Ayurveda and One Health Approach
Ayurveda and One Health Approach
Ayurveda and One Health Approach
12(03), 1109-1114
RESEARCH ARTICLE
AYURVEDA AND ONE HEALTH APPROACH
Jitendra Nathabhai Varsakiya1, Divyarani Kathad2, Arun Ravi3, Shiv Prasad Trivedi4 and Rachna Tiwari5
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, CBPACS, Najafgarh, Khera Dabar, New Delhi 110073.
2. Director and Chief Physician, Punarvasu Ayurveda and Panchkarma Centre, Gurugram Sector 1070122006.
3. Ph.D Scholar Rasa Shastra and Bhaisajya Kalpna.ITRA Jamnagar, Gujarat.
4. Assistant Adviser, Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush New Delhi.
5. Assistant Professor, Department of RNVV, Subhdeep Ayurved Medical College and Hospital, Indore, MP.
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Manuscript Info Abstract
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Manuscript History Ayurveda is a holistic science that emphasizes preserving and
Received: 30 January 2024 promoting the fitness of healthy individuals, besides providing a
Final Accepted: 29 February 2024 method for the treatment of diseases. In addition, sufficient
Published: March 2024 infrastructure, human resources, and unique modalities for disease
prevention, wellness, and management are available. In present
Key words:-
Ayurveda, One Health, Integration, scenario Ayush System is growing day by day with support of
Ayush government with increase in fundings from INR 691 crore to INR
3050 crore over the last seven years. The Ayush systems can contribute
significantly to the One Health approach, which addresses the
interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. For
this purpose it is need of hour to integrate the Ayush system and other
related system to provide the integration of particular areas which can
be helpful to fulfil the approach of one health and future perspectives
on the role of Ayush in One Health. Ayush system have the he unique
principals related to preventive measures, such as daily and seasonal
regimens and the use of rejuvenating herbs and Achar rasayanas as well
as effective therapeutic interventions for the number of health issues for
the contribution in one health. Ayurveda also addresses environmental,
animal, and plant health issues and promotes the creation of a healthy
ecosystem between humans, animals, and the environment. In addition,
Ayush can play a role in addressing zoonotic diseases,
noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and
health of the elderly, children, and environment. To fully utilize the
potential of Ayush in the One Health approach, these systems should be
integrated into the healthcare infrastructure and network. Furthermore,
initiation of collaborative projects, focused research, training and
sensitization of Ayush human resources, and promotion of
Ayush‑based lifestyles and practices are some of the critical steps
required to be taken.
Introduction:-
Ayurveda is an art and science of healing. Ancient Indian system of medicine, which is in practice for 5000 years.
More than medicine it is a science of life or a way of life. It is defined as “one which look after the welfare of all
human beings in particular” and in general “with regard to their physical, mental, socio, cultural and spiritual
wellbeing” The Ayurveda- Traditional medicine is also known as folk medicine, indigenous medicine, Indian
system of medicine. The Ayurveda medical care, such as daily regime, life style are being practiced since ancient
time. The WHO mentioned that these are helpful in prevention, improvement or treatment of physical and mental
illness. In present scenario, human being is affected with number of contagious diseases, allergic diseases, auto-
immune diseases, chronic diseases. There is no definitive treatment are available for such diseases. Further, the
result of available treatment is not very encouraging. Hence, there is a search for alternative and traditional
modalities for the prevention by enhancing the immunity which is safe and cost effective. The One Health approach
recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is interconnected and that addressing issues in
one area can impact others. Due to the factors such as population growth, climate change, globalization,
urbanization, industrialization, and the movement of humans and animals has focused the attention to the
relationships between humans, animals, and the environment i. Recently the world are witness to the emergence and
re‑emergence of pandemics like COVID‑19 have contributed toward the increased the need on One Health and
Contribution of Ayurveda principals for the prevention and wellness for the complex health issues of the present
day. It is only possibly by the coordination of the multiple disciplines and sectors, such as public health, veterinary
science, and environment.
Discussions:-
India has also recognized the importance of the One Health approach and has taken various initiatives to address
threats related to zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. According to the
Global Research on Anti‑microbial Resistance study‟s findings, almost five million people died from drug‑resistant
bacterial infections in 2019, making AMR the world‟s leading cause of mortality. iiThe misuse and overuse of
antimicrobials in veterinary, human, and agriculture have accelerated AMR. Holistic efforts are required to address
such issues related to One Health. National Health Policy 2017 (NHP 2017) supports these holistic efforts through
its emphasize on “Pluralism,” which enables patient to have access to Ayush care providers and also ensure
Government support in research and supervision to develop and enrich their contribution to meeting the national
health goals and objectives through integrative practices.
