Ayurvedic Strengthening of
The Immune System

by Light Miller, N.D.

In today’s busy society, our immune system is continuously compromised. We spend long periods in automobiles inhaling traffic exhaust, on airline flights in confined spaces, working on computers indoors, often under fluorescent lighting, exposing ourselves to chemicals from synthetic fabrics, paint fumes, cleaning solvents—environmental hazards which are part of modern living. Daily, newspapers are filled with stories of auto-immune diseases and the drugs developed to counteract these diseases. Our body struggles to protect itself from these environmental offenders, yet over time the continual battle to maintain basic health depletes our immune system and symptoms of low ojas begin to manifest.

Fortunately, for Ayurvedic teachers and practitioners, many of these environmental insults can be alleviated by following the principles of the wonderful science of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practices assist us to gain control and regenerate the forgotten complex called “the immune system”. There are many ways to modify and support this system in order to create strong ojas (the basis of immunity). When the dhatus (tissues) are adequately nourished and function as intended, the remaining energy converts to ojas. When any tissue is starved or malfunctioning, there is not a smooth transfer up the dhatu ladder, ojas suffers and weakness and sensitivity to the environment is experienced. The goal of Ayurveda is to build and maintain strong, well-functioning dhatus that provide adequate ojas; the pillar of the immune system.

Nourishment of the Immune System
• Physical Nourishment: True nourishment occurs when we assimilate that which agni converts into energy. When this occurs, the physical body and all its tissues receive everything needed in order to thrive and we are able to cope with constant life challenges with adequate stamina and vigor. Ayurveda is largely based on appropriate diet regimens for specific body types to ensure appropriate and adequate physical nutrition.

• Mental Nourishment: The source of all disease is the failure of the intellect. Mental nourishment produces acuity of mind, clear thinking, and perception. The development of mental capabilities is accomplished simply by being curious. Exploring the world we live in and creating intellectual avenues of interest causes an expansion of knowledge and of consciousness. Necessary mental nourishment can be facilitated through self-study and the reflective methods of meditation, mantra, spiritual practices, pranayama, and yantra. For example, Divinity can be experienced through the yantra symbol when working in focused concentration. All of these methods build and enhance mental immunity.

At the highest level, Purusha is connected to all things, and our mind is the embodiment of cosmic love and principles (Mahat). Prana, the life force, is the refinement of all movements and the overseer of Vata. Ultimately, development and refinement of Mahat (the conditioned mind) dispels maya (illusion), abolishes fear, and grounds us in the ultimate reality of love and purpose.

• Emotional nourishment is also required. The immune system is greatly benefited by the communication of feelings. As practitioners, we need to maintain our professional career and have emotional outlets. One method of emotional nourishment is meditation, yet meditation without release can cause fragmentation of the wholeness of who we are. Therefore, participation in Master Mind groups, support groups, friendships, and love relationships are of utmost value in producing ojas and building mental immunity.
Practitioners and teachers of Ayurveda must be examples of a healthy mind, body, and spirit to be a guiding light for our communities. In order to create a breakthrough for Ayurveda, we must ‘Walk our Talk’, and “Be In Balance”. Embodying strong ojas, prana, and tejas gives us the strength and vitality to cope with the work and challenges that lie ahead.

Methods for Nourishing the Immune System
• Essential Oils contain volatile components and active ingredients that support the immune system. When essential oils are inhaled, psychological, and physical changes are instantly produced, directly stimulating the nerve pathways between the nose and limbic system, our primitive brain, where memories, desires, and emotions are stored and accessed. The chemical constituents of essential oils are compatible with many of the allopathic medicines that are used today. In fact, the chemistry of many of essential oils is often utilized in the development of today’s pharmaceuticals.

I consider the use of essential oils a key ingredient of my self-care and the treatment of my clients. It is an easy way to maintain strong ojas, healthy emotions, and a balanced system. In my daily practice of abhyanga, I use essential oils in my massage blend to strengthen my immune response. Abhyanga seals and protects the skin, calms and tones the muscles, centers the mind, and provides a barrier to outside influences. Essential oils may also be added to toothpaste (fennel, neem, peppermint), shampoo (ginger, sandalwood, lemon, mogra, rose), and hair conditioner (lavender, bhrami, bringarash) according to one’s particular constitution.

• Regular hot baths can provide stress relief and relaxation. Oatmeal and ginger baths with essential oils appropriate for your body type are stimulating, and a couple of tablespoons of clay or baking soda added to the bath is relaxing and balances electrolytes after a long day’s work. Footbaths with a few drops of essential oils are excellent for those who spend long hours massaging, doing pancha karma, or other client care.

• Skin brushing with a natural bristle brush (purchased at any good health food store) is important to maintain the health of the body. The skin requires more attention during cold weather as wearing more clothing leads to less exposure to sunlight, causing the blockage of toxins that are normally released via the skin. Brush the entire body for 5-15 minutes daily, (except for the face) and always brush towards the heart.

• Drink appropriate amounts of liquid (pure water, not tap water) or herbal teas according to your dosha.

• Exercise daily (including yoga, tai chi, kung fu, Qi gong) according to your dosha.

• Adequate rest is required according to constitution.

• Maintain the health of your large intestine through regular elimination.

• Daily intake of chyvanprash, dosha appropriate

• Regulate the blood sugar level. For example, Vatas need to eat small amounts of food throughout the day.

• Spritz your office and home with water and essential oils to create a clean, refreshing environment that can enhance daily activities. Lavender is relaxing, bergamot and other citrus oils are stimulating and uplifting.

• Stress is the major cause of immune imbalance. Even with a strong immune system one must be careful not to undermine it through wear and tear of poor lifestyle habits and by continually pushing oneself. Even with the best genetics, the body may succumb to serious illnesses if Ayurvedic practices are not maintained.

• Healers have a tendency to forego nurturing themselves. They see the needs of the world, stretch to accommodate them, and consequently do not take the time to maintain their own self-care.

The immune system is a complex interaction between ourselves and the world around us. How we think, feel and act with our world is a dance that determines whether we affect the world, or the world affects us. Ayurveda gives us many tools for a favorable outcome.

Dr. Light Miller is Director of the Sarasota Branch of the Ayurvedic program of Florida Vedic College and cofounder with her husband, Dr. Bryan Miller, of the Ayurvedic Centre for Self Healing. Dr. Miller is on the Board of Directors of NAMA , is a practitioner of Kaya Kalpa and author of books on Ayurveda and aromatherapy.
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