By Dr. Keshavan Nambisan
Sometimes, patients ask me, “Doctor, why is my own body attacking itself?” It’s a genuine and painful question.
This is what we call an autoimmune disease—when the body’s own defense system starts attacking healthy tissues by mistake. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid problems, and even certain skin issues come under this category.
Modern Medicine vs. Ayurveda on Autoimmune Diseases
In modern medicine (Allopathy), the focus is on suppressing the overactive immune system. Doctors usually prescribe steroids or immune-suppressing medicines. These help control the symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent further damage. But many people feel tired, dull, or dependent on long-term medicines, or without a permanent solution. The root cause is still not fully known.
How Ayurveda Explains Autoimmune Diseases
Now let me explain how Ayurveda looks at it. We see autoimmune diseases a little differently.
In Ayurveda, we believe such problems start when digestion becomes weak. When your digestion (what we call Agni) is not working well, the food you eat doesn’t get fully digested. This leftover waste turns into something called Ama—a sticky, toxic substance.
Ama blocks the body’s natural channels and confuses your immune system. Your body no longer knows what’s good and what’s harmful. So, it starts fighting against itself.
So in Ayurveda, we don’t blame the immune system. We try to correct the digestion, remove Ama, and strengthen the body’s balance.
A Simple Analogy: Your Body as a Kitchen
Let me explain this with a simple example.
Think of your body as a kitchen. If the stove (Agni) is not hot enough, your food stays half-cooked (Ama). If you keep eating and never clean the kitchen, that half-cooked food piles up, goes bad, and attracts trouble. That’s exactly what Ama does in your body.
So how do we treat it?
We usually start with simple, light food, warm water, and herbs that improve digestion. Sometimes, we ask patients to fast for a short while or eat only easily digestible food like rice gruel or boiled vegetables. This helps the digestive fire become stronger.
If the problem is deep-rooted, we do detox treatments—like herbal purgation or other cleansing methods—always under supervision. This helps remove the stuck toxins from the body.
Once Ama is out, the immune system naturally calms down.
Combining Ayurveda & Modern Medicine for Better Results
Now, this doesn’t mean Allopathy is wrong. In fact, both systems have their strengths. Allopathy is fast and effective for emergencies and reducing inflammation. Ayurveda treatment for rheumatoid arthritis takes a deeper, slower approach, working on lifestyle, digestion, and long-term balance.
When used together wisely, they can complement each other beautifully.
My suggestion to anyone dealing with autoimmune disease is this: Don’t just fight the disease—understand your body. Look at your digestion, your food habits, your stress levels. Sometimes, healing begins when you pause and listen to your body.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
At UWAY, we try to offer this kind of care—rooted in Ayurveda, supported by science, and tailored to your life.
If you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition and want to explore a more natural, body-friendly approach, we’re here to help.
About Author: Dr P.T. Keshavan Nambisan is a renowned Ayurvedic expert and the fifth-generation representative of his family, which has been practising traditional Vaidyas of the Old Malabar region of Kerala for generations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Keshavan is known for his expertise in addressing complex, chronic, and progressive illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Before co-founding UWAY, he served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer at The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam (AVP), Coimbatore.