Psoriasis in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis in Kerala, India
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid development of skin cells. This development of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. Eventually, they fall off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month.
For people with psoriasis, the skin production process may occur in just a few days. Because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off. This rapid overproduction leads to the buildup of skin cells. Scales typically develop on joints such as elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, neck, scalp and face. Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, the mouth, and the area around genitals.
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin to regenerate at faster than normal rate. Researchers believe both genetics and environmental factors play a role.
Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person. What may worsen your psoriasis might not have any impact on someone else. Common psoriasis triggers include:
Stress: Stress is one of the most common psoriasis triggers.
Injury: Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or harmed. Scratches, sunburns, bug bites and vaccinations can all trigger a psoriasis flare.
Illness: Anything that can affect the immune system can trigger psoriasis.
Weather: The weather may trigger a flare. Cold weather can often cause psoriasis flares due to less sunlight and humidity, heated and drier indoor air, as well as stress and illness. Warm weather can often improve psoriasis because of natural sunlight and higher humidity.
Symptoms for Psoriasis
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
- Swollen and stiff joints
The Ayurvedic Explanation
Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood associated with emotional factors are the cause of the disease.
Psoriasis is believed to occur due to vitiation of all the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, Kapha in varying degree, but predominantly Vata and Kapha according to the ayurvedic concept.
The predominance of vatha causes pain, dryness and scaling of skin. Pitha vitiation leads to burning sensation, redness, inflammation etc and that of kapha causes rashes, itching, discharge, thickening of skin etc.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Psoriasis
Ayurveda treatment for psoriasis primarily focuses on blood purification and balancing the vitiated Doshas. Management of Psoriasis comprises of:
Shodhana: It is a process by which unwanted impurities are removed from the body using different techniques. The shodhana carried out for the elimination of physical and chemical impurities, change in physicochemical properties, remove toxicity, increase the potency of the drug material, and induce desired qualities for further processing.
Shamana: Shamana renews the body by treating that imbalances and neutralizing any impurities that stay after detoxification. It is a healing treatment. Shamana rejuvenates the body’s core functions, restores dosha balance, and revives the systems harmed during the sickness.
Rasayana: Rasayana is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy which helps in maintenance & promotion of health. Rasayana essentially means nutrition at all levels from macro to micro-cellular level. Rasayana treatment renews the vital fluids of the body and help the ojas (vital force of life) and the immune system, thus keeping away from diseases and prevents against ill effects of advanced age.
Diet Practices
Include anti-inflammatory foods that are generally healthy and helps controlling psoriasis. Reduce the intake of foods that can make inflammation worse.
Include:
- Fruits and veggies, especially berries, cherries, and leafy greens
- Salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger
- Heart-healthy sources of fat, like olive oil, seeds, and nuts
Reduce:
- Processed foods and refined sugars
- Fatty cuts of red meat
- Dairy
- Alcohol
Ayurveda treatment for psoriasis requires careful analysis of the disease and proper treatment. At Krishnendu Ayurveda, we have a very systematic approach in treating the disease; we plan a customized treatment for each individual which is specific to their symptoms.