Immunity score in Nadi Tarangini : Understanding Through Ayurveda and Modern Science

In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the word “immunity” has become a part of everyday conversations. People often ask, “How can I improve my immunity?” While modern medicine explains immunity through the body’s defense mechanisms, Ayurveda has been discussing the concept for thousands of years through terms such as Vyadhipratikar Shakti and Ojas.

Although the language differs, both systems recognize that a healthy body possesses an innate ability to resist disease, recover from illness, and maintain balance. Understanding immunity through both modern science and Ayurveda can help us adopt a more holistic approach to health.

The Ayurvedic Concept of Vyadhipratikar Shakti

Ayurveda describes immunity as Vyadhipratikar Shakti.

The term can be understood as:

• Vyadhi = disease
• Pratikar = resistance or opposition
• Shakti = strength or power

Thus, Vyadhipratikar Shakti means the body’s power to resist disease and recover from illness.

Acharya Charaka explains that this strength determines:

1. Whether a disease develops.
2. How severe the disease becomes.
3. How quickly recovery occurs.

In modern terms, Vyadhipratikar Shakti includes disease resistance, resilience, recovery capacity, and overall health potential.

Ayurveda considers age, season, location to define immunity. It commonly finds weak in kids and elders, moderate to excellent in middle age people. Also, seasons affect immunity, it is excellent in winter, moderate in summer and weak in rainy season. Also, in the rutu sandhi kaal- union of 2 seasons, immunity hampers and becomes low causing infections of communicable diseases like cold, cough, herpes, etc. In the jangal desha immunity finds low to  moderate, aanup desha moderate and sadharan desha excellent in general. 

What Is Ojas?

Among all Ayurvedic concepts related to health, Ojas holds a special place.

Immunity grows over time, effort, consistency and daily habits, it’s not a one day quick process. 

Ojas is considered the essence of all body tissues (Dhatus). It is the refined product of proper digestion, metabolism, nourishment, and tissue formation.

Thus, Ojas can be viewed as the biological reserve that supports immunity, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

What Is Immunity?

Immunity is the body’s ability to protect itself from harmful microorganisms, toxins, and abnormal cells. It acts as a defense system that identifies threats and responds appropriately.

The immune system consists of various organs, cells, and molecules, including:

• White blood cells
• Bone marrow
• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Antibodies
• Cytokines and immune mediators

Together, they work continuously to defend the body against infections and diseases.

Modern science broadly classifies immunity into:

Innate Immunity

This is the immunity we are born with. Ayurveda calls it Prakriti bala (body type based)  It serves as the body’s first line of defense. The skin, mucous membranes, stomach acid, and certain immune cells form part of innate immunity.

Acquired Immunity

This develops after exposure to infections or vaccinations. It creates immune memory, enabling the body to recognize and fight specific pathogens more effectively in the future.

Modern Science and Ojas: Are They Related?

Ojas is not identical to any single scientific parameter.

In modern terms, Ojas resembles the body’s overall capacity to maintain homeostasis and adapt to stress.

A person may have normal laboratory reports but still feel energetic, mentally balanced, and resistant to disease. Ayurveda would describe such a state as good Ojas.

Immunity score in Nadi Tarangini

Considering all above aspect mind, body and soul nadi tarangini gives an immunity score. It is the vital score of digestive health, dhatu bala, mind health through Nadi pariksha. 

It is explained in 3 levels-

Low- red colur – ranges 10-30 

Moderate- Orange – ranges 40-70

Excellent- green – ranges 80-100 

However, Nadi tarangini believe that Immunity reflects the combined state of:

• Immune health
• Hormonal balance
• Nutritional status
• Mental wellbeing
• Cellular health
• Metabolic efficiency

COVID-19: A Real-Life Example of Immunity

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a powerful example of how immunity influences health outcomes.

People exposed to the same virus showed remarkably different responses.

Some individuals remained asymptomatic. Some developed mild symptoms. Others required hospitalization and intensive care. Why did this happen?

Individuals with stronger immunity and better Ojas generally demonstrated greater resilience and faster recovery.

This does not mean that immunity alone prevents infection. However, it significantly influences disease severity and recovery.

Immunity and Cancer

Cancer presents another important perspective on immunity.

