When the Body Turns on Itself: Ayurvedic View on Autoimmune Diseases & Rheumatoid Arthritis
When the Body Turns on Itself: Ayurvedic View on Autoimmune Diseases & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Blog Article
By Dr. Keshavan Nambisan
Many patients ask me a heartfelt question:
“Doctor, why is my body attacking me?”
This concern arises from something known as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as threats and begins to destroy them. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and certain chronic skin conditions fall under this category.
In this article, I’ll explain how Ayurveda understands and treats autoimmune conditions, with a special focus on rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata).
Understanding Autoimmune Conditions in Allopathy
In modern medicine, autoimmune diseases are managed by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
Typically, this is done through:
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Steroidal medications
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Immunosuppressants
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Anti-inflammatory drugs
While these methods are often effective in reducing pain and swelling, many patients experience side effects like fatigue, dependence on long-term medication, and incomplete relief. Modern science is still working toward identifying a true root cause for these disorders.
Ayurveda’s Explanation of Autoimmune Disorders
Ayurveda approaches autoimmune conditions from a deeper, internal perspective.
The primary cause is believed to be a weakened digestive fire (Agni), which results in improper digestion. Undigested food turns into Ama, a toxic residue that accumulates and blocks the body’s channels.
???? According to Ayurveda, the disease process looks like this:
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Weak digestion →
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Formation of Ama (toxins) →
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Blockage of Srotas (channels) →
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Miscommunication in the immune system →
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Attack on healthy tissues
In Ayurveda, the immune system is not seen as the enemy. The focus is on removing Ama, correcting digestion, and restoring natural balance.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata)
Rheumatoid arthritis is known in Ayurveda as Amavata. It arises when:
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Ama (toxins) accumulate due to poor digestion
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Vata dosha (the principle of movement) becomes aggravated
Together, these lead to:
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Joint pain
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Swelling
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Stiffness
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Chronic fatigue
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Difficulty in movement
Unlike modern medicine, which often treats the symptoms, Ayurveda works on the root imbalance behind the disease.
Ayurvedic Management of Autoimmune Diseases & Amavata
Ayurvedic treatment aims to: ✔ Remove toxins
✔ Rekindle digestion
✔ Balance doshas
✔ Rejuvenate the immune system
???? 1. Dietary Correction
Food is medicine in Ayurveda. For autoimmune healing:
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Eat freshly cooked, warm, simple food
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Rice gruel, steamed vegetables, and light soups are ideal
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Use spices like ginger, cumin, turmeric, and fennel to enhance digestion
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Avoid processed foods, dairy, wheat, sugar, fried food, and nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, brinjal)
???? 2. Lifestyle Practices
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Follow a consistent routine (Dinacharya)
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Gentle yoga, walking, and breathing exercises reduce Vata and improve circulation
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Meditation and mindful practices help reduce emotional stress—an important trigger for autoimmune disorders
???? 3. Herbal Therapies
Ayurveda uses powerful herbs to correct the underlying imbalance:
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Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Detoxifies and enhances immunity
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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Strengthens joints and calms inflammation
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Guggulu: Clears toxins from joints
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Triphala & Trikatu: Support gut health and digestion
All herbs should be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
Panchakarma for Deep Healing
When the condition is chronic or deeply rooted, Panchakarma—Ayurveda’s detoxification protocol—may be recommended.
Panchakarma includes:
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Snehana (Oil massage): Loosens toxins in tissues
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Swedana (Fomentation): Opens the channels for toxin removal
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Virechana (Therapeutic purgation): Cleans the digestive tract
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Basti (Medicated enemas): Especially beneficial for Vata-related disorders like Amavata
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Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy): Strengthens tissues and builds resilience
These therapies should only be done under expert guidance and are customized to each individual’s constitution and condition.
Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Treatments
We believe in a Intergrative approach.
While Ayurveda addresses the root of disease, modern medicine helps in controlling acute symptoms swiftly.
Combining both systems can provide:
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Immediate symptom relief
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Long-term balance and prevention of relapses
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Better quality of life
At UWAY, we often work alongside patients’ current medical treatment, offering Ayurvedic care that complements their overall healing.
Your Body Is Trying to Talk to You
An autoimmune condition isn’t just a disease—it’s a signal from the body that something is out of harmony.
Instead of seeing your body as an enemy, learn to:
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Observe how your digestion feels
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Pay attention to stress and emotions
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Choose nourishing, easy-to-digest foods
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Slow down and listen to what your body truly needs
This awareness is the first step toward recovery.
Take Charge of Your Healing Journey
At UWAY, we provide personalized Ayurvedic care designed for modern lives.
Our treatments focus on:
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Root cause resolution
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Holistic detox
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Digestive correction
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Natural immunity strengthening
If you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease, consider exploring Ayurveda for a deeper, more sustainable path to wellness.
About Dr. Keshavan Nambisan
Dr. P.T. Keshavan Nambisan, a fifth-generation Ayurvedic physician from Kerala’s Malabar region, has over 20 years of experience treating complex and chronic diseases.
He holds a BAMS degree from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and has served as Deputy CMO at Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam (AVP), Coimbatore.
He co-founded UWAY, a center focused on integrative Ayurvedic care for autoimmune, neurological, and degenerative conditions.
Article tag:
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