Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes (mainly Aedes species which also transmit dengue). The name Chikungunya is an African word that means "bends you up" or "stooped walk" because the virus leaves people hunched over and in discomfort. The basic symptoms of Chikungunya include a sudden high fever, intense joint pains, nausea, fatigue, headaches, red eyes and rashes.
These symptoms may be felt 2 to 7 days following a mosquito bite and can be extremely painful during day-to-day activities. Even though most people with Chikungunya recover within a couple of weeks, some suffer from joint pain that lasts months or years. The illness hardly ever causes severe complications or death, but young children, older adults and individuals with diseases like diabetes or heart problems are at greater risk for serious issues.
Chikungunya is not contagious, which is why preventing mosquito bites is important. There is no specific treatment for the virus, so management of symptoms and strengthening body immunity with natural remedies like those suggested by Ayurvedic treatment can be helpful. Taking precautions and timely care are key to recovery from Chikungunya.
Chikungunya is a viral infection that has become a growing concern in many parts of the world, particularly in areas that have high amounts of mosquitoes. The spread of this disease is linked to factors like increased mosquito breeding and transmission of the virus.
Infected Mosquito Bites: Chikungunya is spread by an infected Aedes mosquito, which becomes a carrier after biting someone with the virus.
Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources like uncovered water tanks, old tyres, flower pots and clogged gutters. Areas with poor water drainage and waste management are particularly at risk.
Warm and Humid Climates: Aedes mosquitoes live in warm and moist weather. Consequently, tropical and subtropical regions have greater Chikungunya transmission rates.
Dense Urban Areas: Overcrowded urban environments generally have a higher mosquito population, especially if basic sanitation and waste disposal are not adequate.
Bad Waste Management: Bad waste disposal creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially disposed items that collect water.
Travel to Endemic Regions: You face the danger of getting bitten by infected mosquitoes and spreading the virus to non-endemic places if you go to places where Chikungunya is common.
Chikungunya could make daily tasks feel impossible because of the pain and discomfort it causes. Identifying the symptoms early may help control the disease and to stay away from any further complications.
The noticeable signs and symptoms associated with Chikungunya are:
A sudden and very high fever of up to 104°F (40°C) is among the first symptoms of Chikungunya.
The virus leads to extreme joint pain, particularly in the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. This pain can be so severe that it limits mobility and may last for weeks or even months.
Along with joint pain, many people also suffer muscle aches.
A throbbing headache may accompany the fever and body pain.
Extreme weakness and tiredness are common with this disease and it's hard to perform day-to-day activities.
A red, patchy rash may develop on limbs, body, or the face within days of the fever starting.
Many others feel nauseous and experience vomiting, which may cause dehydration.
Redness in the eyes may also occur, like with conjunctivitis.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Chikungunya using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and promote emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness: Calming practices that boost your mental health and promote overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Detox therapies like Panchakarma and soothing massages to cleanse your body and support emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: Expert guidance on making diet and lifestyle changes for better health and well-being.
Ayurveda provides a natural way to manage Chikungunya symptoms, focused on relieving pain, reducing swelling and improving immunity. Certain commonly prescribed Ayurvedic herbs and medicines used in controlling Chikungunya have been mentioned below.
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia): A natural immune booster, Giloy reduces fever and eases inflammation. It also helps flush toxins from the body.
Chirayata (Swertia Chirata): This herb helps to manage persistent fever and detoxifies the blood. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent.
Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata): Kalmegh has potent antiviral properties and can fight the Chikungunya virus and relieve fever and joint pain.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem is an all-natural blood purifier and possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It boosts the immune system and also rids the body of toxins.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties. It reduces stress and facilitates recovery by increasing energy levels and relieving joint pain.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric with milk or ghee can ease joint pain and swelling.
Triphala: Triphala is an herbal blend of amla, bibhitaki and haritaki that helps in digestion and detoxification and ensures a proper digestive function during recovery.
Bala (Sida Cordifolia): The joint and muscle pain can be reduced with Bala. It also restores strength and energy in the body.
Ayurveda considers Chikungunya as an imbalance between the doshas and the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Treatment includes balancing the doshas, removal of toxins and use of herbal medicines to control symptoms and facilitate healing.
Ayurveda offers remedies for managing symptoms and boosting immunity with herbal medicines, dietary adjustments and natural therapies. This holistic approach has no side effects and helps reduce pain & inflammation.
Ayurvedic herbal plants like Giloy, Neem, Ashwagandha, Chirayata and Turmeric serve as anti-inflammatory agents in addition to immune boosters. They reduce fever, and joint pain, and prepare the body to fight the infection.
Ayurveda uses therapies like hot sand fomentation (Sand Pottali) and medicinal oils to treat pain. Herbal medicines like Ashwagandha and Turmeric also reduce inflammation and lifestyle changes ensure full recovery.
Yes, Ayurveda recommends a light, nutritious diet for digestion and energy. Foods such as rice and green gram dal, vegetable soups and boiled green moong are easy to digest and help eliminate toxins.
Ayurveda suggests proper sleep, gentle stretching to ease stiffness, and higher water intake. It also suggests avoiding stress. Yoga and meditation may also help with mental and physical recovery.
Ayurvedic practitioners assess your pulse, tongue and overall symptoms to understand dosha imbalance in the body. Diagnosis also includes your digestive health and toxin (Ama) levels in the body.
Ayurveda emphasises immunity-boosting herbs like Giloy and Neem. It also recommends avoiding mosquito bites by using natural repellents, dumping stagnant water and maintaining good hygiene to avoid infection.
Yes, Ayurveda helps in long-term recovery by strengthening the joints and the immune system. Remedies like Ashwagandha and lifestyle practices like yoga help with chronic joint pain and restore energy over time.
