Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Ayurveda

Ayurveda sees the human body as an intricate combination of doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—whose balance is essential for sustaining health. And, when this balance fails, it can result in a variety of diseases, like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can be a frustrating and painful disorder. It is often characterized by weariness, joint discomfort, and unpredictable flare-ups, making you feel as if your own body is fighting against you. 

But, Ayurveda dives deeper and tries to identify the underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to SLE symptoms. Ayurveda mainly focuses on restoring balance between the body’s tissues (dhatus) and channels (srotas) that can provide a complementary approach for managing SLE and boosting overall wellness. This article explains how addressing the root cause of this imbalance can help you in managing the symptoms and make you feel better.

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

According to Ayurveda, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is connected to conditions like Visharpa and Amavata, as they share similar signs and symptoms. As these conditions are persistent which affects your bodily parts. Amavata develops when imbalanced doshas reach the sacral joints, causing stiffness and discomfort throughout the body. Visarpa causes symptoms such as heart dysfunction, fainting, vascular compression, excessive thirst, digestive inactivity, and overall weakness, indicating a broad effect on essential organs. These situations demonstrate how a quick loss of immunity can cause the disease to spread across the circulatory, neurological, respiratory, and digestive systems.

SLE m involves the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which extend throughout the body and affect many systems. Ayurveda emphasizes the proper balance of dhatus or bodily tissues. However, in SLE the main focus is on possible abnormalities in the following dhatus:

Rakta (Blood): SLE frequently involves vitiated rakta (blood). This may appear as contaminants in the blood, causing discomfort and autoimmune disorders.

Srotas (Channels): The channels (srotas) are responsible for carrying rakta throughout the body. This can get affected or blocked as a result of vitiated rakta. This can cause the deposition of ama (toxins) across multiple tissues, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  • Joint Pain (Sandhi Shoola): Collection of vitiated rakta in joints can cause pain and inflammation.
  • Kushtha (Skin Rashes): Impurities in the blood can cause skin rashes (kustha), such as the butterfly rash on the face in SLE.
  • Jwara (Fever): Your body tries to fight the imbalance and this can result in recurrent fevers.
  • Mandagni (Poor Digestion): Autoimmune processes and inflammation can diminish the digestive fire, resulting in impaired digestion (mandagni). And, this may worsen ama formation and aggravate the illness.

Causes of SLE

In modern medicine, the exact cause of SLE is still unknown but  Ayurveda provides a framework for understanding various symptoms that might lead to an imbalance and eventually present as SLE. These symptoms might be viewed as things that upset the delicate balance of our doshas and dhatus (body tissues).

Family History and Predisposition: According to Ayurveda, our natural constitution (Prakruti) is impacted by our parents’ Prakriti. A family history of autoimmune disorders may indicate a weakness in the individual’s Prakriti. This vulnerability may make individuals more vulnerable to imbalances when exposed to other stressors.

Trauma, viruses, and emotional stress: These external elements can result in an “agnimada” (weakened digestive fire). In Ayurveda a weakened Agni is unable to effectively break down and absorb nutrients, resulting in the buildup of Ama (toxic residue). This Ama can then disturb the srotas (bodily pathways), creating an environment that promotes the development of imbalances that might appear as SLE.

Ultraviolet Radiation: In Ayurveda, excessive exposure to sunshine is said to worsen Pitta dosha (fire). An unbalanced Pitta can cause inflammatory problems and may contribute to the autoimmune response that occurs in SLE.

Hormonal Fluctuations: In Ayurveda, women’s health is linked to lunar cycles and hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen dominance, especially during pregnancy and menstruation, might be interpreted as an aggravation of Kapha dosha (earth and water). This can cause excessive moisture and stagnation in the body, perhaps resulting in a breeding environment for Ama and other imbalances that may increase SLE symptoms.

Treating SLE

The primary objective of therapy is to control symptoms. Severe symptoms involving the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs may need specialized care. Each person with SLE requires assessment regarding

  • The activity of the disease 
  • Affected body parts 
  • Treatment options

While there is no singular “SLE” diagnosis in Ayurveda, its principles can be applied to alleviate symptoms and restore balance. Here’s a look at some potential Ayurvedic approaches:

Shodhana (Purification Therapies): In such circumstances, an Ayurvedic practitioner could suggest a light detox programme (such as panchakarma) to remove accumulated ama and purify the blood.

Shamana (Pacification Therapies): Certain Ayurvedic can be used to balance the vitiated doshas and promote healthy rakta production. Examples include Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) for blood purification, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) for immunomodulation, and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) for antioxidant and pitta-balancing abilities.

Dietary Modifications: It is critical to follow a personalized diet that is easy to digest and avoid food items that can imbalance the doshas. It is recommended to reduce inflammatory foods such as processed meals, refined carbohydrates, and excessive red meat.

Lifestyle Practices: Creating a regular daily regimen (dinacharya) that includes enough sleep, stress management strategies like yoga and meditation, and light exercise can considerably enhance overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can be treated naturally in Ayurveda. Basically, it tries to restore equilibrium within the body’s sophisticated network of channels (Srotas) by using specific therapies to calm the Vata and Pitta doshas while fostering the Meda dhatu. This method, based on ancient knowledge, tries to promote optimal health and a refreshed feeling of well-being. Remember that everyone’s path to health is unique, and Ayurveda helps in your healing process.