• Published on: Nov 09, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Ayurveda And Its Benefits

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Ayurveda and its benefits

Ayurveda is about matching your body with food, exercises, rituals to the qualities of nature.

Ayurveda prescribes healthy eating habits while suggesting appropriate yoga poses for various ailments. It also prescribes herbal therapies and values medicinal plants. The ultimate goal is wellness which takes into account physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

The best thing about ayurvedic treatment is that it addresses both the physical as well as mental wellness of an individual holistically without any side effects or adverse reactions. You will not face any difficulty in adjusting to anyone's day-to-day routine once you have been cured of your condition using ayurvedic therapy.

Ayurveda is a healing system that originated in India. It's based on the natural elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth. The body needs these elements to create balance which leads to healing.

It has three main objectives:

  • to unify the individual with their universal nature
  • to establish dharma balance
  • to create harmony among one’s inner self and outer world

Aurvedya teaches us that we're one with all cosmic creations and can work towards achieving what is called Swasthya "Health", not just physical but also mental and spiritual health, where we can live our life fully unhindered by disease or suffering.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of alternative medicine to prevent and treat bodily disorders. Ayurveda's therapeutic routines differ significantly from various other procedures in its use of malas, or ritualistic objects and practices that guide the patient through the experience. These rituals promote relaxation and provide methods for cleansing and detoxification, while simultaneously removing toxins from the mind-body connection by focusing on breathing, meditation, coloring mandalas (visual arts), practicing yoga poses (physical pursuits) and eating foods that align with your dosha type (digestion). Breathing exercises such as pranayama can help relieve depression by calming cortisol secretion.

Ayurvedic cooking recipes vary widely based on geography and personal preference. The basic idea is to prepare food in a way that enhances the body's natural functions, providing its energy for physical work and emotional stability. Benefits include increased vitality, weight loss, deep insight into one's emotions, improved digestion and assimilation of nutrients, boosted immune function with improved resistance to infection as well as developmentally appropriate tips for children from those with experience raising them from birth through adolescence.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal practice, from the Sanskrit word from ayur for "life" and veda meaning "knowledge". Ayurvedic medicine is more than just a set of remedies. It's also an approach to life to reduce stress on the body which can lead to progressive imbalance and disease. There are many ways in which people sleep badly that affect their health over time - being too hot or cold, being woken up frequently by alarms or other factors, not enough deep sleep cycles. As a result, there are many missed opportunities for cellular repair and rebalancing.

Ayurveda includes a philosophy that posits an individual's personality and environment to create the right balance of mind and body for optimum health. Indian traditional medicine looks at seven bodily systems to maintain both physical and mental health. They are: kapha (mucus), pitta (blood), vata (wind or air); earth-fire; agni (digestive fire); samana (waste product removal) and heat regulation, mala dhatu through thyroid hormones, metabolism control; endocrine system; immunity surveillance; nervous system.

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality that, like yoga, aims to balance the three constituents of our being - body (our form), mind (our thoughts and emotions), and spirit (our purpose or soul). The word "Ayurveda" loosely translated means 'the science of life' or 'knowledge about life'. As many other traditional medicines do, Ayurveda believes disease has multiple causes like genetic predisposition, external factors including diet. Mental wellbeing is known to influence physical constitution. Nowadays this holistic traditional system is regarded as complementary rather than alternative medicine that complements Western treatment plans for cancer patients.

Ayurveda is a holistic healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent. The word 'Ayurveda means “knowledge about life,” and ayurvedic medicines are designed to help balance the natural forces of mind, body, and spirit that lead to an optimal state of well-being

Fasting can be an invaluable aid to purification for people who need extra energy to handle excess toxins in their systems due to either excess workload or diet. In general, fasting can be useful as a calming measure when one experiences heightened levels of stress or find oneself thinking obsessively over issues that cause anxiety. Though sometimes fasting is not advised if one's physical health is impaired due to serious illness or recent surgeries.

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian food therapy that says that your diet affects your health. It's an ancient system of natural practices for mindful eating, healthy living, and weight loss. Ayurveda teaches principles to maintain equilibrium in mind and body through gentle detoxification techniques, yoga practices, meditation exercises, whole foods diet, exercise routines including walking or swimming every day.

