Sarcoidosis Treatment in Ayurveda

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs in the body. It is characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells or abnormal masses or granulomas in any part of the body, but mostly it is the lungs and lymph glands that are affected. The damage due to this inflammation can also affect the skin, eyes, heart, and other organs.

Such nodules have the capacity to alter the structure of the organs and impact their functioning.

The areas of the body commonly affected by sarcoidosis include:

lymph nodes
lungs
eyes
skin
heart
spleen
brain
liver

Signs

The sarcoidosis may or may not come with some alarming signs. However, generalized signs that can be experienced include:

fatigue
fever
weight loss
joint pain
dry mouth
nosebleeds
abdominal swelling

The symptoms also vary depending on the affected area. Sarcoidosis can develop in any organ, but mostly it is the lungs that are affected. The symptoms of the lungs sarcoidosis may include:

chest pain
dry cough
shortness of breath
wheezing

If it is the skin that is affected, the signs may include:

skin rash
sores
Scars
hair loss

The signs linked to the nervous system may include:

headaches
seizures
hearing loss

The signs linked to eyes include:

dry and itchy eyes
eye pain
a burning sensation in the eyes
watery discharge from the eyes
blurry vision
sensitivity to light

The signs linked to heart sarcoidosis may include:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Fainting (syncope)
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Rapid or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
Swelling caused by excess fluid (edema)

Causes

Researchers do not know the exact cause of sarcoidosis. In many, it appears to be a genetic deposition that results in sarcoidosis, mainly which is triggered by bacteria, viruses, chemicals, dust, etc.

These trigger the immune system, in response to which the healthy cells start to collect in a pattern of inflammation called granulomas.

As granulomas build up in that one particular organ, it starts to affect its functioning.

Risk Factors

While anyone can have sarcoidosis, some factors may increase your risk, such as:

Age. Sarcoidosis can happen at any age, but most commonly, it occurs between the ages of 20 and 60.
Gender. Women are more likely to suffer from sarcoidosis.
A family history. If you have a family history of sarcoidosis, you are more likely to witness the signs linked to sarcoidosis.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Sarcoidosis

In Ayurveda, sarcoidosis is believed to be the result of Kapha aggravation. Sarcoidosis affects lymph nodes that are related to Kapha dosha. So, the focus is on balancing the energy of Kapha imbalance.

At times, lymph nodes may also be affected by Pitta, which in return results in hardening of the lymph nodes.

Ayurveda also recommends improving immunity by increasing the intake of medicinal herbs. Herbs and formulations help strengthen the immunity while they also focus on overall health improvement.

Diet is also a crucial part of ayurvedic treatment for sarcoidosis. A Satvik diet mostly focuses on the intake of green leafy vegetables and foods with bitter and astringent tastes in particular. An anti-inflammatory diet is highly helpful for people suffering from sarcoidosis.

Lifestyle alterations, including the practice of yoga, pranayama may also help manage the signs of sarcoidosis.

At AyuKarma, our yoga experts and ayurvedic physicians help you at every step of the treatment process. We believe Ayurveda is a very comprehensive approach to managing the disease, so our efforts are continuous and supportive for our patients.