Ayurvedic Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease where an individual’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Specifically, lupus affects different body parts, including joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, legs, and blood cells. SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease with multisystemic involvement, from mucocutaneous manifestations to multiorgan and central nervous system involvement. According to Wikipedia, there is no cure for SLE in modern medicine; rather, there are symptomatic treatments. These involve the intake of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate.

Though SLE involves multiple organs and systems within the body, several case studies suggest – “there is a cure for SLE in Ayurveda.” Ayurvedic treatments provide significant relief to patients from the symptoms of SLE. The usual approach to treatment for SLE in Ayurveda involves balancing the tridoshas and body purification. Additionally, the treatment approach in Ayurveda is Vata Rakta and Pittahara in nature.

Let’s elaborate on how SLE can be managed in Ayurveda.

Manifestation of SLE in Ayurveda

SLE is classified as a Pitta Pradhana Vataraktam and falls under the Vatarakta spectrum of diseases. Due to its unique aetiology, both Vata and Rakta are vitiated. Normally, the Drava – Sara Guna of Rakta and the Sukshma – Chala Guna of Vata aid in their regular circulation through the Sira. 

When these become vitiated, the disease, with its distinct Vatarakta signs and symptoms, is localised to the joints, where the vessels are arranged in a tortuous and circular manner. This condition is quite spreadable due to the Ruksa Chala Gunas of Vata and the Sara Tiksna Gunas of Rakta. The inflammation is caused by the Tiksna, Snigdha, and Usna natures of Rakta, whereas tissue degeneration is caused by the Ruksa Tiksna Guna of Vata. Hence, we can observe that there is a vitiation in the Vata and Pitta doshas that manifests SLE in the body.

Pathogenesis of SLE in Ayurveda

The pathogenesis of SLE according to Ayurveda can be understood in the following table.

Nidana

Prakopa

Dosha dusti

Vata: Joint pain, pain in legs, discolouration, brittle nails

Pitta: Fever, burning sensation

Dhatu

Rasa: Fever

Rakta: Reddish skin lesion, discolouration, ulceration

Mamsa: Muscle weakness

Asthi: Involvement of joints and phalanx

Agni

Jataragni: Weak

Dhatwagni: Weak Rasa and Rakta

Srototdusti

Sanga

Purva Rupa

Pain in joints and reddish face colour

Rupa

Joint pain, fever, skin lesion, pain in lower limbs

Upadrava

Discolouration, gangrene of toes

Treatment of SLE in Ayurveda

The main aim of treatment is to control symptoms and then reverse the condition completely. But before that, a person with SLE is evaluated regarding-

  1. What is the body type of the person?
  2. How active is the disease?
  3. What part of the body is affected?
  4. What form of treatment can be employed?

Step 1: Detoxification (Shodhana) by Panchakarma: It involves

  • Vamana (therapeutic emesis): Induces vomiting that expels excess Kapha and toxins from the upper digestive tract.
  • Virechana (therapeutic purgation): Involves administration of purgatives that cleanse bowels to expel Pitta-related toxins. This stage helps in the reduction of heat in the body.
  • Basti (medicated enema): Involves administration of herbal decoctions through an enema to cleanse the colon and balance Vata dosha. 
  • Nasya (nasal administration): Involves administration of medicated oils or powders in the nostrils to expel toxins from the head region and promote mental clarity.
  • Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy): Involves the sucking of blood toxins and helps to purify the blood, reducing inflammation.

Hence, panchakarma helps detoxify the body, balances doshas, improves immunity, reduces inflammation, and enhances metabolism.

Step 2: Balancing diet and lifestyle

  • A balanced diet should prioritise light, easily digested foods that are high in nutrients to aid digestion and reduce ama. 
  • Incorporate lean proteins, healthy grains, and fresh produce.
  • Foods that aggravate the doshas should be avoided, as should processed foods and foods that are heavy or fatty.
  • Frequent Meals: Consume food at regular intervals to promote steady digestion and prevent the development of ama.
  • Hydration: To aid in detoxification, sip on lots of warm water and herbal teas.

Step 3: Herbal remedies

  • Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, helps control the immune system and lessen inflammation.
  • Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory qualities.
  • Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Neem (Azadirachta indica): Boosts immunity and aids in the body’s detoxification.
  • Triphala: A three-fruit blend that aids in detoxification and digestion.
  • Pippali (long pepper): promotes healthy digestion and Agni.

Step 4: Rejuvenation

Rasayanic herbs help promote overall vitality and strengthen the body’s tissues. The herbs include:

  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): boosts immunity and is high in antioxidants.
  • Asparagus racemosus, or shatavari, nourishes and revitalises the tissues in the body.
  • Bacopa monnieri, often known as brahmi, lowers stress and enhances cognitive function.

Step 5: Lifestyle modification

  • Stress Management: To lessen tension and encourage mental tranquillity, engage in yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises).
  • Regular Exercise: To keep your strength and flexibility, try some moderate exercise, such as yoga, swimming, or walking.
  • Adequate relaxation: To aid the body’s healing processes, make sure you get enough sleep and relax.

Step 6: Complementary Medicine

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): To balance Vata and enhance circulation, regularly receive an oil massage using therapeutic oils.
  • Steam therapy, or swedana, aids in channel opening and encourages cleansing.

Long story short...

With a focus on cleansing, food, lifestyle, herbal medicines, and rejuvenation therapies, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive approach to controlling SLE. Ayurveda seeks to soothe symptoms and enhance general well-being by addressing the underlying causes of imbalance and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.  It is advised that patients collaborate with a skilled Ayurvedic physician to create a customised treatment plan that is suited to their constitution and condition. People with SLE can discover hope and healing with Ayurveda if they are committed to it and receive the appropriate guidance.