improve their overall health. Ayurvedic medicine does not cure HIV infection. Many people, however believe that it has helped them improve their overall energy levels, improve their immune system, help fight off the HIV infections or deal with the side effects of antiviral therapy. Ayurveda believe that the body uses three doshas or types of energy.

Vatta, the energy of movement 

Pitta, the energy of digestion and metabolism

Kapha, the energy of lubrication 

According to Ayurveda the AIDS disease may be correlated with “Kshaya’ or “Ojakshaya meaning loss of energy. The symptoms and causative factors treatment for the latter are found mentioned in many ancient ayurvedic tests like, Charakha Samhita, Bhavaprakasha, Vaidyachintamani and Chakradatta etc, Shosha is another condition, which results from loss of energy that is similar to AIDS.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR HIV/ AIDS

The first step to stem the disease is to ensure a good and healthy atmosphere for the patient. He should be surrounded by well meaning friends and relatives who must affirm that the disease state is totally curable. Nothing negative should be discussed before the patient.

The patient should be given nourishing food which is easily digestible. He should be encouraged to do easy exercise which does not strain his fragile health. He should be kept engaged in fruitful activities which strengthen the good tendencies inherent in him.

Initially, the patient is given tonics and rejuvenators (Rasayanas) to boost immunity levels and to strengthen the system and stimulate appetite.

After gaining some strength, shodhana (elimination) techniques are used to expel toxins from the body through enemas, purgation and emesis. The medications administered at this stage are not hard or drastic, but soft, ghee-based so that the patient withstands them with ease.

Secondly the blood is purified with appropriate medications. Liver corrective measures also play an important role.

A strengthening diet along with medicated ghee preparations and soups is recommended. But spicy, oily and acidic foods are to be avoided. A little alcohol is recommended as anupana (carrier) to aid the digestive process, and also remove blockages in the flow of Rasadi dhatus, i.e. srothorodha.

Patient is advised to do regular exercise. If the patient is incapable of exercising or running due to weakness, then steaming (swedanam) is also recommended. reason behind this is 'Heated blood is said to weaken, and even destroy, the virus in some cases'.

Experience has shown that certain herbo-mineral compounds prepared as per the formulae prescribed by sages like Agasthya, Charaka, Sarangadhara and others for the treatment of Kshaya have brought about significant results in improving the condition of AIDS patients. The Rasayana and Vajikara effects of the these medicines are good for the patients.

Some of the propritery ayurvedic medicines achieving good improvement in the quality of life of patients include 'Chyavanprash', 'Raktavardhak' for Immunity building and 'Sookshma Triphla tabs' to keep away the the infection.