The resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic has increased an overwhelming feeling among ‘normal’ people who are being exposed to ‘extraordinary situations.’ The pandemic not only poses physical challenges but is also impacting the mental health of the patients and their family members. Realising the importance of psychological care in this unprecedented time, three premier institutions have joined hands to develop a Protocol for Psychological Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients.
The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Ayush, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru along with Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) has come together for this initiative.
Naturopathy Interventions for COVID-19 patients
In a workshop conducted by Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy, various naturopathy interventions were discussed to enhance quality of life as well reduce possibility of proliferation of virus to provide symptomatic relief. According to reports and statistics, Naturopathy Interventions have proved to be cost-effective, which can be easily adapted into lifestyle. As discussed in the workshop among the experts, various interventions in Naturopathy include – Steam Inhalation, Hot Foot Immersion, Gargling, Aromatherapy & Massage Therapy, Acupressure, Heliotherapy And Naturopathic Diet, to reduce respiratory symptoms and to maintain sleep hygiene.
Measures like Heliotherapy (Sun Bath) have proved to provide protective effects in cases of COVID patients. Naturopathic Diet, which is rich in phytochemicals will help in boosting the immune system. Simple breathing exercises and pranayama have been helpful in increasing the level of SPO2 in Covid patients with respiratory problems. Preliminary reports of studies conducted by CCRYN suggest the same.
Mental Health Sequelae of COVID-19
In the workshop conducted through virtual mode, the problem of increased burden on healthcare workers in our country from the perspective of the natural medicine sector has been highlighted. In order to help the COVID patients, various management measures have been discussed. Some of the points which were highlighted in the workshop includes – keeping a check on the Social Support Network of the COVID patients, helping people in isolation to maintain a sleep hygiene in order to recover from the state, communicating in order to keep a track on their state of mind and maintaining conversation which seems positive.
Protocol that will reduce the increased burden on healthcare workers
Due to the spike in cases of COVID-19, it becomes a challenge to pay attention to each patient individually. This protocol is a collaborative effort to address these symptoms and psychiatric morbidity of Covid-19 patients. This protocol provided information about Covid-19 epidemics, stages of the disease, mental morbidity and screening for problems, management of problems and psychological isolation using yoga and naturopathy.
WhatsApp us