Conceptual and clinical approach of Immunology in Ayurveda

Immunology is the study of immune system, involved in protecting the body from various infections. Immune system occurs in innate, acquired and artificially induced forms and it deals with the response of body towards antigens and determines whether it is self component or not. It protects body from infections through various lines of defence. Activation, immunodeficiency and hypersensitivity of immune system contribute towards diseases. The functioning of immune system is detected by sensitive immunoassays. The concept of immunology is known since ancient period and Acharyas has mentioned about the Vyadhikshmatva (tendency of body to fight against diseases), which plays an important role in recovering from any disease. The Bala (strength) of person is an important factor to maintain the health and to keep the life free from diseases. With the changing lifestyle, descending quality of food, unfavorable environmental changes, the strength of body is reducing and the ability of body to fight against diseases is decreasing day by day, giving rise to many autoimmune diseases and infections. Ayurveda in its literature has given detailed daily practices that one should follow to keep the body balanced and improve immunity like Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya (practices with seasonal variations), Pathya (wholesome), Apathya (unwholesome) and Rasayana concepts has been mentioned as a contributing factor towards immunity. Above mentioned Ayurvedic concepts are helpful in increasing the immunity, rejuvenating the body and also improving the nourishment by reaching at microcirculation level to the tissues. Therefore here an attempt is made, to understand Immunology by considering concepts of Ayurveda