Celiac disease (Ayurvedic name- Anna Vaha Shrotas Dushti) is a condition caused by an immune reaction due to the intake of gluten. During the intake of gluten, the small intestine undergoes an immune response that damages its lining and prevents it from absorbing nutrients. This condition is known as malabsorption. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA gene mutations can result in environmental factors (gluten) and genetic causes of one of the most common diseases, celiac disease. Worldwide, the prevalence of celiac disease has been estimated to be between 0.5% and 1%.
In Ayurveda, celiac disease is found in Grahani Dosha. Most Acharyas refer to Grahani as an Agni Adhisthana. The underlying cause of Ama Dosha, Mandagini, is essential for the appearance of the majority of illnesses. Hence, a cure for celiac disease in Ayurveda begins with the restoration of Agni (digestive fire), balancing doshas, cleansing the body from ama (toxins), introducing lifestyle and dietary modifications, and yogic practices.
Ayurvedic medicine is extremely individualised, taking into account the patient’s age, digestive capacity, current doshic imbalance (Vikriti), constitution (Prakriti), and other variables. This guarantees that each person’s Grahani dosha is addressed at its source through a customised treatment plan.
Prakriti of an individual pens the vulnerability of an individual towards disease. The fundamental tenets of personalised medicine are variations in anatomical, physiological, immunological, psychological, disease susceptibility, prognostic, and response to treatment. Hence, the identification of Prakriti is the priority. It is identified as below;
Here’s a short table that gives a preview of Prakriti based on doshic predominance.
Feature | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
Expressed characters in individuals |
|
|
|
Recommended diet |
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
After the identification of Prakriti, the treatment for celiac disease is as follows.
Vitiation of Pitta dosha is the main cause of Celiac disease and stabilizing it manages symptoms of the disease. Once the Prakriti of an individual is known, balancing doshas becomes easy. Eliminating Pitta imbalance: Pitta dosha may be made worse by inflammation and digestive issues in celiac disease. It is advised to make dietary changes and use cooling herbs to soothe Pitta. Aloe vera juice, coriander, and coconut are a few examples. Eliminating Vata imbalance: In cases of celiac disease, vata imbalance might manifest itself as bloating, dryness, and inconsistent digestion. Vata is calmed by warm, nourishing foods and oils like sesame oil, ghee, cooked grains, and warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
Digestive fire, or Agni, is compromised by the disruption of the digestive process caused by celiac disease. Ginger, cumin, coriander, and fennel are among the digestive herbs and spices that are used in Ayurvedic treatments to bolster Agni. This enhances the absorption of nutrients and digestion.
A thorough Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation treatment, panchakarma aims to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and purify the body. It comprises five therapeutic procedures: Basti (medicinal enema), Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils), Raktamokshana (bloodletting, rarely used), Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), and Virechana (therapeutic purgation).
Panchakarma seeks to enhance the digestive fire (agni), flush out toxins (ama) from the body, and bring the body back to maximum health. It is customised based on the health and constitution of the individual and is frequently carried out with the assistance of qualified Ayurvedic professionals.
Ayurveda uses a variety of medicines and herbal combinations to treat Grahani dosha. Herbs like Triphala (a concoction of three fruits), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) are frequently given. These herbs boost gastrointestinal health, lessen inflammation, and enhance digestion.
An Ayurvedic food plan is customised based on the digestive system and constitution of the individual. It usually focuses on meals that are readily digested, cooked vegetables, whole grains (if tolerated), and steers clear of cereals that contain gluten, such as rye, wheat, and barley, which can aggravate celiac disease symptoms.
It is crucial to have a regular daily schedule (Dinacharya) and adopt lifestyle habits that support digestion and equilibrium. This involves managing stress, getting enough sleep, and engaging in moderate exercise.
Asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) are two practices that, when combined, help improve digestion, reduce stress, and improve general well-being in addition to Ayurvedic treatments.
A comprehensive and personalized treatment is offered for celiac disease in Ayurveda that addresses the root cause of imbalances while supporting the overall health and vitality of an individual. Ayurvedic medicine offers procedures and treatments that strengthen digestion, increase immunity, and revitalise intestinal villi to support gut health. But until you recover, you must refrain from eating a lot of gluten in your diet.
So, we can rightly say that- there is a 100% cure for celiac disease in Ayurveda.