Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to proliferate too quickly and excessively. It may cause the development of scaly, thick plaques. Some people try the traditional medical system of Ayurveda for psoriasis. It entails particular dietary approaches, herbal ingredients, and a number of additional supportive techniques. Psoriasis is said to be caused by the vitiation of Vata and Kapha, according to ancient Ayurveda, even though the disease’s underlying cause has not yet been discovered. According to Ayurveda concepts, Vata and Kapha are the two fundamental forces that maintain the equilibrium of our bodies. High genetic susceptibility, lack of exposure to sunlight, and severe upper respiratory tract streptococcal infection can all significantly worsen psoriasis. According to Ayurveda, these circumstances are potent enough to produce a number of observable pathological changes. These alterations are mostly caused by the buildup of dooshivishas or low potency poisons.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS
The goal of Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis or Kitibha/Ekakustha is to get rid of your body of toxic ama poisons and to balance the doshas. Psoriasis flare-ups can be avoided with regular sessions of Shaman (balancing aggravating doshas) and shodhana (body purification). For overall wellness, one must adhere to the Pathya diet prescribed by Ayurveda in addition to receiving psoriasis treatment.
Here are some effective Ayurvedic treatments for managing psoriasis:
Virechana Therapy
Purgatives are administered as part of the Virechana therapy to help the body detoxify, get rid of extra pitta, and clean out toxins from the liver and colon. Excess pitta and toxins need to be eliminated in order to lessen psoriasis’ redness and inflammation. Depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment may last for another three to seven days.
Abhyanga Therapy
Generally, a full-body massage or Abhyanga comes after a Virechana therapy. This enhances blood flow and balances dosha imbalances in your skin. The oils listed below are used to treat psoriasis.
- Psoramet oil
- Nimbadi oil
Vamana Therapy
The Vamana therapy induces vomiting using Vamaka plants and oils. The process of vomiting medication is a great way to eliminate too much kapha dosha from the body. Madanaphala Pippali is the most often used Ayurveda drug for psoriasis treatment through Vamana.
Takra Dhara
This ayurvedic panchakarma therapy is the gold standard for treating psoriasis. During the technique, the entire body is covered in sour buttermilk (rich in lactic acid) that has been treated using Amalaki Churna. Takra dhara offers both immediate and long-lasting relief for psoriasis spots. Because psoriasis is Yapya (controllable), rather than Sadhya (curable), the process must be done at least twice a year.
PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS IN AYURVEDA
Ayurveda also has a set schedule made up of different Panchakarma therapy facets, which includes internally and externally applied drugs that are only derived from herbs, with the purpose of improving control of psoriasis. Below is a general description of this full Panchkarma treatment:
- Consumption of medicinal ghee for seven to ten days, depending on the person’s dosha and the type of psoriasis they have.
- Vamana (induced vomiting) and Virechana (purgation) are performed.
- Shirodhara – Following the cleansing described above, medicated oil or buttermilk is dripped overhead (Shirodhara), and the body is then covered in a mud and medication paste.
- Vasties (medicated enemas) are administered for 8–10 days, while internal medications such as herbal mixtures, herbal tinctures, and medicinal ghee must be taken for at least 120–180 days.
For the course of the therapy, a rigorous food plan must be adhered to; it is best to maintain a vegetarian diet. Alcohol, non-vegetarian foods, and salted foods must be limited. It’s best to stay away from junk food as well. A calm mindset is necessary for those with psoriasis. Depending on factors such as age, physical makeup, disease severity (such as how quickly it progresses and what type it is), patient food preferences, and lifestyle, among others, the length of treatment may differ from person to person.
DIETARY CHANGES
A vegetarian diet is frequently emphasised in Ayurveda treatments. Moreover, foods like those heavy in carbohydrates and those with a lot of sugar should be avoided. Ayurvedic teachings also advise against eating meals that are “in the extreme,” such as those with excessively strong flavours like those that are too salty, sour, or acidic. Practitioners of ayurveda advise patients to “listen” to their bodies. They get rid of poisons from their bodies by acting on urges to urinate or poop, for example.
MEDITATION AND MOVEMENT
Ayurveda practitioners emphasise the harmony of three “elements,” which they define as, an individual’s “universe” is made up of their “Prakriti,” or body constitution, and their “Dosha,” or life-forces.
Reducing anxiety and stress is one method for maintaining them in balance. A person may benefit from meditation and the practice of “Pranayama,” a system of controlled breathing practises, in order to reduce their psoriasis. These mindfulness practices might improve a person’s general wellbeing. As stress can cause psoriasis flares, using these relaxing techniques to lower stress levels may help avoid a flare.
AYURVEDIC HOME REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS
Here are a few quick Ayurvedic home remedies for psoriasis symptoms:
- To minimise inflammation, add a lot of turmeric to your food.
- Apply cabbage leaf juice to the afflicted areas.
- Always keep your skin as hydrated as you can. Use some coconut oil or a herbal moisturiser right away to keep the skin from drying out.
- Use jasmine flower essence in the form of a paste to any irritated or itchy regions.
- Use as much natural sunshine as you can to increase your vitamin D intake.
So those are all the points about how effective ayurvedic treatment is for managing psoriasis. Consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before starting Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis.