Ayurvedic approach to Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are transmitted when an individual is bitten by certain types of ticks that have been infected with the borrelia bacteria. Only some species of ticks can become infected and only these infected ticks can pass it on to humans.
The borrelia bacteria can penetrate easily through human tissues and remain dormant for a long time. It has a thick protective sheath of protein that antibiotics sometimes fail to break.
The toxins attack a person’s ojus—their essence of life that provides immunity, longevity, vitality and overall balanced health.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Acute symptoms of Lyme disease include headache, fever, muscle soreness, and unexplained fatigue. Rashes may gradually develop a few days or even a few weeks after the tick bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the immune system, musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.
Management of Lyme disease
An initial consultation with an ayurvedic doctor is required to plan the right treatment protocol, detoxification, herbs, and diet and lifestyle regimen.
Ayurvedic management of Lyme disease is tailored according to the nature and stage of the disease, as well as the patient’s age, gender, mind-body constitution, imbalances in the doshas, and any other health problems they may be experiencing. If the disease has been present a long time, a longer treatment strategy may be required for recovery.
Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary symptoms of the borrelia pathogen which uses the inflammation to hide from the body’s immune system defence. Ayurvedic treatment therefore focuses on reducing the inflammation by balancing the digestive fire (agni), and using herbs, diet, lifestyle and daily rountines to bring balance to the body.
The digestive system is like an engine. It must work efficiently to heal illness and restore balance in the body. A strong digestive fire (agni) is vital for ongoing health.
Ayurvedic detoxification
A detox (panchakarma) therapy is an essential part of treating Lyme disease. An experienced ayurvedic practitioner designs the detox program according to your diagnosis and needs.
Typically, a detox program starts at home with the patient taking digestive herbs and medicated ghee for a few days. This is followed by therapies in the clinic including ayurvedic therapeutic oil massage (abhyanga), herbalised steam therapy (swedana), therapeutic purge of intestines (purgation), oil and decoction enemas (vasti), nervous system treatment (shirodhara) and nasal medications (nasya).
The length of your panchakarma depends on many factors which your doctor will talk over with you. A chronic Lyme disease may need a longer treatment strategy for recovery.
Daily detox regimes
Ayurvedic daily and seasonal rituals, if followed regularly and for an extended time, can help the body to continue detoxing.
- Tongue scraping—scrapes away the toxins coated on your tongue (do each morning after brushing your teeth)
- Self–massage with medicated oils —helps to mobilise toxins and eliminate them from the waste streams.
- Dry-brushing—moves lymph and toxins to the processing sites of elimination.
- Sweating—actively pulls out toxins via sweat.
Rebuild your health
After your detox, your doctor will prescribe a balanced, clean diet and lifestyle for your dosha. Certain spices and herbs will assist your body in rebuilding your health.
Note
This article is intended for education and awareness of Lyme disease. For personalised diagnosis and treatment advice, we recommend you book a consultation with one of our experienced ayurvedic doctors in either of our clinics – Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
