Psoriasis An Ayurvedic Perspective - Causes and Holistic Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, which can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly seen on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back. While modern medicine categorizes psoriasis as an autoimmune condition with no definitive cure, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic view of its origins and a comprehensive approach to its management. This article delves into psoriasis through the Ayurvedic lens, exploring its causes, symptoms, and effective natural treatments.

Understanding Psoriasis in Modern Medicine

Before delving into the Ayurvedic perspective, it's essential to understand how modern science views psoriasis. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell turnover. This results in the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface, forming thick, scaly plaques. Common triggers include stress, infections, medications, cold weather, and skin injuries. While there is no known cure in allopathy, treatments such as topical corticosteroids, UV therapy, and immunosuppressant’s are often prescribed to manage symptoms.

Psoriasis in Ayurveda - The Vata-Kapha Imbalance

Ayurveda classifies diseases based on the imbalance of the three doshas - Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Psoriasis is often categorized under "Kushtha Roga", a broad term used to describe skin disorders. More specifically, it is seen as a type of "Eka Kushta", characterized by dryness, scaling, and thick lesions. 52 According to Ayurvedic principle psoriasis typically arises due to an imbalance Vata and Kapha doshas, with Pitta sometime also involved, especially in cases wi inflammation or burning sensations. Tыvitiation of these doshas leads to accumulation of toxins, known as Ama, in blood and skin tissues, causing the symptom associated with psoriasis

Ayurvedic Causes of Psoriasis

Ayurveda attributes psoriasis to sever internal and external factors that disturbt doshic balance. These include: 1. 2. Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Foods Combining incompatible foods, such as mi with sour fruits or fish, leads to toxiformation in the body. Excessive Consumption of Oily, Spicy, an Junk Foods: These aggravate Pitta an Kapha doshas and hinder digestion. 3. Irregular Eating Habits: Eating at improp times, skipping meals, or overeatin disturbs the digestive fire (Agni). 4. 5. Poor Digestion and Toxin Accumulation Weak digestion leads to the formation Ama, which circulates in the body and settles in the skin. Mental Stress: Chronic stress is a majofactor that exacerbates all three doshas particularly Vata, and is closely linked t skin conditions. 6. Lack of Routine and Poor Lifestyle: Nigh waking, excessive screen exposure sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physic activity disturb the body's natural rhythm and immunity. Symptoms of Psoriasis – Ayurvedic Viewpoint From an Ayurvedic perspective, the primary symptoms of Eka Kushta (psoriasis) are: Rukshata (Dryness) Aswedanam (Lack of sweating in the affected area) Parusha (Roughness of skin) Matsyashakalopamam (Scales resembling fish skin) Kandu (Itching) Sthirata (Chronic nature) These symptoms can worsen based on dosha dominance: Pitta-dominant psoriasis shows redness, inflammation, and burning. Kapha-dominant psoriasis shows thick scaling and oozing. Vata-dominant psoriasis is marked by dryness, cracking, and severe itching.

 Ayurvedic Treatment Principles

Ayurveda doesn't merely treat the symptoms but aims at the root cause, detoxifying the body and rebalancing the doshas. Treatment of psoriasis involves a combination of internal purification, external therapies, lifestyle changes, and dietary regulation. 1. Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification / Panchakarma Therapy) - Panchakarma is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment, aiming to eliminate the accumulated doshas and toxins. - Vamana (Emesis): Helps in expelling excess Kapha dosha. - Virechana (Purgation): Aimed at removing Pitta toxins through bowel cleansing. - Basti (Enema Therapy): Effective for Vata dosha and helpful in chronic cases. - Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Purifies the blood in severe conditions. - Takra Dhara/Shirodhara: Helps in calming the mind and relieving stress. - These therapies are administered under professional supervision in a clinical setting. 2. Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative Treatment) Following Panchakarma, or in mild cases, oral medications and external applications are used to pacify doshas and heal the skin. Common Internal Medications: - Arogya Vardhini Vati - Detoxifies the liver and improves digestion. - Guggulu (Kaishore Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu) - Anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying. - Neem Capsules - Blood purifier with antibacterial properties. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) - Improves skin complexion and detoxifies blood. - Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory. External Applications: - Turmeric paste - Reduces inflammation and itching. - Karanj oil or Mahamarichyadi Taila - Antifungal and soothing. - Neem oil - Antiseptic and skin soothing. - Aloe vera gel - Hydrates and cools the skin. 3. Pathya-Apathya (Diet and Lifestyle Modifications) Diet plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis in Ayurveda. Recommended Foods: - Warm, cooked, and light foods. - Green leafy vegetables (except nightshades like brinjal). - Bitter foods like neem, karela (bitter gourd), and methi (fenugreek). - Fresh fruits like pomegranate, apples, and papaya. - Plenty of water and herbal teas like coriander or cumin. Foods to Avoid: - Dairy and non-veg together (milk and fish combo is a strict no). - Excessive dairy, curd, cheese, and sour foods. - Fermented foods and packaged snacks. - Red meat and alcohol. - Nightshades: tomatoes, brinjal, and potatoes (may aggravate symptoms). Lifestyle Guidelines: - Maintain regular eating and sleeping routines. - Avoid late nights, cold showers, and excessive screen time. - Engage in gentle physical activity like yoga or walking. - Practice stress management techniques- meditation, pranayama, and mindfulness. 4. Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy) - Rasayana helps in boosting immunity, promoting tissue regeneration, and preventing recurrence. 5. 54 - Chyawanprash - Ashwagandha - Brahmi - Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) - These are often prescribed post-detox for long-term benefits. Yoga and Mind-Body Connection Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between the body and mind. Stress being a major trigger for psoriasis, regular practice of Yoga and meditation can significantly improve quality of life and reduce flare-ups. Recommended practices include: - Pranayama (especially Anulom-Vilomand Sheetali) Yoga saunas: Trikonasana, Tadasana Bhujangasana, and Shavasana - Mindfulness meditation to manag anxiety and stress Conclusion Psoriasis, though considered incurable modern medicine, can be effectively manage and even reversed in some cases throug Ayurveda's holistic and personalized approach By focusing on internal detoxification, balancing the doshas, healing the skin naturally, an incorporating healthy lifestyle changes Ayurveda empowers individuals to reclaintheir well-being. However, it is essential to remember tha Ayurvedic treatment should always be personalized and undertaken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Wit patience, discipline, and trust in nature's healin power, individuals suffering from psoriasis ca lead a fulfilling and symptom-free life. For best results, consult a registere Ayurvedic practitioner for personalize guidance.

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Courtesy:  Dr (Mrs) Pashi Tikoo and Koshur Samachar-2025, May