In Ayurveda, Sjogren’s Syndrome, characterized by dryness and inflammation, is understood through the lens of Vata and Pitta dosha imbalances, leading to disruptions in the body’s moisture-producing glands (rasa, rakta dhatu) and channels (strotas). Ayurvedic management focuses on restoring balance through dietary and lifestyle modifications, along with therapies like Basti and Shaman Aushadhis.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Sjogren’s Syndrome:
Dosha Imbalance:
Sjogren’s is primarily seen as a Vata and Pitta imbalance, with Vata’s dryness (Rukshata) and Pitta’s inflammation (Sthanvaigunya) being prominent.
Strotas Involvement:
The syndrome affects various bodily channels (strotas), including Rasavaha, Raktavaha, and Udakavaha, impacting the flow of rasa (essence of digestion) and rakta (blood).
Aama Formation:
The condition is also linked to Aama (toxins) formation due to impaired digestion and metabolism.
Shushkaakshipaka
Shushkaakshipaka is a Vata-pittaja, Sarvagata netra vikara that matches the clinical picture of dry eyes disease and can be called as a disease caused mainly due to increased Rukshata in eyes. This
increased Rukshata due to Dhula, dhuma, Raja sevan
and other Samanya hetus of Netra rogas leads to Prakopa of Vata dosha alone previously. However, as the Hetu sevan continues even Pitta dosha gets involved and results into a deeper Dosha-dushti involving all 5 Mandalas where in there is Rukshata
Treatment:
Samhitas mention oral as well as local
treatment modalities for Shushkaakshipaka. Oral
treatment includes Ghrutpana as first line of
treatment. Snehana, Swedana, Snigdha Nasya,
Snehana Anjana, Tarpan, Putapaka are some of local
remedies that will decrease the Rukshata of ocular
surface.Administration of Ksheer Basti in treatment
of Shushkaakshipaka is also adviced
1) jeevantyadi ghrita -2tsf after food 2 times a day with warm water for 15 day
The symptoms which you have mentioned lik dry eyes dry mouth body ache weakness are classical symptoms of shogren s syndrome even if blood reports are normal ACC to ayurveda it’s a progressive vata pitta imbalance You can start on Giloyghan vati- 1 tab twice daily after food with lukewarm water Yasthimadhu churna- 1/2 tsp with warm water at morning Ashwagandha churna- Shatavari churna- 1/2 tsp each with warm milk at night
Since Sjogren syndrome is auto immune, you will get relief from your problem, but need to continue -Include antioxidant like Omega -3 fatty acids and vitamin E in diet. - if you are non vegetarian then include fish which is rich in fish oil like sardines, Tuna - Food rich in oil like Avacado, walnut, peanuts, sesame almonds are good to be included in your diet Doing Basti in a nearby ayurvedic centre will benefit you Abhyangam - oil massage on body . will also help you. Oil pulling with sesame oil Treatment you can take Guduchiadi kashayam 30ml. With water before lunch Panchtiktagrit 10ml. With warm milk before breakfast Kishore guggul 1-0-1 after food with water
If you have any reports then please share details of those too…
HELLO MRS SHAH,
WHAT IS SJOGREN’S SYNDROME? -It is an autoimmune condition- meaning your body’s own immune system starts attacking its own healthy glands and tissues, especially the glands that produce moisture (saliva and tears).This leads to -dryness of mouth -dryness of eyes -sometimes fry skin, joint pain, fatigue, body ache
It usually affects middle-aged women, often around or after menopause. It can occur alone or along with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Ayurveda sees this condition as a combination of -vata pitta imbalance -shosha= meaning drying up or wasting of tissues -rasa dhatu kshaya= the first essential fluid of the body is weakened -Ojas kshaya= the body’s vitality and immunity are reduced -affected tissues: Eyes(Netra), mouth (much), joints (sandhi), and snayu (ligaments/tendons) It is chronic and systemic issue, needing a long term holistic approach, not just symptoms control
GOALS OF TREATMENT -restore natural moisture in eyes, mouth, joints -strengthen immunity without overstimulation -nourish body tissues (especially rasa, mamsa, and Ojas) -reduce dryness, fatigue, body pain -prevent further complications -balance vata and Pitta doshas gently and consistently
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) GUDUCHI GHANVATI= 2 tabs twice daily after meals =booosts immunity, reduces inflammation gently
2) ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES= 1 cap at night with warm milk 500mg =rebuilds strengthen, reduces fatigue, vata pacifying
3) SHATAVARI KALPA= 1 tsp with warm milk in evening =deep tissue nourishment, especially for dryness
4) SAPTAMRIT LAUH= 2 tabs after meals =improves vision, reduces eye dryness, antioxidants
5) CHANDRAPRABHA VATI= 2 tabs twice daily after meals =for urinary tract dryness, glandular balance
6) SIMHANADA GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meals = for joint stiffness, body aches
DURATION= continue for 2-3 months. Results are slow but sustainable
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= USE BALA TAILA- full body, 20 mins before bath 4 times/week =improves circulation, joint stiffness, nourishes dry skin
2) NASYA= 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostrils daily in morning after steam =clears dryness of nose, eyes, head, improves tear secretions
3) NETRA TARPANA= eye rejuvination with triphala ghrita =relieves dry eyes, strengthens optic nerves
4) KARNA PURANA= 3 drops of bala Taila in each ear once a week =supports nervous system and vata balance