The Ayush systems, which encompass traditional Indian medicine and practices, can contribute significantly to the
One Health approach. Ayurveda believes that all that exists in the universe also exist in an individual, for instance,
“Loka Purusha Samayata Siddhanta,iii” given by Acharya Charaka. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all living
things and their environments and the importance of maintaining balance and harmony. This philosophy may help
prevent environmental harm in the current scenario and it is covers the broad domains includes environmental
health, veterinary science, and plant science. It can be possible to manage creating an ecosystem between humans,
animals, and environment through Ayurveda, Pashuayurveda (Ayurvedic Veterinary Science), and Vrikshayurveda
(Ayurveda science of Plant life). This demonstrates that the One Health approach has conceptual similarities to the
approaches used in Ayurveda and the Ayush systems, and these systems can contribute significantly to the One
Health approach. The widespread availability of Ayush infrastructure and human resources adds to its potential
impact. It is at most prior to think about the areas of work related to the One Health approach and current threats,
the potential role of the Ayush system in addressing these issues.
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antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are also one area that must be considered
under the One Health umbrella. NITI Aayog has rightly emphasized the significance of including NCDs in the One
Health approach in the document “Vision 2035 Public Health Surveillance in India. iv It is important to discuss
existing threats in the context of One Health.
The Ayush systems headed by Ministry of Ayush at the central level have already demonstrated the potential of
Ayush systems in managing and mitigating the COVID‑19 pandemic through their widespread infrastructure and
human resources, as well as through the issuance of health preventive, promotive, therapeutic guidelines, and
initiation of research studies. The success of these efforts highlights the potential for collaboration and
resource‑sharing in addressing One Health issues.
Most of the diseases are able to affect the human due to their low diseased resistance power (immune compromised
person). The term VyadhiKshamatva in Ayurveda has unique importance in regards immunity enhance by
preventing the disease. The Ayurveda aims to protect the body first v. In the Ayurveda classics so many common
social practice, selection of Satmya Ahara ( Suitable diet ) , knowledge of Viruddhahara Ahara( diet combination-
intoxication), Nindra (Proper Sleep), Hasta Pada Prakshalana (hand and foot hygiene): Regular cleanliness of hands
and feet in routine activities are supportive to prevent infection. Also some traditional practices includes Lepan
(painting inner wall of home with cow dung ( Gomay Lepan), Yagya Samskar (offerings made to the Deity Fire)
Hawana, Hom, at many sacred occasions that impact to clean the mind, body and atmosphere vi, mediation,
Pranayama, for mental health, rejuvenation drugs described in Ayurveda classics that can helps to enhance the
immunity of individuals. The immunity is self disease resistance power that play a key role in disease hindrance .
The concept of Oja or Bala mentioned in Ayurveda is indicative of innate immunity. Many methods and herbal
drugs are indicated for the enhancement of innate immunity. In Ayurveda Rasayanavii (Rejuvenation and
Immune enhancer) is most suitable for the enhancement of the immunity. Also, many herbs like Guduchi
(Tinospora cordifolia(Thunb.) Miers), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis.Gaerten),
Yastimadhu(Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera(Linn.) Dunal), Goksura (Tribulus
terrestris), Pipali (Piper longum L), as well as medicinal formulations like Chyavanaprasa, Brahmrasayana,
Vardhmana Pippali Rasayana etcetera potentially boost the Bala (immunity) of the persons.The primary aim of
Ayurveda is Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam (disease preventive and health promotive aspect) through Dinacharya
(daily routine regime) Ritucharya (seasonal regime), Ahara-Vihara (diet and life style- daily regimen, seasonal
regimen), Pathya-apathya (do‟s and dont‟s), Sadavritta, (social norms) Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy- immune
enhancer therapies) ,Panchkarmma (body purification) etc . It helps to prevent contagious diseases, allergic
diseases, auto-immune diseases, chronic diseases, and maintain health of individuals as well as community.
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Ayurveda can play a profound role in the field of preventive and social medicine through its concepts of
Swasthavritta and Rasayana.
Many communities in India still use medicinal plants for ailments of cattle. For instance, a case study highlights that
the community selected under the survey in Tamil Nadu reports the use of a wide range of herbal plants (38) for
cattle ailments. Research evidence suggests the effectiveness of herbal formulations in preventing and managing
diseases such as bovine mastitis, foot and mouth disease (FMD), diarrhea, udder pox, repeat breeding, bloat,
indigestion, and maggot wound, and reduction in the use of antibiotics. xii,xiiiIt also helps in the reduction of antibiotic
residues in the milk contributing to food safety. National Diary Development Board (NDDB) Annual Report
2020‑21 documents an average savings of 30 percent in drug costs and reduction in medicine purchases, especially
antibiotics, to the tune of 1 million per month as a result of EVM use in Mastitis Control Popularization Project
(MCPP) areas across nine states.
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The health effects of air pollution are both immediate and delayed. xiv Major air pollutants and adverse effect
Pollutant Adverse effect are Respiratory tract irritation, bronchial hyperactivity, impaired lung , Lung cancer .
discomfort Cough, respiratory tract irritation, asthma and COPD. In Ayurveda classics there are drugsxv mentioned
for Air purification i.e. Laksha (Shellac) 2. Haridra (Curcuma longa L.) 3. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum L) 4.
