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Can ayurveda cure SARS?
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Ayurveda has its own ways of tackling SARS. It believes in enhancing the immunity of the people rather than arming them to the teeth.
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Graphics: C. R. Sasikumar
When he predicted that the "great king of terror would descent from the sky" and that "he would bring to life the king of Mongols," Michelle de Nostradamus was certainly not referring to the new invader from the land of Mongols -- SARS! Or, was he?
But, this Chinese Ninja virus is not, in any way, less formidable than the two great Mongol invaders (human beings, this time) who came before him, namely Chengiz Khan and Timur. In fact, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome seems doubly ruthless and invincible -- an impossible target to those who use Daisy Cutters, Tomahawks and Stealths to "tackle any threats facing humanity".
Scientists are so intimidated by this new "terrorist" that they have already gifted him with two epithets that seem to fight between themselves in conveying the fear that SARS has generated --- It is severe. It is acute as well! (Please note that in medicine, `severe' and `acute' refer to two different aspects of the disease).
Then, who on earth can defeat SARS?
"Ayurveda can," claims R. Vasudevan Nampoothiri, Professor and Head of the Department and Superintendent of the Government Ayurveda College and Hospital.
According to Dr. Nampoothiri, there are three steps in tackling this killer virus -- public prevention, saving the bystander, rescuing the infected.
The virus, with 15 per cent fatality, has been surviving under extreme terrestrial conditions, on door handles, clothes, air, water and everything that you lay your hands on. Although coughing and sneezing remain the chief means of spreading the infection, scientists in Hong Kong have found that the virus can stay alive for at least four days
Dr. Nampoothiri prescribes the use of `Aparajitha Dhoopam' (the undefeated fumigation), which is capable of "killing any airborne virus". Gulgulu, nanmukappullu, vayambu, chenchalyam, veppintholi, akil, erikku and devatharam are mixed in definite proportions to form the `Aparajitha dhoopam'.
"The fumigation frees the air of the virus, and helps the patient fight it. When inhaled, the `dhoopam' can even kill the virus inside the patient," claims Dr. Nampoothiri. "It is cheap and is available at all Ayurvedic outlets," he adds.
But the blitzkrieg would not stop, as the land and water routes remain intact. Moreover, the fumigation should be repeated every hour. Dr. Nampoothiri suggests traditional ways of cleaning water and land. "Land can be purified by spraying Panal, a known disinfectant. Water should be boiled well before use," he says.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests a SARS kit for each person, in case of a massive outbreak. The SARS kit includes two N95 particulate respirators, two 1-ounce bottles of disinfecting hand lotion, one protective goggle, and five pairs of latex or vinyl barrier gloves.
"Ayurveda," Dr. Nampoothiri says, "believes in enhancing the immunity of the people rather than arming them to the teeth. Ayurveda, like all other medical systems, is yet to study and evolve a method of resistance to this new disease. But, going by the traits of this killer virus, it can be deduced that SARS, like all other viruses, take advantage of the weaknesses in our immune system." .
According to Dr. Nampoothiri, those who come in close contact with the patient can be given Indukanthakritam, which is an effective immunity enhancer. "Resistance is the key. Not the power of the virus," he says. "If we have enough power within ourselves, no power can attack us. Ayurveda is all about empowerment," he adds.
With the SARS virus refusing to `unfold its secret', alternative systems all over the world have come forward with their own respective `panacea' for the disease.
"Ayurveda has nothing new to offer the world. Our methods are as old as the hills," says Dr. Nampoothiri. "We don't have tall claims. All we do is to prepare the body to fight any alien attack," he adds.
The Ayurvedic hypothesis is that an epidemic manifests when the Desham (land), the Kalam (time), the Jalam (water) and the Vayu (air) get contaminated. Of these four decisive factors, kalam refers to the rulers and their (mis)givings.
"There are many who believe that SARS is God's answer for what is being done in Iraq," observes Dr. Nampoothiri.
But what if SARS takes on India? The million-dollar question is still unanswered.
"As of now, we can only treat the symptoms," agrees Dr. Nampoothiri. "There is Vilwadigulika for viral infection, Vyaghryadi kashayam for fever and cough, and Dashamoolakaduthraya kashayam for the same," he adds.
Up there, the new invader has moved on unchecked, despite strict measures to stall the advance. Magic potions and wonder medicines flood the market. Even turnips are touted as a potential SARS cure. Some people are also reported to be going back to the oracle in search of the healing touch.
Are we into the great king of terror, as Nostradamus saw it?
Is SARS a hyped threat? Can Ayurveda tackle the disease?
Questions abound. Answers are yet to surface.
One thing is for sure. It is not wise to be complacent.
SARS deserves more attention than the latest Jet Li flick from Hong Kong.
V. G. MURALIKRISHNAN
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