ஆசாரக்கோவையில் மருத்துவம்

Health and Preventive Medicine in Acharakovai – A Study of Behavioral Mandates

Abstract

This research paper examines the concepts of health and medicine embedded with-in the ancient Tamil didactic text, Acharakovai (The Garland of Conduct), a work predominantly focused on detailing ethical and behavioral codes. The text outlines several crucial practices designed to be effective preventive healthcare measures:

1.  Respiratory and Dental Health: Waking up early to breathe clean, oxy-gen-rich air is stressed as a means to prevent respiratory disorders. Similarly, brushing teeth with natural twigs (such as neem) is prescribed to maintain dental health and prevent tooth-related ailments.

2.  Sensory Hygiene: Regularly washing the eyes with water is recommended to alleviate irritation, clear accumulated dirt, and protect against various eye diseases.

3.  Digestive Safety: The text strictly advises against consuming food while ly-ing down, as this posture risks suffocation and potentially death. Food must be consumed while seated correctly.

4.  Infection Control: Acharakovai mandates against spitting in public places and using items previously handled by others without proper cleaning, as these actions spread infectious diseases. Strict hygiene and sterilization pro-tocols are thus implied.

5.  Neurological Protection: To prevent brain-related complications, the text advises against sleeping with the head pointed toward the North or South (வடதென் திசைகளில்).

The good habits outlined in Acharakovai emphasize simple, practical lifestyle ad-justments that can shield one from disease. These ancient customs provide univer-sal, low-cost options for self-care, accessible to both the poor and the rich, thus es-tablishing Acharakovai as a pioneering work of preventive health guidance.