What Does Ayurveda Say About Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the immune system of the body reacts against the body itself, i.e., the body becomes its own enemy. This disorder can be caused by genetic issues or incorrect mutations.

According to Ayurveda, a deficiency in ojas (the life force that upholds the immune system) and an imbalance in the tridoshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) are the root causes of autoimmune disorders. In particular:

An aggravation and imbalance of the doshas lead to autoimmune illnesses by interfering with the immune system’s natural functioning.
Low levels of agni (digestive fire) and ojas cause toxins called ama to accumulate and impede healthy immune function, which is the root cause of autoimmune disease.
An unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, genetic predispositions, and environmental exposures are other important causes of autoimmunity.

Let’s elaborate on each of the following points.

Contribution Factors of Autoimmune Disease in Ayurveda

Penetration of Ama in tissues

Ama is an undigested, unprocessed substance that is sticky, fibrous, and heavy with an unpleasant odour. It develops as a result of hypo-functioning Agni; instead of being fully digested, the first Dhatu, or “Rasa,” undergoes fermentation and is held in the Amashaya. We refer to this Rasa as Ama.

Thus, Agnimandhya causes Ama to form, and Ama’s production causes Agnimandhya to form, and vice versa.

This is caused because of:

Weak digestion: Poor digestion causes partially digested metabolites to build up at a coarser level. Consequently, this influences every metabolic activity, permitting the generation of ama at both the surface and deeper levels.
Vitiation of doshas: Multiple ailments are caused when the dosha is negatively impacted for any reason. Ama is also caused by the depletion of Dosha, where interactions with regular metabolism physiology are disrupted.
Accumulation of metabolic waste: Suppressing the body’s innate desire to expel metabolic waste causes physical blockages in the discharge channels. The accumulation of waste that results at various metabolism-related levels causes the quantity of toxins to rise, which eventually accumulates in the body.

The general characteristics of ama are the same as those of autoimmune disorders. Those can be mentioned as

Obstruction of channels (Srotorodha)
Loss of strength (Balabhransha)
Felling heaviness (Gaurava)
Obstruction of Vayu (Anilmudhata)
Laziness (Alasya)
Indigestion (Apakti)
Excessive salivation (Nisthiva)
Constipation (Malasanga)

Ayurveda treats inflammation/ disorders by addressing their root causes. Inflammation in the body is brought on by a breakdown in cellular communication or recognition. Cells with anything on them or with maladaptive intercellular behaviour are the cause of this communication failure. According to Ayurveda, this misbehaviour of the cell component or covering is caused by a metabolic disruption and an excess of toxins produced in the body, which are associated with this Ama and its Dosha.

Manda and Agni combine to render doshic imbalance, which ultimately results in low Oja (the essential component of all seven dhatus in the body). Therefore, the body’s weak Oja and Manda-Agni are the primary causes of autoimmune illnesses. As a result, the goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to revive Agni and Oja.

Components of autoimmune disease in Ayurveda

Doshic imbalance: Each dosha can accumulate due to various factors leading to disturbances in the body’s equilibrium.

Vata imbalance can cause weird immune responses and neurological issues.
Pitta imbalance can cause inflammation, heat, and overactivity of the immune system.
Kapha imbalance can lead to sluggish immune response and accumulate ama.

Ama:

Poor digestion: Improper dietary habits along with weak digestive fire (agni) may lead to ama formation, and hence, become a cause of autoimmune disorder.
Toxin accumulation disrupts normal cellular function and the immune system’s ability to distinguish between self and non-self components, leading to autoimmune disorders in the body.

Agni:

Weak digestive fire results in inadequate digestion. This results in improper assimilation of nutrients and ama production. As a result, an irregular agni becomes a cause of autoimmune disorders.
Metabolic disturbance may lead to autoimmune conditions due to improper toxins removal.

Ojas (vitality) depletion:

Chronic Stress and Poor Lifestyle: Ojas, the foundation of energy and immunity, is depleted by prolonged stress, sleep deprivation, and poor lifestyle decisions.
Decreased Immunity: When Ojas levels are low, the body’s defences are weakened, which increases the risk of autoimmune illnesses.

Poor Nutrition (Ahara):

Incompatible foods: Eating meals that are processed, heavy, or not in line with one’s Prakriti constitution might irritate doshas and cause ama.
Unusual Eating Practices: Missing meals, overeating, and eating at strange times throw off the dosha balance and digestion.

Aspects of Lifestyle (Vihara):

Sedentary Lifestyle: Ama buildup and Kapha imbalance can result from inactivity.
Insufficient Sleep: Vata is upset, and Ojas is weakened by irregular sleep habits.
Mental Stress: Prolonged stress and unfavourable feelings can exacerbate Pitta and Vata, impairing immune system performance.

Environmental Factors:

Toxins and Pollutants: Immune system dysregulation and the development of ama are two conditions that can be brought on by exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, and pollutants.
Seasonal Variations: Certain doshas may be aggravated by seasonal changes, which may enhance a person’s vulnerability to autoimmune illnesses.

Genetic Elements:

Hereditary Influences: Ayurvedic thought acknowledges inherent tendencies towards specific dosha imbalances, and suggests that genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of autoimmune illnesses.

Aspects of Emotion and Psychology:

Emotional Imbalance: Negative emotions that linger for a long time, such as fear, grief, and rage, can upset doshas, reduce Ojas, and compromise immunity.
Mental Stress: Vata and Pitta can be aggravated by high levels of stress and worry, which can result in an overactive immune system.

Ineffective Removal (Malas):

Irregular Bowel Movements: Constipation or irregular evacuation can cause waste materials and toxins to build up, which can contribute to ama and doshic imbalances.

Management of autoimmune diseases in Ayurveda

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on a customised strategy based on each person’s unique constitution (Prakriti), particular dosha imbalances, and the type of autoimmune illness. The goals of this all-encompassing strategy are to improve immunity, bring the body back into equilibrium, and advance general well-being.

Detoxification (Shodhana): To get rid of Ama and balance doshas, use Ayurvedic cleansing treatments including Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal medication), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting).

Diet and Lifestyle (Ahara and Vihara): Stress reduction, regular physical activity, healthy dietary choices, stress management, and enough sleep are all emphasised.

Herbal remedies: Herbs that balance immunological function and alleviate inflammation include ashwagandha, turmeric, guduchi, and neem. Additionally, herbs and concoctions to bolster Agni and stop the production of ama are ingested to reverse the condition.

Rasayana Therapy: Herbs and rejuvenating remedies to improve general vigour and ojas are employed to treat autoimmune diseases.

Is there a cure for autoimmune disease in Ayurveda?

It might be difficult to live with an autoimmune condition, but Ayurveda provides a road to recovery and hope. Ayurveda gives one the skills they need to reestablish balance, fortify their bodies, and enhance their quality of life by addressing the underlying causes of disease and encouraging holistic well-being. One can set out on a path to long-lasting health and vitality with a commitment to Ayurvedic principles and advice from skilled practitioners.