In Ayurveda AIDS can be correlated with Kshaya, Rajyakshama, Ojakshaya and Shoth roga.

Ayurveda can help you

USE OF CONDOMS KEEP AIDS AWAY

• AIDS-MODERN CONCEPT
• AIDS-AYURVEDIC CONCEPT
• CAUSES
• SYMPTOMS
• INVESTIGATION AND DIAGNOSIS
• TREATMENT OF AIDS
• SELF CARE TIPS

AIDS-MODERN CONCEPT

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS) is not a single disease but it is a syndrome- set of diseases, which results from the destruction of the body’s defence by human immune deficiency virus (HIV).

AIDS-AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

According to Ayurveda AIDS as a disease can be correlated with kashaya,rajayakshma and ojoksahya diseases described in Acient Ayurvedic literature by Ancient Ayurvedic Acharayas.

AIDS is caused due to vitiation of kaphaj dosha.Kaphaj dosha along with other doshas tends to block the sarotasa (path) of rasadi dhatus,due to which rasadi dhatus are unable to reach there locations in the body due to which sapt dhatu gets deteriorated thus causing a disease called AIDS.

CAUSE OF AIDS

AIDS occurs due to infection of human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is an infection that attacks and destroys the body’s infection fighting cells, called lymphocytes, and causes the disease called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV was identified in the United States in 1981. So many cases have been reported that HIV/AIDS is considered an epidemic.

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Who gets it?

HIV and AIDS have been reported throughout the world, affecting all age groups, including infants born to mothers who are HIV infected. Certain people are at higher risk for getting HIV and AIDS. These include-

Homosexual and bisexual men

People who use intravenous (IV) drugs

People who share needles (for drug use, tattooing, or body piercing)

Heterosexuals who have more than one sexual partner

Anyone who has sex with anyone in these groups

Anyone who has a sexual partner who has tested positive for HIV.

Also at risk are people who receive transfusions of blood or blood products that haven’t been tested for HIV.

Healthcare professionals who are accidentally pricked by a contaminated needle also risk developing the infection.

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SYMPTOMS

The major symptoms are:

• Loss of appetite, drastic loss of weight-emaciation

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Susceptibility to allergies and contagious diseases

• Skin irritations

• Bronchial disorders, often leading to tuberculosis of the lungs

• Damage to intestinal flora resulting in diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis

• Wide fluctuations in body temperature. prolonged fever

• Sleeplessness etc

INVESTIGATION AND DIAGNOSIS

How is it diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed through a blood test called the ELISA test, which detects HIV antibodies. If the ELISA test is positive for HIV, your doctor will order additional blood tests, such as one called the Western blot test, to confirm the result. If you are diagnosed with HIV, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and take a complete medical history, including a discussion of your sexual history, any sexually transmitted diseases you have had, and any history of drug use. Your doctor will order tests for other infections that can become worse if you have HIV. These include hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and syphilis. He or she will also order tests for opportunistic infections, according to the types of symptoms you are having.

TREATMENT OF AIDS

The first step to stem the disease is to ensure that good and healthy atmosphere should be present around the patient.Patient ahould be assured by relatives that the disease is curable and negative things should not be discussed before the patient.

Well nourishing and easily digestable food should be given.

Light exercises should be done.

Patient physical health and immunity should be boosted with the help of ayurvedic rejuvenators (rasayans) this will strengthen the internal system and stimulate his appetite

After gaining some strength, shodhana chikitsa (purification of body) should be done for expelling toxins from the body through panchkarma therapy. The medications administered at this stage are not hard or drastic, but soft, ghee-based so that the patient withstands them with ease

Blood is purified with appropriate Ayurvedic medications.

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 ancient ayurvedic acharyas like Agasthya, Charaka 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.

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SELF CARE TIPS

Self-care tips
You can prevent infection with HIV by practicing safe sex and choosing your sexual partners carefully. Never use intravenous drugs or share needles. If you have decided to get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the person providing the service is using only clean, sterile needles that have not been used on anyone else. While it is now highly unlikely that you will develop HIV from an infected blood transfusion, you can donate your own blood before any surgeries to ensure the safety of the blood if you need a transfusion. If you engage in activities that put you at a high risk for HIV and AIDS, get tested. Even if your test is negative, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations for a schedule of retesting. If you have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you are sexually active, always use a condom and tell your partner that you are HIV positive. Call your doctor immediately if your symptoms change in any way. Never donate blood or blood products, semen, or any organs.

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