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Thyroid Autoimmune Disorders (Hashimoto’s & Grave’s): An Ayurvedic Perspective
by Kester Marshall
The most common causes of Thyroid
dysfunction are the autoimmune
conditions known as Hashimoto's
Disease, which causes the thyroid
gland to become under-active
(hypothyroidism) and Grave's
disease, which causes the thyroid
gland to become over-active
(hyperthyroidism).
In both these scenarios, the immune
system begins to attack the cells of
the thyroid gland, which then become
inflamed and either produce less
thyroid hormone or more (depending
on the condition). This then causes
various metabolic changes as the
thyroid hormones are responsible for
regulating and coordinating many of
the body’s activities.
In the case of hypothyroidism
symptoms may include:
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin, puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• Elevated blood cholesterol
• Unexplained weight gain, mostly
in the form of fluid
• Muscle aches, tenderness and
stiffness, especially the shoulders
and hips
• Pain and stiffness in the joints
and swelling in the knees or small
joints of hands and feet
• Muscle weakness, especially in
the lower extremities
• Excessive or prolonged
menstrual bleeding
(menorrhagia)
• Depression.
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In the case of hyperthyroidism
symptoms may include:
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Fine tremor of the hands or
fingers
• Increased perspiration or warm,
moist skin
• Sensitivity to heat
• Weight loss, despite normal
eating habits
• Enlargement of the thyroid
gland (goiter)
• Change in menstrual cycles
• Erectile dysfunction or reduced
libido
• Frequent bowel movements or
diarrhea
• Bulging eyes (Graves'
ophthalmopathy)
• Thick, red skin usually on the
shins or tops of feet (Graves'
dermopathy).
From a conventional medical
perspective the causes of both
diseases are considered to be a
dysfunction in the immune system,
probably due to genetic or hereditary
factors. However, little or nothing is
known about the details of what
actually causes this immune
dysfunction in the first place.
Treatments for Grave’s include:
• Radioactive iodine therapy
(orally)
• Anti-thyroid medications • Beta blockers (symptomatic
management)
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•
•
Surgery
and other specific treatment for
Graves opthalmopathy.
Treatment for Hashimoto’s include
Synthetic Hormone replacement
(usually levothyroxine).
The Ayurvedic View
Although Ayurveda recognises
genetic/hereditary factors at play in
the development of these diseases, it
also describes a very clear disease
process and an in-depth
understanding of what actually causes
the immune dysfunction. From the Ayurvedic view the initial
causes are diet and lifestyle factors
that imbalance the digestive fire and
metabolism and disrupt the balance
of the doshas (Vata/Pitta/Kapha).
Stress and overwork also play an
enormous part as this causes
imbalanced Agni, vitiation of the
doshas and the direct depletion of
Ojas (which is considered the final
essence of tissue metabolism and the
primary support for our immune
system).
The Disease Process
As is always the case from an
Ayurvedic perspective, the disease
process begins in the gut with
imbalanced digestive fire (Agni) and
the production of undigested food
waste (Ama). This Ama then moves
from the gut into circulation along
with imbalanced doshas (Vata, Pitta
or Kapha) and begins to compromise
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the function of the metabolic agnis
that are necessary for the healthy
tissue formation. This progresses
from the level of plasma (rasa) and
continues up the chain, inhibiting the
formation of strong and healthy
tissues until Ojas is affected.
tissues of the body at a very deep
level and also the vital organs. The
approach to managing them must,
therefore, be equally comprehensive.
In Ayurveda, the emphasis is always
on treating the individual rather than
simply treating a disease state so every
treatment program will look slightly
different depending on each person’s
unique situation. Having said that,
there will always be some common
recommendations which will include
dietary and lifestyle guidelines, herbal
preparations and body treatments.
An Ayurvedic Practioner will always
recommend the avoidance of any
Once the quality of Ojas is disturbed dietary or lifestyle activities that
(in this case it is often caused by the
directly deplete Ojas. In addition, an
presence of Pitta dosha in the form
approach to diet must be adopted that
of heat) then the immune system
strengthens both the central digestive
begins to act improperly, attacking the fire (Jathara Agni) and the tissue
thyroid gland and the full blown
metabolism (Dhatu Agnis). Any
autoimmune condition develops.
doshic imbalance that is present must
Whether the autoimmune condition
also be rectified. To this end avoiding
manifests as Graves or Hashiomoto’s wheat, all refined sugar, all fermented
depends upon the specific doshic
foods including alcohol, yoghurt and
imbalance involved.
yeast as well as sour fruits and
tomatoes, is recommended. Other
When this chain of metabolic
specific dietary and lifestyle
dysfunction goes on unchecked, Ojas recommendations depend on which
gradually becomes more depleted and doshas are imbalanced. conditions such as Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis Gentle exercise such as walking, Tai
and heart problems can also develop. chi or Qi Gong under the guidance of
Ojas is also depleted by: fear, anxiety, anger,
grief and trauma, excessive alcohol
consumption, eating too much dry and cold
food (including processed food or too much
raw food), lack of restful sleep, excessive
talking and sensory stimulation, too much
mass media, overly strenuous exercise,
overwork, travel, excessive fasting or sudden
weight loss.
Ayurvedic Treatment
It is easy to see why these conditions
can be so difficult to manage. They
are long-standing and they affect the
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ensure the proper nourishment of the
tissues. Herbs that rectify the
imbalanced doshas and aid the
production of healthy Ojas (therefore
addressing the auto immune aspect of
the condition) must also be
prescribed.
Ayurvedic therapies are also
incredibly beneficial for these
conditions. Pindaswed (massaging the
body with a heated bolus of specific
herbs) is excellent for reducing Ama
in the tissues and channels, bringing
immediate relief from swelling, pain
and stiffness; while Shirodhara (the
drizzling of warm, medicated oil on
the forehead) is very effective in
relieving stress and nervous system
tension.
The Ayurvedic approach to treatment
can go hand-in-hand with more
conventional medical approaches.
While one can help to manage your
symptoms, the other can affect
change at the root of the disease
process - strengthening digestion,
reducing toxins, pacifying aggravated
doshas and nourishing Ojas.
If you are in any doubt about your health
please be sure to consult an Ayurvedic
Practitioner or your local health physician.
a good teacher are invaluable for
these conditions. Meditation and
mindfulness practices are also
essential for managing stress and
reducing its effect on immune
dysfunction.
A variety of very specific Traditional
herbal formulations are available that
help support good digestion and
metabolism and facilitate the
elimination of Ama. They aid
circulation through the channels and
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