HOME REMEDIES
1) ALOE VERA JUICE= 15ml daily on empty stomach- moistens tissues
2) LICORICE TEA= soothes dry throat, balances immunity
3) SOAKED ALMONDS= 5-6 daily in morning- nourishes tissues
4) GHEE- 1 tsp daily in food or milk- excellent natural moisturizer
5) WARM SESAME OIL- oil pulling in morning (2-3 min)- helps with dry mouth
6) COCONUT WATER + DRY DATES (OVERNIGHT SOAKED)= increases moisture, energy
7) STEAM INHALATION with tulsi water- relieves nasal and eye dryness
YOGA AND PRANAYAM- DAILY PRACTICE (15-30 MIN) -Bhujangasana= improves circulation, tones glands -Marjariasana= relieves spinal stiffness -Balasana= relieves fatigue, calms nerves -Setu bandhasana= strengthens pelvic and digestive organs -Viparita karani= gentle inversion, calming, lymph flow
PRANAYAM -Anulom Vilom= balances vata and pitta -Bhramari= calms nervous system -Sheetali= moistens mucosa, cools pitta
DIET -warm, soft, moist foods -ghee, rice, green gram , milk, fresh seasonal fruits -cooked vegetables -almonds, dates, figs, raisins soaked -turmeric,cumin, coriander, fennel- gentle spices -herbal teas- tulsi, yashtimadhu, ginger
AVOID -dry, cold, stale foods -excess tea, coffee -sour, spicy, fried food -processed snacks, bakery, sugar -excess wheat, maida, non veg if digestion is weak
-Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s are chronic and require patience and consistency -Ayurveda does not focus on just “killing symptoms” , but gently nurtures and rebuilds your immunity, moisture, and energy overtime -You may not feel dramatic changes in 1 week, but over 4-8 weeks, dryness, fatigue, and stiffness will reduce steadily
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Given the symptoms you’ve described, focusing on balancing your doshas and supporting the body’s natural hydration and immune functions can be very helpful. Ayurveda may complement your existing treatment. Sjogren-like symptoms such as dry mouth and eyes can hint at a Vata-Pitta imbalance, possibly driven by drying and heating qualities.
First, consider your diet. Favoring a Vata-Pitta pacifying diet which is rich in grounding, nourishing, and oozing properties may provide some comfort. Include warm, cooked foods like soups and stews that soothe and hydrate. Ghee is fantastic for the dryness, you might want to incorporate a teaspoon daily into your meals if your digestion is alright. Avoid overly spicy, salty, and dry foods, as they can aggravate Vata-Pitta doshas.
Hydration is key here, so include plenty of fluids like herbal teas, especially with cooling herbs like fennel or coriander. Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea can help ease digestion and support hydration while balancing Pitta. Sip lukewarm water throughout the day in small quantities - too much at once might dampen Agni, your digestive fire.
For dry eyes, consider Triphala eye wash. Soak a teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of water overnight, strain it in the morning and use the liquid to gently rinse your eyes.
Regarding dry mouth, chew on cloves or a few fennel seeds post meals, which stimulates saliva production and aids with digestion. These could provide some natural relief.
Yoga and gentle pranayama - focus on calm, grounding practices without excessive heat - can stabilize Vata and ease muscular discomfort and weakness. Regularly practicing gentle yoga postures like Balasana (Child’s Pose) can be very grounding.
Consult with your healthcare provider before implementing these, especially since current medical treatments are ongoing. They will help ensure that these natural remedies won’t interfere with your treatment plan, keeping your safety as the priority.
Looking at your symptoms, it seems relevant to consider your dosha imbalance, primarily vata, which may be causing the dryness and weakness. In Siddha-Ayurvedic practice, addressing vata is crucial in such conditions. Here are some approaches you can explore to find relief:
Begin by incorporating warming, grounding foods into your diet. Favor cooked, moist foods that are naturally sweet, sour, and salty, and include ingredients like ghee and oils that can help lubricate the tissues. Avoid raw, cold, and dry items. This dietary shift can bolster both agni and the dhatus, strengthening the body’s reserves against the dryness.
Nasya (nasal oil application) could be beneficial in managing dry eyes and dry mouth. Consider using medicated oils like Anu taila, applying 1-2 drops in each nostril every morning on an empty stomach. This practice helps in nourishing ‘ojas’ and balancing vata in the body’s upper channels, aiding in moisture retention.
Perform gentle abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame oil or Mahanarayan oil, followed by a warm bath. Doing this daily can help reduce body aches and weakness by pacifying vata and nourishing the bodily tissues.
For herbal support, explore ashwagandha and shatavari, which can rejuvenate the body, enhancing strength and moisture. Dosage should be guided by an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure safe and effective use based on your constitution.
Lastly, consider pranayama, specifically anulom-vilom, and meditation to help calm the mind and reduce stress, which can exacerbate vata imbalance. Pay attention to adequate rest and maintain a balanced schedule to avoid overexertion.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for further exploration and treatment, especially since proper diagnosis and monitoring may necessitate more specialized care.
