WHY THE BODY ATTACKS ITSELF: AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Why the Body Attacks Itself: Ayurvedic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases

Why the Body Attacks Itself: Ayurvedic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases

Blog Article

By Dr. Keshavan Nambisan

One of the most difficult questions I hear from patients is:
“Why is my own body attacking me?”

This painful experience is the reality of autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own healthy tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis all fall under this category.

At UWAY Ayurvedic Centre, we approach such conditions by going beyond symptom suppression—we focus on restoring balance and removing the root cause. Let me explain how Ayurveda treats autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, in a comprehensive and natural way.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases in Modern Medicine

In Allopathic medicine, autoimmune diseases are managed through medications that suppress the immune system. Common approaches include:

  • Steroids

  • Immunosuppressive drugs

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

These treatments help manage flare-ups and reduce joint pain and inflammation. However, many patients report fatigue, long-term dependency, and incomplete relief. Additionally, the root cause of why the immune system becomes confused remains unclear in conventional medicine.

Ayurvedic View of Autoimmune Disorders

In Ayurveda, autoimmune disorders are understood differently. Rather than blaming the immune system, we look at the digestion and internal toxin accumulation.

The concept of Ama—a toxic, undigested residue—is central to Ayurveda. Ama forms when the digestive fire, or Agni, becomes weak. Over time, Ama circulates and lodges in the joints, tissues, or organs, leading to confusion in the immune system.

The Ayurvedic disease process:

  1. Impaired digestion (Mandagni)

  2. Formation of Ama (toxins)

  3. Obstruction of bodily channels (Srotorodha)

  4. Misguided immune response

  5. Autoimmune symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and fatigue

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ayurveda (Amavata)

In Ayurvedic texts, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as Amavata. It results from the accumulation of Ama along with the aggravation of Vata dosha, which governs movement in the body.

Symptoms of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) include:

  • Joint pain and swelling

  • Morning stiffness

  • Fatigue and loss of appetite

  • Restricted mobility

  • Muscle soreness and weakness

Ayurvedic Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases and Amavata

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on detoxification, balancing the doshas, and strengthening digestion. The goal is to remove Ama, restore Agni, and regulate immune response.

1. Dietary Recommendations

Food plays a crucial role in Ayurvedic healing. For autoimmune conditions, we suggest:

  • Light, warm, and cooked meals (khichdi, rice gruel, vegetable stews)

  • Use of digestive spices like ginger, cumin, turmeric, and fennel

  • Avoid cold, raw, processed foods, dairy, fried items, and nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes)

  • Drink warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to support digestion

These dietary habits help reduce Ama and balance the digestive fire.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

Routine and rhythm are vital in Ayurveda. Patients are advised to:

  • Wake up early and maintain a fixed daily schedule (Dinacharya)

  • Practice gentle yoga and pranayama for better flexibility and stress control

  • Prioritize sleep and manage emotional well-being

Mental stress plays a significant role in autoimmune flare-ups. A calm mind supports healing.

3. Herbal Support

Ayurveda uses herbs that boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the system. Commonly used herbs include:

  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Strengthens the immune system and clears toxins

  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Reduces stress and inflammation

  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Supports joint health and detoxification

  • Trikatu: A combination of dry ginger, black pepper, and long pepper that reignites Agni

All herbal formulations must be tailored to the patient’s Prakriti (body constitution) and should be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

4. Panchakarma Detox Therapy

For chronic or advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions, Panchakarma—Ayurveda’s classic detox system—is highly effective.

The steps of Panchakarma include:

  • Snehana (Internal and external oleation)

  • Swedana (Sudation or sweating therapy)

  • Virechana (Purgation to cleanse toxins)

  • Basti (Medicated enemas) – highly effective for Vata disorders

  • Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy) – to rebuild immunity and tissue strength

Panchakarma should always be done under medical supervision at a certified Ayurvedic centre.

Combining Ayurveda and Allopathy for Better Results

We do not believe that modern medicine and Ayurveda are opposing systems. Each has its strengths.

  • Allopathy provides rapid relief during flare-ups

  • Ayurveda offers long-term correction, prevention, and holistic wellness

When integrated mindfully, both approaches can work together to improve outcomes and quality of life for autoimmune patients.

Listening to Your Body is the First Step

Autoimmune diseases don’t arise overnight. They are a reflection of internal imbalance, weak digestion, chronic stress, and accumulated toxins. Your body is sending signals—through fatigue, pain, and inflammation—asking for help.

Start by observing:

  • How your body reacts to certain foods

  • How stress affects your symptoms

  • How well your digestion works daily

Understanding these signals is where real healing begins.

Begin Your Healing Journey Naturally

At UWAY, we offer specialized programs for Ayurvedic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Every plan is personalized to your health history, lifestyle, and body type.

Our treatments are:

  • Rooted in classical Ayurvedic wisdom

  • Backed by over 20 years of clinical expertise

  • Designed to reduce dependency on medication and restore internal harmony

If you're searching for a natural, sustainable way to manage autoimmune disease, our team is ready to support you.

About Dr. Keshavan Nambisan

Dr. P.T. Keshavan Nambisan is a renowned Ayurvedic expert and fifth-generation physician from the traditional Vaidya lineage of Kerala’s Old Malabar region. A graduate of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, he has over two decades of experience treating chronic, complex illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, kidney disorders, and neurological conditions. He co-founded UWAY Ayurvedic Centre after serving as Deputy CMO at Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam (AVP), Coimbatore.

Article tags:

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