5 Ayurvedic tips that can help control your autoimmune condition

I staggered out of a haematologist’s office at a renowned hospital in Andheri after the doctor told me that there was no cure for my autoimmune condition — Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura— and that I may have to live with it all my life. I went to him seeking a second opinion because the doctor who was treating me back then wasn’t giving me any satisfactory answers regarding my condition. That, however, was a bad idea. I spiralled into depression, thinking my whole life would revolve around innumerable blood tests and corticosteroids. But that was nine years ago. After that depressing episode at the haematologist’s, I decided to head to Kerala and seek holistic help from an Ayurvedic doctor. It was the best decision I ever made. Without any help from steroids or immunosuppressants, I was able to reverse my condition and lead a healthy life again.

Like me, countless people who suffer from autoimmune diseases may have heard from their physicians that there is no cure for the condition. Yet anecdotal evidence suggests that there are ways to control the disease and achieve permanent remission by addressing the problem holistically. Simple steps can help you reduce the intensity of your symptoms and help you break free from the tyranny of autoimmunity. Dr Manaan Gandhi from The Integral Ayurveda shares five important tips you should take to reverse your autoimmune conditions and they are all very easy.

Avoid raw food

Eating right is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and it’s a given that processed food should be avoided at all costs. The question is what is the ‘right’ food for autoimmunity? Dr Gandhi says that your diet should be abundant in vegetables, but you should steer clear from eating them raw. “As per the laws of Ayurvedic medicine, raw foods and salads tend to hamper the digestive fire because they are more difficult to break down than cooked foods,” says Dr Gandhi. Holistically speaking, compromised gut health is at the root of most diseases today. The process of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food should be balanced for overall health.

Avoid fermented food

Unlearn everything you know about fermented foods. Although health experts recommend the addition of fermented food in the diet, Ayurveda believes that they deplete your body of ojas or its strength and vigour. This means all fermented foods should be off limits. “The problem with fermented foods is that they tend to block the various channels of the body, restricting the flow of energy. So avoid foods like bread, idlis, dosas, dhoklas, yoghurt, yeast and alcohol,” says Dr Gandhi.

Practice Anulom Vilom

Also known as the Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Anulom Vilom helps in clearing, cleansing and purifying the energy channels of your body. This breathing technique keeps your lungs healthy, reduces oxidative stress, helps in the proper circulation of oxygenated blood and more importantly reduces stress levels in the body. By toning the nervous system, it reduces anxiety and promotes a feeling of calmness.

Practice meditation

Dr Gandhi notes that people with autoimmune conditions experience neuropsychiatric issues such as depression and anxiety. These can also worsen the symptoms of the condition. So it is important that you subdue recurrent anxious thoughts and rein in your mind through meditation.

Introspect

On a spiritual level, Dr Gandhi notes autoimmunity is mostly seen in individuals who are highly idealistic and morally conflicted. When your actions don’t match your inner moral code, you become stressed and despondent. They are often critical of themselves and prone to low self-esteem.

“Introspect. Reason with yourself and increase awareness about your actions. Sit or lie down comfortably and channel your inner energy through your body. Energy follows awareness, so focus your attention towards different parts of your body, starting with your toes and ending at the top of your head. By doing so, the energy or prana visits each part of your body, healing it in the process,” says the doctor. He also adds that in order to reduce stress, one should be able to relax one’s moral code and be more practical in life.

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: October 20, 2017 9:20 pm

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Source link

5 Ayurvedic tips that can help control your autoimmune condition

Bodybuilders share health tips at Cedar Rapids' Best of the Midwest

Kale your cravings with these healthy Halloween recipes

0 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

5 Ayurvedic tips that can help control your autoimmune condition

Bodybuilders share health tips at Cedar Rapids' Best of the Midwest

Kale your cravings with these healthy Halloween recipes

Do You find this Article helpful?

0 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply