Integrated holistic medical systems have gentle and effective solutions to treat chikungunya.  Chikungunya, the mosquito bourne viral outbreak is currently sweeping the city of Colombo.  The onset of the symptoms begins from 2 to 12 days after the bite of the infected mosquito.  The incubation of the disease is usually 4 to 8 days. The symptoms include fever followed by  swelling of joints, including nausea, vomiting, skin rashes and stiffness that lasts well past the  acute phase of the viral infection.  

Holistic medical systems are able to gently but steadily heal various viral infections and other  conditions regardless of diagnosis. Holistic medical systems treat the person not the dis-ease.  A holistic healing approach is centred around building a robust immune system that can  respond to whatever the acute infection is.  

Holistic health practitioners use a combination of remedies and medicines to give comfort  and bring recovery to those suffering from various infections, today we see the need to respond to the chikungunya outbreak. We are reminded that despite what the viral infection maybe the holistic health response and solutions remain relevant. Holistic healing practitioners individualise the medical response to treat the whole person.

The goal is to  strengthening the immune system of the individual who is battling the virus. Immune  function is not limited to the food we eat, or the vitamins and supplements we consume. Our  emotions, sleep patterns and our energy levels all affect our immune function. So do our  choices to stay or not stay in challenging or toxic situations.  

In Sri Lanka, we have so many incredibly potent medical modalities to draw from.  Indigenous to Sri Lanka we have an ancient knowledge of the sacred healing system of Hela  Wedakama, and its close cousins Siddha - Ayurveda and Ayurveda healing systems. We also  have communities of practitioners of Unani, Homeopathy, Accupuncture, Yoga and other  valuable healing systems that can be integrated to bring about a deep cure, whatever the  diagnosis maybe.  

Having spoken with the Ayurvedic doctors at Ayuwanna by Barberyn, they shared with me  that despite there being no direct reference to the term chikungunya disease in Ayurveda. It  can be correlated with Sandhigata Sannipataja jwara. Even though the name seems different  the exact same symptoms and signs of this disease have been mentioned in ancient Ayurveda  texts of more than 5000 yrs. The symptoms of Vata pittaja and Vata kaphaja jwara mimic the  symptoms of the chikungunya viral disease.

According to Acharya Bhava Prakasha  symptoms of Sandhigata Sannipataja jwara include Jwara (Fever), Sotha (Swelling of the  Joints), Ruja (Pain all over the joints). According to Acharya Charaka, it can be correlated  with Bhutabhisanga vatolpana vishama sannipataja jwara. In Ayurvedic terms, Chikungunya  is closely aligned with Sandhigata Sannipatika Jvara conditions that affect the joints and  blood. The acute fever and viral infection are seen as an Agantuja Vyadhi (externally acquired  disease) with Vata and Pitta aggravation. This imbalance leads to inflammation, joint pain,  fever, and fatigue. 

Sandhigata Sannipātika Jvara in Ayurveda refers to a fever (jvara) that arises due to the  simultaneous aggravation of all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (Sannipāta)—and  manifests predominantly with symptoms affecting the joints (Sandhi).  

The general Ayurvedic treatment plans in the case of individuals presenting with chikungunya  symptoms is to; Reduce Ama (toxins) and inflammation.Balance Vata and Pitta  doshas.Rejuvenate affected joints and immune system and finally to prevent chronic fatigue  and arthritis-like complications post-infection.  

Sound healing therapy has shown potential benefits in alleviating physical pain by using  vibrations and frequencies to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and stimulate  healing.Sound healing therapy is an ancient practice originating in Tibetan & Himalayan  cultures. Sound waves, particularly low-frequency vibrations like Tibetan singing bowls can  help relax tight muscles, improving circulation and easing tension-related pain.

Sound can  influence brainwave activity, shifting the brain into alpha or theta states, which are  associated with reduced perception of pain and increased relaxation. Vibrations from sound  therapy may enhance blood flow and oxygenation, supporting the body’s natural healing  processes and reducing inflammation. Chronic pain is often worsened by stress. Sound  therapy can lower cortisol levels and trigger the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and digest), indirectly reducing physical pain.

Dheeshana Amersekere who uses this method of  healing in combination with a guided relaxation from the Yogic traditions has been told by  patients that they have experienced deep relaxation and relief from their aches and pains.  Sometimes even long standing pains have melted away in a sound bowl healing session.  Sound healing is an extremely potent healing modality. It stretches across a wide spectrum  from chanting prayers, to the sound of temple & church bells, singing songs of praise and  gathas to playing a musical instrument, sound bowls & gongs. The most potent sound  healing is said to be Gregorian or Sanskrit chants with the 432 htz frequency.  

As a Homeopath and Yogic lifestyle counsellor I have found most benefit in an integrated  healing offering. In the case of chikungunya, the Homeopathic remedies have given much  ease and comfort to patients. This homeopathic metaphor resonates with me deeply;  “Homeopathy heals like peeling the layers of an onion”. I have experienced this in my own  health journey and in that of patients I have worked with, whereby we address one layer of  imbalance at a time, starting with the most superficial symptom and working deeper over  time as we aim to reach the root cause of illness.  

I, myself struggled with the discomforts of chikungunya, and have found that well chosen  homeopathic remedies supported me greatly at each phase of the disease. The use of  Ayurvedic herbal teas, oils and packs eased the swelling and brought mobility to the joint.  The individualised Ayurvedic dietary recommendations helped balance the doshas.  Pranayama and Mudra practices from the Hatha Yoga tradition really helped steady my mind  allowing me the ability to navigate the dis -ease. The combination of healing modalities kept  me steady and comfortable as I worked my way back into balance. 

Not just in times of epidemics and outbreaks, but as a sustainable lifestyle practice, it is  worth investing time and effort in consulting with holistic practitioners of medical  modalities that resonate for you. As you learn and gain confidence in the practices you will  gain health autonomy. Holistic health modalities address the full spectrum of a person’  mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, instead of looking only at isolated  symptoms. Whole person care is an investment that positively impacts quality of life,  supporting the individual to be resilient, empowered and thrive by nurturing health and  lifestyle choices that foster preventative care, early intervention and sustainable  management of chronic conditions.  

Each person’ experience and recovery from chikungunya, or for that matter from any other  infection is unique, due to various influences, from immune function, to chronic conditions  and other emotional markers, one is impacted by all of this in the face of an infection. Some  people recover swiftly, and others may take longer. In order to gently but effectively unravel   this, an integrated and individualised approach is always worth exploring with your health  provider.  

SHOBANA COOKE  
(BSc,C.HOM. Dip.RYT 200) 
a certified Homeopath, Hatha Yoga Instructor and Yogic Lifestyle Counselor.