PRACTITIONER VOICE
Rheumatoid Arthritis , stress , anxiety and conception with Ayurveda , Meditation , Aromatic Medicine , and Bowen Therapy
Farida Irani | Holistic health practitioner , Bowen Therapy instructor , Ayurveda practitioner , Clinical Aromatherapist , reflexologist . E : farida @ subtleenergies . com . au
Introduction
Ayurveda , as most of you might know , is a time-tested ancient science . Ayush ( meaning life ) and veda ( meaning science ), is the science of life or a lifestyle . My illustrious late Ayurveda Professor Dr P . H . Kulkarni always said that every country has its own Ayurveda , its own indigenous medicine and lifestyles .
In Ayurveda we look at the whole body and mind holistically , as is done in most complementary holistic therapies . Autoimmune diseases are considered disorders of the body ' s immune system , as they attack the body ’ s own tissues . From an Ayurvedic perspective , the causes of autoimmune conditions are primarily linked to imbalances in the body ' s Doshas ( Vata , Pitta , and Kapha ), improper digestion ( Agni ), and the accumulation of toxins ( Aama ) through dehydration , stress and anxiety , so the mind too plays an important role in autoimmune disorders according to Ayurveda .
Dosha imbalance
Vata Imbalance : Vata is the champion of disease . Vata governs movement and when out of balance it can cause irregularities in the nervous system and immune responses . This leads to erratic immune disorders as it is the hallmark of autoimmune disorders . Since the onset of COVID-19 people ’ s lifestyles have changed drastically leading to fear of the unknown and widespread stress . Moreover , people are increasingly attached to technology like mobile phones , iPads and computers with their associated exposure to electromagnetic radiation , and many are living constantly in a heightened sympathetic state ( flight or fight response of the autonomic nervous system ) thereby leading to high cortisol levels , which eventually damages the immune system . In some cases autoimmune diseases can surface in the body ’ s attempt to fight diseases . Vaccines , in some instances , might also have contributed to previously dormant autoimmune disorders surfacing . As a practitioner I am seeing this more and more in my clinic .
Pitta Imbalance : Pitta is fire and water and has hot and wet attributes . Pitta governs metabolism and an imbalance here can result in excessive heat and inflammation in the body , sometimes dry heat with vata drying out the tissues , triggering the immune system to attack its own tissues .
Kapha Imbalance : Kapha is water and earth : water is cold and moist and earth is solid and heavy , leading to good kapha giving us stability and protection , and an excess can lead to stagnation and accumulation of Aama ( toxins ), accumulation of phlegm contributing to autoimmune issues .
Improper Digestion ( Agni ): According to Ayurveda , strong digestion ( Agni ) is essential for health . When digestion is weak , toxins ( Aama ) are formed from undigested food . These toxins can circulate through the body and accumulate in tissues , leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction .
Accumulation of Aama ( Toxins ): Aama is considered a sticky , toxic substance that results from improper digestion and unhealthy lifestyle habits . It can clog and block the body ’ s channels and tissues , disrupting the immune system and leading to autoimmune conditions .
Unhealthy Lifestyle and Diet : Poor dietary choices , lack of sleep , high stress ,
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