Vitiligo, also referred to as leucoderma is a condition where white patches form on the skin due to the depigmentation resulting from the death of melanocytes. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, from the insides of the mouth and nose to the inner layer of the eyeball. The condition is associated to be as an autoimmune disease where the immune system of a person reacts against the body’s organs and tissues.
Ayurveda refers to the condition as ‘Shwetakushta’ and considers the vitiation of all the three doshas, mainly the imbalance of Pitta dosha to be the root cause. The aggravated doshas along with the involvement of the lymph and blood causes vitiligo.
Risk factors for Vitiligo according to Ayurveda are,
- Intake of contradictory foods
- Suppression of natural urges
- Excess consumption of sour, sweet, salt and pungent foods
- Excess intake of fresh grains, curd, and fish
Ayurvedic treatments for Vitiligo
The Ayurvedic line of treatment includes corrective measures to promote healthy digestion, elimination of ama or the accumulated toxins, boosting the immunity and balancing the Pitta dosha. Ayurvedic treatments recommended for treating vitiligo include snehana and swedana (oleation and sudation therapies), shodhana (purification by purgation or emesis) and external application of medicines.
Following include the diet and lifestyle advice by Ayurveda for preventing the spread of vitiligo.
- Include bitter vegetables in diet
- Restrict sour and tangy fruits, non-vegetarian food, curd and foods that are fermented.
- Manage stress with yoga and meditation
- Following a light food diet
- Adequate hydration of the body
- Avoid milk and dairy products, flavoured drinks and junk food
- Drink water kept in copper vessels overnight