Every day, abnormal cells may arise within the body. Under normal circumstances, the immune system identifies and destroys many of these cells before they become dangerous.

This process is called immune surveillance.

When immune surveillance weakens, abnormal cells may escape detection and continue multiplying.

Modern cancer treatment increasingly utilizes immunotherapy, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Ayurveda views cancer as a complex disorder involving:

• Disturbed Doshas
• Impaired Agni
• Accumulation of toxins
• Tissue imbalance
• Reduced Ojas

Many cancer patients experience fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and reduced vitality, features that resemble Ojas depletion. Therefore, alongside disease-specific treatment, maintaining nutrition, mental wellbeing, and tissue strength remains crucial.

Autoimmune Diseases: When Immunity Becomes Confused

Many people assume that stronger immunity is always better. However, autoimmune diseases show that immunity requires balance, not simply strength.

In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Examples include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Psoriasis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

In these conditions, the immune system becomes overactive or misdirected.

Ayurveda interprets such disorders as disturbances in Doshas, Agni, and immune regulation.

This highlights an important principle: Healthy immunity means appropriate response, not excessive response. The goal is immune balance rather than immune overstimulation.

Factors That Reduce Immunity and Ojas

Several lifestyle factors can weaken both immunity and Ojas.

Poor Diet- Excessive processed food, sugar, and junk food impair overall health.

Inadequate Sleep- Sleep deprivation disrupts immune function and recovery.

Chronic Stress- Persistent stress increases cortisol levels and suppresses immunity.

Lack of Physical Activity- Sedentary habits reduce metabolic efficiency and resilience.

Excessive Alcohol and Tobacco- These weaken immune defenses and increase disease risk.

Poor Digestion- Ayurveda considers weak digestion a major contributor to reduced vitality and disease susceptibility.

Loneliness and Emotional Distress- Mental health strongly influences immune function through neuroendocrine pathways.

How to Enhance Immunity and Ojas

Follow a Balanced Diet

Consume:

• Fresh fruits
• Seasonal vegetables
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Adequate protein
• Traditional home-cooked meals
• Avoid excessive processed foods.

Simple measures include:

• Eating at regular times
• Avoiding overeating
• Eating freshly prepared food
• Limiting heavy late-night meals

Sleep Well

Adults generally require 7–8 hours of quality sleep.

Sleep supports immune repair and hormonal balance.

Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity improves circulation, metabolism, and immune function.

Walking, yoga, cycling, and swimming are excellent choices.

Practice Yoga

Yoga improves flexibility, stress management, and overall wellbeing.

Regular practice enhances both physical and mental resilience.

Incorporate Pranayama

Breathing practices such as:

• Anulom Vilom
• Bhramari
• Deep diaphragmatic breathing

help reduce stress and improve respiratory health.

Manage Stress

Meditation, mindfulness, prayer, and relaxation techniques help maintain emotional balance.

A calm mind supports healthy immunity.

Maintain Healthy Relationships

Social support positively influences mental and physical health.

Human connection is an important aspect of wellbeing.

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination trains the immune system to recognize specific pathogens and remains one of the most effective public health measures.

Use Rasayana Wisely

Ayurveda describes Rasayana therapies that support vitality and healthy aging.

Commonly used examples include:

• Amalaki
• Guduchi
• Ashwagandha
• Yashtimadhu
• Chyavan prasha
• Suvarna kalpa

These should be used under professional guidance, particularly in individuals with chronic illnesses.

The Role of Mental Health in Immunity

Modern psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated a close connection between the mind and the immune system.

Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness can negatively affect immune responses.

Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of:

• Positive thinking
• Emotional balance
• Sattvic lifestyle
• Mental discipline

A peaceful mind contributes to stronger health and better resilience.

Integrating Ayurveda and Modern Science

Rather than viewing Ayurveda and modern medicine as opposing systems, they can be seen as complementary perspectives.

Modern science provides detailed knowledge of immune cells, antibodies, and molecular pathways.

Ayurveda offers a broader understanding of vitality, digestion, lifestyle, mental health, and preventive care.

Together, they teach us that health is not merely the absence of disease.

When modern scientific understanding of immunity is combined with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, we gain a comprehensive roadmap toward lifelong health, resilience, and wellbeing.