Abhaya (Terminalia chebula Retz.) 5. Musta (Cyperus rotundus L. ) , 6. Harenuka (Vitex negundo L.) 7. Ella
(Elettaria cardamomum (L.)) 8. Tamalapatra (Cinnamomum Tamala (Buch.- Ham.)T.Nees 9. Vakra ( Valeriana
officinalis L( Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke.) 11. Priyangu (Callicarpus macrophylla Vahl.). IN classics it has
mentioned that fuming process that detoxifies the environment.xvi Powder of Yellow Mustard (Brassica campestris
L.) and Chandana (Santalum album L.) + Ghrita (Clarified butter) also helpful to clean the air.
The hydrosphere is more than 75% of the earth‟s surface. There can be no state of positive health and wellbeing
without safe water. The contaminated water can health impacts like Anaemia, vomiting, loss of appetite, damage to
liver and kidney, hepatitis A & E, diarrhoea, GIT diseases, fever (typhoid), diseases of CNS, Carcinogenicity, skin
problems, lead poisoning. Ayurvedic classics give the importance water as „Praninam prana‟ (Water is the life of all
living beings).xvii Water will be contaminated by decomposed dead bodies of aquatic animals (like an insect, snake,
etc.), decomposed aquatic plant, unexposed to the sun, moon, air, micro-organism, mixed with rainwater.xviiiTo
purify the poisoned water, drugs 1. Dhava (dhaya) Anogeissus latifolia Wall. EX. 2. Ashwakarna Dipterocarpus
alatus Roxb. 3. Asana Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. 4. Paribhadra Erythrina variegate L. 5. Patala Stereospermum
suaveolens DC. 6. Siddhaka (Nigundi) Vitex negundo L. 7. Mokshaka (Makha) Schrebera swietenioides Roxb. 8.
Amalatas Casia fistula L. 9. Somavalka Acacia leucorrhoea Roxb should be collected and burnt xix. The cold ashes
should be then cast into the poisoned water, it will make the water pure (nonpoisonous) or a handful (1 Anjali = 160
gm) of this ash should be put into the pot containing drinking water to be used when needed. xx Water should be
drunk perfumed in a golden, silver, copper, or an earthen goblet, or in a bowl made of bell metal or precious stones.
Water stored in copper containers overnight and consumed the next day is believed to impart „health benefits‟.
According to the Ayurveda classics, copper produces a scrapping effect (Lekhana), heals and nourishes when
administered in a small dose. F) Chandrakanta mani (moonstone) – When exudates in water it removes harmful
bacteria, insects, worms, and poison. G) Hanshodaka xxi In Sharada ritu (autumn season) water which is exposed to
sun rays during the day time and to the moon's rays at night is the „best‟ quality water. It is Rasayana (rejuvenating),
Balya (strength promoting), Medhya (intellect promoting), alleviates three doshas, anabhishyandi (which does not
obstruct channels of circulation).The poisoned surface should be purified by sprinkling it over with a solution of
drugs 1. Ananta (Sariva) Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. 2. Sarva-gandha Group of scented drugs (Eladi gana) along
with wine (Suraa) or with (an adequate quantity of) black clay dissolved in the water Or sprinkling with a decoction
of 1. Vidanga Embelia ribes Burm.f. 2. Pathaa Cissampelos pareira L. 3. Katabhi Albizzia procera Benth.
Several steps can be taken further to optimize the use of Ayush in the One Health approach. Ayush interventions
especially those from Ayurveda have the potential to be valuable tools in addressing various health issues, including
NCDs, AMR, and zoonotic diseases. Integration of Ayush interventions into healthcare systems and national
programs at a large scale, such as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), can augment the outcomes of these programs. It is need to ensure
the safe and appropriate use of Ayush interventions, it will be essential to effectively implement policies and
guidelines. This can include strict compliance with standards for producing, labeling, and distributing Ayush
products and creating training and certification programs for practitioners of Ayush systems. To promote the
integration of Ayush systems into mainstream health care, it is necessary to incorporate Ayush practices and
remedies into clinical guidelines and include Ayush practitioners in healthcare teams. Additionally, referral systems
and other mechanisms should be developed to facilitate collaboration between Ayush practitioners and modern
healthcare providers. Promoting the use of Ayush‑based dietary regimens and lifestyles and traditional water
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purification and diet preparation methods. It will also be essential to establish linkages and integrate health services
and programs under the health infrastructure and institutional network affiliated with the Ministry of Ayush.
Conclusion:-
To fully integrate Ayush systems into the One Health approach, it will be necessary to conduct high impact research
to document the effectiveness and safety of Ayush interventions, establish policies and guidelines for the safe and
appropriate use of these interventions, integrate Ayush practices into mainstream health care, Engagement with a
wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and community members, is
also need of hours. Overall, integrating evidence‑based Ayush interventions in national programs and promoting
Ayush‑based lifestyles and dietary practices can contribute to better health outcomes in India.
References:-
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