A Review on Selected South Indian Regime of Tamil Nadu for the Seasonal Management of Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Communicable diseases are infectious diseases that are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa etc. Seasonal change in the infectious disease incidence is a common phenomenon in temperate and tropical climates such as India. The present covid-19 pandemic has become a spotlight on the importance of boosting our immune system and focuses on key gaps in understanding the function of our immune system. While there is an emergence of new strains of viruses and its consequences in today’s world, it urges us to spectate on lifestyle modification through natural measures that focuses on boosting our immunity apart from vaccines. This gap area has developed an interest to review the traditional Siddha texts that explains the disciplines of life for various seasons that specifically directs the daily routines to be followed from the dawn to dusk of the day according to seasons. This Siddha system of medicine is an ancient system of Tamil nadu in India which emphasize on Nithya Ozhukkam (Seasonal disciplines) in order to lead healthy and disease-free life. The latter rainy season (Koothirkalam) can favour the spread of many infectious diseases. Only few research work has been published on literature analysis of ancient texts exploring the science behind its facts. While there is a tremendous interest and research in the health-promoting and protective concepts of traditional systems off late, this review article has unraveled the scientific facts of few selected traditional food regime and the concepts of mukkutra theory (Trihumoural theory) which can be beneficial to boost our immunity against communicable diseases as recommended in ancient Siddha texts.