New Delhi: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Health Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued an advisory to reduce heat stress amid rising temperatures, recommending cooling refreshments, breathing techniques and yoga practices.

Advisory issued amid heatwave conditions

In view of heatwave conditions in several parts of India, the AYUSH vertical under DGHS, along with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued a comprehensive public health advisory for the summer season.

It sets out guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings and sporting events to protect against heat stress and related illnesses.

The advisory emphasised adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during afternoon hours, wearing light cotton clothing, and consuming seasonal fruits along with electrolyte-rich fluids.

It also urged citizens to stay alert for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dizziness, headache, nausea, altered mental status, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Heatstroke has been identified as a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, with the advisory recommending prompt use of emergency helplines 108 or 102 in severe cases.

Vulnerable groups and workplace precautions

According to the advisory, infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require special monitoring.

Special precautions have been advised for workplaces, public gatherings and outdoor activities. These include provision of shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatisation measures for workers, and awareness about symptoms of heat stress.

Citizens have also been advised to follow weather updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions during heatwave alerts.

AYUSH preventive measures and traditional practices

The advisory incorporates preventive measures from various AYUSH systems to help manage heatwave conditions.

The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary practices and hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks. It also lists traditional preparations including Nimbu Phala Panaka (lemonade), Amra Prapanaka (raw mango ‘sharbat’) and Chincha Panaka (tamarind drink) to help regulate body temperature during extreme heat.

The Siddha and Yoga sections recommend cooling refreshments and breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama, along with gentle yoga practices to reduce heat stress.

The Unani system suggests herbal applications to prevent sunburn and dehydration, while the homoeopathy section advises precautionary measures during peak heat hours.

The advisory further encourages inclusion of hydrating and cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes in the summer diet.