Why Does the Body Attack Itself? An Ayurvedic Perspective on Autoimmune Diseases
Why Does the Body Attack Itself? An Ayurvedic Perspective on Autoimmune Diseases
Blog Article
By Dr. Keshavan Nambisan
Understanding Autoimmune Disease
Sometimes patients ask me, “Doctor, why is my own body attacking itself?” It’s a deeply emotional and genuine question that often comes after years of unexplained pain and frustration.
This condition is what we know as autoimmune disease—where your own immune system mistakenly starts targeting healthy cells. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even psoriasis fall under this category.
The symptoms may differ—joint pain, fatigue, swelling, skin changes—but the root issue is the same: the body can’t recognize its own tissues as friendly anymore.
Modern Medicine vs. Ayurveda on Autoimmune Diseases
In modern medicine (Allopathy), treatment usually focuses on suppressing the immune system to stop it from attacking the body. Steroids, biologics, and immunosuppressants are commonly prescribed. These can be effective in the short term—helping control inflammation, reduce pain, and delay damage. However, patients often express concern about long-term side effects, fatigue, lowered immunity, and feeling disconnected from a natural healing process.
Most importantly, the root cause remains unclear in many cases, and treatment becomes more about management than complete healing.
Ayurvedic View: Digestion, Toxins, and Immune Confusion
In Ayurveda, we look at autoimmune diseases differently.
We believe such disorders begin with a breakdown in Agni—the digestive fire. When digestion weakens, the food we eat doesn’t break down fully. This leads to the formation of Ama—a sticky, toxic substance that circulates through the body.
This Ama accumulates in various tissues, clogs natural channels (Srotas), and most importantly, confuses the immune system. The body loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self. As a result, it begins attacking its own structures.
So, in Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune disease, the immune system isn’t seen as the problem—we look at digestion, toxin accumulation, and tissue-level imbalances as the real culprits.
A Simple Analogy: Your Body as a Kitchen
Let’s simplify this.
Imagine your body is like a kitchen. If your stove (Agni) is weak, the food you cook stays half-cooked (Ama). Over time, if this food isn’t cleaned up, it starts to rot, attract pests, and cause a foul environment.
That’s what Ama does to your body. It creates a breeding ground for disease and confusion inside your system.
How Ayurveda Approaches Treatment
Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune disease doesn’t just aim at symptom control—it focuses on long-term healing by correcting the root imbalances.
Here’s how:
1. Enhancing Digestion (Agni Deepana)
We use herbs like Trikatu, Ginger, Pippali, and Ajwain to strengthen the digestive fire. A proper digestive fire ensures no more toxins are formed and begins the process of clearing existing Ama.
2. Eliminating Toxins (Ama Pachana and Shodhana)
If Ama is present, we introduce herbal decoctions that slowly digest and neutralize toxins. In more severe cases, Panchakarma detox therapies like Virechana (herbal purgation) or Basti (medicated enema) are done under supervision.
This clears the clogged channels and helps reprogram the immune system naturally.
3. Balancing the Doshas
Autoimmune diseases often involve aggravated Vata and Pitta. Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Amalaki, and Shatavari are prescribed to stabilize imbalances, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue health.
4. Repairing Tissues (Rasayana Therapy)
Once the inflammation is reduced, the focus shifts to nourishing and rejuvenating damaged tissues. Rasayana (rejuvenative therapy) includes customized diet, herbs, and routines that rebuild strength, stamina, and immunity.
5. Lifestyle and Diet Correction
Patients are guided on avoiding incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara), managing stress through meditation, Yoga, and Ayurvedic daily routines. This holistic reset prevents recurrence.
Real-Life Experience: A Patient’s Healing Journey
One of my patients, a 39-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, came to us with severe morning stiffness, fatigue, and swollen joints. She had been on steroids for three years. We began her Ayurvedic treatment with a light diet and Agni-deepana herbs, followed by a supervised Panchakarma detox. Over six months, her dependence on medication reduced, energy improved, and pain drastically declined.
Such stories are not rare—when the approach is slow, personalized, and rooted in principles, the body remembers how to heal.
Why Combining Systems Can Help
Let’s be clear: modern medicine has strengths, especially in emergencies and managing flare-ups.
But Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune disease brings in a much-needed long-term vision. It addresses digestion, detox, emotional health, immunity, and lifestyle—all in one integrated system.
When used wisely together, these two systems can complement each other for better outcomes.
Listen to Your Body: The First Step in Healing
If you're struggling with an autoimmune condition, here’s my message: don't just fight your illness—understand your body.
Pause. Reflect on your digestion, stress levels, and food choices. Healing begins when you listen to your body’s whispers before they turn into screams.
UWAY: Rooted in Ayurveda, Guided by Science
At UWAY, we bring this philosophy to life—combining authentic Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical insights. If you’re looking to explore natural, gentle, and sustainable ways to manage autoimmune conditions, we’re here to walk with you.
About the Author:
Dr. P.T. Keshavan Nambisan is a fifth-generation Ayurvedic physician from the traditional Vaidya families of Old Malabar, Kerala. With 20+ years of experience, he specializes in treating complex conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, CKD, and neurological disorders. He is the co-founder of UWAY Health.