Resurgence of immunity in Covid-19 era! 90% of the illnesses are outcome of stress - How yoga, Indian wellness programs help

The new decade brought many new(s) for the world, and most of them compelled the human clan to dig into ancient researches. The revival of consumer trust in the age-old ayurvedic herbs and natural extracts is the perfect example. “Immunity” became the talk of the town and is probably the only reliable tool available today to deal with many unknowns, whether it is the unknown virus or the looming uncertainties. Sanjaya Mariwala, Executive Chairman and Managing Director at OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd, has more to share:-

What is immunity? It is the defence mechanism for physical health, the resistance power for mental health, and the most affordable protection tool that provides a safety net to both lives and livelihoods.

The importance of traditional medicines gained its due recognition, with sustainable cure methodologies of Ayurveda at the helm. The shifting patterns from sick care to preventive care and complete wellness is pertinent to imbibe, resulting in longevity and gratification. Hence, what is come into being now is an extension of informed lifestyle choices influencing the dynamics of a changing healthcare model. Ayurveda, nutraceuticals, naturopathy, and such preventive care based sciences are thus finding their inflection point today. Health is no more about medicines; it is the way of creating a defence mechanism that helps in extending the disease-free life span by preventing and limiting disease complications. Everything is about going to the roots and opting for organic and natural. It is one of the largest contributors to the resurgence of nature-based science.

Research says that 90% of the illnesses are the outcome of stress, and it is one of the critical determinants of the health of the immune system of the body. Depression and other associated diseases that were predominant in the West attracted foreigners to Indian wellness programs related to Ayurveda, naturopathy, and yoga as a cure to their mental state. Yoga retreats and Ayurveda treatment programs are the new trends that are slowly catching the attention of locals as well. Wellness tourism industry is immensely contributing to create awareness about the importance of unwinding, destressing, and importantly, preventive science that enhances mental health.

A recent report by Mintel suggests that India launched the highest number of new immune-supporting products within the APAC region in the past few months. However, a much larger number of patents and registered trademarks on Ayurvedic products are in the name of other countries. As we talk about lives and livelihoods, here are the opportunities for India to grab and expand in scale and size and boost its exports of nutraceutical products. The heritage of Ayurveda is the intellectual property of India. We have all the resources starting from farms to formulations. The nutraceutical industry offers immense potential to thrive with a steady increase in dietary supplement consumption globally. Growth and research-oriented reforms, an impetus to innovate, defined policy on the globalisation of Ayurveda and nutraceutical products, and an integrated and forward-looking ecosystem are the way to go.

What we are heading into now is a significantly transformative phase wherein the dynamics of our healthcare needs have completely changed. Affordability is at stake whether it is the monetary affordability or of catching an infection and risking life. The answer to everything lies in designing the personal safety net, and that is the real resurgence of “immunity” in this Covid-19 era.