The most common goal for most people adopting a healthy lifestyle under ayurvedic guidance is better overall health along with losing weight when necessary to achieve perfect proportions of height and weight ratios as defined by traditional ayurvedic teachings. More young children are also seeking assistance from a qualified Ayurved therapist because they have been teased throughout their lives. Ayurveda is an approach to holistic medicine that originated in India 2,000 years ago and focuses on the balance of mind, body and spirit.

The primary result of balancing these three entities is a state of "good health" where the patient experiences natural healing and emotional wellbeing. Such good health benefits include increased energy levels, better sleep, immunity from disease and ailments such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, or osteoporosis. More specifically, there are many benefits based on the cleansing practices performed during a treatment session called Panchakarma.

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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes illness in people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The virus can lead to conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections. With rising cases globally and in India, awareness about HMPV, its symptoms, and available treatment options is essential.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms in easy-to-understand language.

 

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV is a virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family—the same group of viruses responsible for illnesses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and mumps. It was first discovered in 2001 but is now known to have been circulating for decades.

The virus mainly affects the respiratory tract and can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe lower respiratory infections. It spreads most commonly in late winter and spring, similar to flu season.

 

HMPV in India: Current Overview

In 2025, several hospitals in India have seen a rise in cases of HMPV among children and elderly patients. Though not as widely known as COVID-19 or flu, Human Metapneumovirus is a common cause of pediatric hospital admissions during respiratory infection surges.

Doctors advise taking it seriously because it can mimic flu or pneumonia, making early diagnosis crucial.

 

Common Symptoms of HMPV

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to other respiratory viruses. They can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe breathing difficulties, especially in vulnerable groups.

Main Symptoms Include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sore throat

  • Wheezing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite (especially in children)
     

In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

 

How is HMPV Transmitted?

Human Metapneumovirus spreads from person to person through:

  • Coughing and sneezing

  • Close personal contact

  • Touching contaminated surfaces or hands
     

The virus can survive on surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and tables for several hours. That’s why regular handwashing and hygiene are essential.

 

How is HMPV Diagnosed?

Since HMPV symptoms resemble other viral infections, a lab test is the only way to confirm the virus.

Tests may include:

  • RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) for detecting viral RNA

  • Nasopharyngeal swabs

  • Rapid antigen tests (less common)
     

In India, you can book respiratory virus panels or flu-like illness tests from diagnostic labs like Thyrocare through SecondMedic to check for multiple viruses including HMPV.

 

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment

There is no specific antiviral drug for HMPV. Treatment is mainly supportive, aimed at relieving symptoms.

Supportive Treatments:

  • Fever reducers like paracetamol

  • Cough suppressants

  • Steam inhalation

  • Hydration (drinking fluids)

  • Rest
     

Hospitalization is required if:

  • Breathing becomes difficult

  • Oxygen levels drop

  • Patient is elderly, a young child, or has chronic illnesses (like asthma or heart disease)
     

Doctors may provide oxygen therapy or nebulizers to ease breathing in severe cases.

 

How to Prevent HMPV

As with many respiratory infections, prevention is the best protection.

Tips to Avoid Infection:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when outside.

  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

  • Avoid touching your face, especially eyes and nose.

  • Disinfect commonly used surfaces at home and work.

  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

  • Wear a mask in crowded places during flu season.
     

There is no vaccine for HMPV yet, but researchers are working on developing one.

 

Who is Most at Risk?

  • Infants and toddlers (under 5 years)

  • Adults over 65

  • People with weakened immune systems

  • Individuals with chronic respiratory or heart diseases
     

These groups may experience more severe symptoms and need urgent care if infected.

 

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

  • Symptoms last more than 5–7 days

  • Breathing becomes difficult

  • Fever is very high or persistent

  • There's chest pain or confusion

  • A child has a bluish face or lips
     

Early intervention can prevent complications.

 

Recommended Tests on SecondMedic (Powered by Thyrocare)

While there is no HMPV-specific test for home collection, you can book tests like:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  2. CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

  3. Respiratory Pathogen Panel

  4. Influenza A & B Detection

  5. RT-PCR Viral Panels (on request)
     

Visit SecondMedic’s Lab Test Section to explore packages and book your test online.

 

Conclusion

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a growing cause of respiratory illness in India, especially in children and the elderly. Though there is no specific cure, early diagnosis and symptom-based treatment can help patients recover fully. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people are the best ways to prevent infection.

Stay informed and protect your loved ones. For detailed insights and medical advice, bookmark this guide on "Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms."

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