Nagin disease, which is also known as Shingles or Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection. The disease occurs when the causal organism Varicella Zoster, which is the same as causing chicken pox, resurfaces in the host’s body. The virus remains dominant for a long time in the nervous system before it again causes the disease.
In this blog, you will get a complete idea regarding the reactivation of the virus and how it may cause problems for patients who are usually older.
Why The Term Nagin Disease?
Before proceeding any further, you may ask yourself, “Why is the disease named nagin”? The answer lies in the way the disease presents itself in the host’s body. The Varicella Zoster is known to cause the disease chicken pox, which gets cured within a few days with proper treatment.
However, the existing imbalances in the body, as per Ayurveda, make it host the organism for a longer period. When the virus resurfaces, it may cause common problems like distinctive band-like patterns around the body, which means the virus has resurfaced again.
Therefore, I can clearly state that the presentation of the disease around the waist like a band gives it the name “nagin”.
Most Indians are known to have been attacked by chickenpox at least once in their lifetime. The virus may remain active inside the body, and it ultimately creates a problem in the later part of life. As per reports, more than 90% of Indians are known to face problems like Shingles, and most adults above 50 in India are known to be primarily at risk.
An Ayurvedic Perspective on the Disease
Shingles is one of the common diseases that occurs when there is a pitta-vata dosha imbalance in your body. The body’s existing imbalances will naturally tend to provide for the viral organisms. The burning pain or the pitta dosha tends to cause inflammation, and vata is known to cause nerve sensitivity.
To manage this, naturally cooling and immunity-boosting remedies are known to be extremely important. Neem and turmeric have many antiviral properties; therefore, you may consume neem juice or neem-turmeric paste to prevent rashes. In India, neem and Haldi (turmeric) are commonly consumed, with turmeric commonly used in most of the dishes in India.
I would also recommend giloy and ashwagandha powder to strengthen the immunity and reduce inflammation. For more quality recommendations, visit Ask Ayurveda and get professional help from expert doctors. They will help you fulfil all your queries effectively.
How to Get Relief or Manage the Symptoms Through Diet?
As per Ayurveda, food is one of the top components that must be cautiously taken. Avoiding spicy, sour, and fried foods must be undertaken to remove problems that may aggravate pitta. Cooling foods like coconut water, pomegranate juice, and moong dal khichdi can help strengthen your immunity.
Cumin and coriander water or drinking buttermilk can also reduce body heat, which helps in managing inflammation. However, please note that rest is essential for reducing stress and inflammation. Meditation is also one of the key components that can help in managing the symptoms.
Understanding the Symptoms of Shingles
Although shingles usually presents as a rash, I would still recommend checking for these signs, which may be present alone or in combination, like:
- Blisters in the hip area
- Rash in the torso, arms, or thighs
- Pain in the areas having rash-like burning, stabbing, and in many cases, a shock-like treatment
Some people who suffer from Shingles have also stated that they feel:
- Feverish
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
Final Words
So, it is agreeable that shingles is not just any typical disease, but it can have multiple consequences for your body. If you are having shingles, you may feel weak, and in such cases, the ayurvedic way of life will help you regain strength and build better immunity.
Apart from that, it is essential that if you are above 50 years of age, you conduct a deep examination and get yourself tested. With the right preventive measures, you can easily fight shingles.
As most of the Indians are known to harbour the virus directly inside their system, getting checked and taking precautions is always necessary to avoid such a disease.
