From time immemorial, women have been considered as a vulnerable group. In Charaka Samhita, Acharya has mentioned 4 categories of people whom he has designated as Sadaatura (meaning highly vulnerable to get sick). These are, Shrotriya (Brahmana), Raajasevaka (Kings servicemen), Veshya (Prostitute) and Panyajeevi (Businessmen). Brahmana being always engaged in learning the Vedas, performing the rituals and observing the vows; King’s servicemen always being at high alert to serve the king and always under the stress of king’s safety and security; Prostitute always engaged in pleasing the visitors; and, businessman having sedentary lifestyle and the stress of the finances these categories of people are frequently subjected to:
- Suppression of vegas (natural urges)
- Irregular food practices
- Inappropriate lifestyle including sleep
This makes them vulnerable to diseases. Unfortunately, these mal practices are very much relevant in the present times.
Further, as the famous quote says, Mother is the first teacher. It is generally observed that in a household it is the women, who will be primarily taking care of the food, lifestyle, housekeeping etc. When we talk about health, the factors like nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, lifestyle including sleep are important contributors; also, the modifiable risk factors in various diseases. Thus, imparting awareness and training regarding the Ayurvedic principles of healthcare to the women in each household can play a pivotal role.
Reproductive Health care
The women must be made aware regarding the practices advised in Ayurveda classics to be observed at the time of Menarche and further related to the menstrual irregularities. This would help in early diagnosis and management of reproductive issues which can prevent conditions like infertility. Further, the knowledge about basic care of infants and puerperal care including diet and therapies must be imparted.
Nutrition
The women must be trained in the basic principles of food and nutrition including healthy recipes as widely explained in Ayurveda. This will help in inculcating the practice of healthy eating and can go a long way in preventing diseases related to malnourishment (both overnutrition & under nutrition).
Sleep
The importance of regular sleep-wake cycle must be taught to the women so that she can train and monitor the kids right from the childhood to follow the same.
Dinacharya
The women must be trained in the health promotive practices of personal hygiene as described in Dinacharya especially Anjanam, Nasya, Dhumapanam, Gandusham and Abhyangam to enable her to pass on these healthy practices to the family members.
Sensitization about herbal drugs
An awareness must be imparted regarding locally available or cultivable herbal drugs which can be used as single drugs or simple formulations for common illness like cough, cold, fever, indigestion etc. At the same time, she must be made aware about judicious use of these herbs and about when to consult a medical professional.
Housekeeping
Infectious disease prevention is based upon appropriate environmental sanitation. The concepts of disinfection, herbal fumigation, mosquito control measures (especially in the monsoons) must be educated about.
Mental Health
Mothers must be educated regarding the early signs of psychological problems like anxiety, depression, addictions etc which will be helpful in identifying and addressing such problems of the children especially during the adolescence.
Geriatric Care
Basic knowledge regarding the common geriatric problems and special health needs of the geriatric group manageable at home like diet etc must be provided. Further there are various mis-concepts and taboos prevalent which often have an impact on health, particularly related to diet practices and reproductive health. The vicious cycle of such practices can be terminated by creating awareness among the women.
The above said basic requisites for disease prevention and health promotion can be ensured to be reaching out to each and every household by empowering the female members of the family through effective training and awareness among them.
Similarly, clusters of teachers must be selected and trained in the mentioned areas to empower them to inculcate these health practices to the students and through them to their homes. Special training sessions where the teacher can practically train the students must be conducted in schools at least once in a week and preferably with the involvement of the mothers of the students.
Further, the female healthcare providers like Village Health Guides, ASHA workers, Anganawadi workers etc who are the backbone of the Primary Health Care services must also be trained in these Ayurveda practices to reach out to the community.
In nutshell, as a tool of primordial prevention, sensitization of the women in the household regarding health and allied areas can contribute towards creating a healthy family and society.
