A human being has inborn immunity to protect from
infections to which the body is exposed at every living moment. This immunity
is of two types; natural and the acquired type. The natural, innate, or inborn immune
system is the more primitive one, and it activates white blood cells to destroy
invaders without producing antibodies. The acquired or adaptive immune system is
more complex, and is develops over time, as the body is exposed to more and
more foreign elements. This system learns to remember invaders, and activates
immune cells to produce proteins called antibodies, which attach to invaders so
that they can be recognized and destroyed.
Autoimmune
diseases result when the immune system fails to recognize the body parts as its
own and starts targeting and destroying them, by creating auto-antibodies. Almost any body part can be affected, either
singly or several together. Symptoms depend upon the affected parts. Morbidity
and mortality depend upon the severity of damage and the body systems affected.
Inflammation is the hallmark of autoimmune diseases. Currently, more than
eighty autoimmune disorders are known and include mainly rheumatoid arthritis,
type 1 diabetes, SLE, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel
disease, Addison’s disease, Grave’s disease, Sjogren syndrome, Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis and myasthenia gravis.
Currently,
it is not clear what exactly causes autoimmune diseases; however, there could
be a combination of causative and aggravating factors such as a hereditary
predisposition, chronic infection, exposure to toxic chemicals, faulty diet,
high and sustained stress, reduced immunity, lack of exposure to exercise and
sunlight, etc.
Ayurvedic
herbal treatment can be judiciously utilized for the comprehensive management
and treatment of autoimmune disorders. Accumulation of toxins within the body
can be eliminated using general and cellular level detoxifying herbs. Herbal medicines
are very efficient in treating chronic infection and residual chronic
inflammation. Normalization of the metabolic process and strengthening of weak
or damaged organs and body systems is an important part of treatment with the
use of herbal medicines.
Patients
need to adopt a healthy diet with a mix of different fruits and vegetables,
nuts, healthy oils, ghee (clarified butter) and bone broth. Regular exposure to
sunlight, deep breathing, exercises, and relation techniques, in addition to
avoiding known trigger factors, help a lot in reducing symptoms, and improving
immunity. Rejuvenating herbs are used to improve strength and vitality.
Specific treatment is also given for affected body parts and systems.
Ayurvedic
herbal treatment when given on a long term basis using the above mentioned
principles gradually helps modulate the body immunity so that it starts helping
the body instead of fighting against it. Severity of symptoms and frequent recurrence
gradually subside , and the patient is able to lead a normal or near normal
life without a fear of relapse. Adopting healthy practices and avoiding harmful
factors can go a long way in preventing recurrence. Special Ayurvedic Rasayan medicines
can be used at this stage for a short period to further strengthen body systems
so as to improve the quality of life.
Ayurvedic herbal
medicines can thus provide a successful and comprehensive treatment of
autoimmune disorders.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an
Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
