Prevention, Vaccination 
and Ayurveda
Ph. D. VAIDYA R. M. NANAL
This paper elaborates the Ayurvedic perspective on preventive
medicine in children, with specific reference to vaccination. It
explores alternative approaches to boost immunity in
children.
INTRODUCTION
The dictum “prevention is better than cure” is not a new
concept for Ayurveda. Swasthasya swasathya rakshanam” is
the very first aim given in Charak Samhita. Modern science
based medical practices also pragmatically accepts the value
underlying this dictum.
Invention of microscope led to a revolution and gave excellent
knowledge about bacteria, germs, viruses and diseases
(caused by them in human body) like T. B., Cholera, Malaria
and so on. There is now a big list of the infectious diseases that
ends with AIDS.
Once microscopic cause of infectious diseases was
established, the next question to be addressed is – can we
prevent infections? Can we find any solution to train our body
to fight infections? Can we kill the infecting germs etc?
Inoculation and vaccination came as answer to these questions
and antibiotics were invented to kill the infections. Developed
nations started this prevention program with a big bang. Soon
they found that these methods do not provide fail-proof
prevention. Good nutrition, fresh and pure drinking water,
non-polluted environment and good sanitation etc. are very
important in prevention of diseases. They started with the
serious implementation of preventive program along with
vaccinations and achieved much gratifying results. In underdeveloped
and developing nations this was not followed
seriously. Consequently death, disease and disabilities
continue to stalk the population of these countries despite
mega immunization programs, with no immediate solution in sight.
Infections do produce diseases but that is not the only cause of
diseases. 1There should be a suitable environment in the body
for the growth of these invaders. If that climate is not made
available, body will not be diseased. This is the basic principle
of Ayurveda. That is why “krimi”(infection) is called as
“aagantu hetu” the cause which fails to produce disease if the
body is strong and healthy.” In short, if the host environment
(body) is not conducive for the infection to take root, one can
safely pronounce it healthy.
Strong body and mind can disallow the infection to produce
diseases, so acquisition of good strength becomes one’s prime
health objective. This is a key principle of Ayurvedic approach
to infectious disease.
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SOURCE
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336341/
SCIENCE OF LIFE
US NAtion LIbrary of Medicine
National Institute of HEalth
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