What is the Cure Perspective for Psoriasis  through Ayurveda

Dr. Amritha B.A.M.S

The Ayurvedic perspective on treating psoriasis focuses on restoring balance to the body’s doshas, particularly Pitta, through diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and detoxification. 

According to Ayurvedic principles, psoriasis is primarily attributed to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs metabolic and inflammatory processes in the body. This imbalance leads to the overproduction of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic plaques of psoriasis. 

For those seeking psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, these methods aim to rebalance the doshas and alleviate symptoms naturally.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. 

These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. While psoriasis is not contagious, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and emotional well-being.

Psoriasis occurs due to an overactive immune system. In a healthy immune system, T cells, a type of white blood cell, help protect the body from infections and diseases. In individuals with psoriasis, T cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells as if they were foreign invaders.

This immune response triggers the rapid production of new skin cells, which accumulate on the surface and form the characteristic plaques of psoriasis.

According to Ayurveda, psoriasis results from a combination of internal and external factors that disturb the balance of the doshas:

• Dietary Factors: Consuming excessive spicy, salty, or acidic foods can increase Pitta. Foods that are too dry or heavy may aggravate Vata.
• Stress: Emotional stress is a significant trigger, exacerbating Pitta and leading to flare-ups.
• Lifestyle Factors: Irregular sleep, inadequate hydration, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions can disrupt dosha balance.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures or pollutants can aggravate Pitta and affect skin health.

Cure Perspective for Psoriasis through Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, psoriasis is primarily linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs the body’s heat, inflammation, and metabolic processes. Pitta imbalances lead to excessive heat and inflammation, accelerating skin cell turnover and resulting in the characteristic plaques of psoriasis. While Pitta is central to the condition, Vata and Kapha doshas also play roles in the overall health balance.

According to Ayurveda, psoriasis is considered a chronic condition that is challenging to cure, which is why it is referred to as “Dushchikitsa” or difficult to treat. In Ayurvedic treatment, addressing the root cause of a disease is essential for effective and long-lasting treatment.

Ayurveda recommends a therapeutic approach called “Shodhana,” which involves purification therapies. These therapies are designed to eliminate toxins from the body and balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). By purifying the body, Ayurveda aims to remove the underlying causes of psoriasis and prevent its recurrence.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis

In Ayurvedic management of psoriasis, a combination of Samana (Pacifying treatment) and Shodhana (Purification treatment) is often employed.

Samana Karma (Pacifying Treatment):

• This involves using internal medications to balance and pacify the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) believed to be imbalanced in psoriasis, providing a sense of security and balance to the patient. Internal medications may include herbal formulations, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and promote overall health.

Diet and Nutrition:

Cooling Foods: To counteract Pitta’s heat, Ayurveda recommends incorporating cooling, soothing foods into the diet. These foods help reduce inflammation and provide hydration.

Avoiding Pitta-Aggravating Foods: Certain foods can exacerbate Pitta imbalances:

• Spicy, Acidic, and Oily Foods: Foods such as chilli peppers, tomatoes, and fried items can worsen psoriasis.
• Processed Foods and Alcohol: These can increase inflammation and disrupt dosha balance.

Hydration: Drinking adequate water is crucial for maintaining skin moisture and overall well-being.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Stress Management: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Ayurveda emphasizes stress-reducing practices:

• Yoga and Meditation: Regular yoga and meditation can help manage stress and improve overall health.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Techniques like Pranayama can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

Consistent Routine: Maintaining a regular daily routine supports dosha balance:

• Regular Sleep Patterns: Consistent sleep schedules contribute to overall balance.
• Balanced Meals: Eating meals at regular intervals supports metabolic functions and dosha equilibrium.

Avoiding Environmental Stressors: Minimizing exposure to extreme temperatures, pollutants, and harsh chemicals helps prevent Pitta aggravation and supports skin health.

Shodhana Karma (Purification Treatment):

Psoriasis is seen in Ayurveda as a condition where imbalanced doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) mix with the seven elements of the body (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Lasika), leading to symptoms. To address this, purification therapy (shodhana) is crucial in treatment.

This approach involves Panchakarma therapies, which are a set of purification procedures designed to eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance, instilling confidence in the patient about its detoxifying benefits. Panchakarma procedures may include therapeutic vomiting (Vamana), purgation (Virechana), enemas (Basti), and medication administration through the nose (Nasya). Also, include blood purification (Rakta Mokshana)

Dheemahi – Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis

Dheemahi Ayurveda prioritises patient health and well-being through a rich tradition of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through five generations. Our team comprises expert doctors who are committed to your health journey. 

Dheemahi Ayurveda is an authentic and traditional Ayurveda Hospital.

With daily consultations, we provide more reliability, as physical examinations allow doctors to make more findings about the patient’s condition.

At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we understand the importance of routine follow-up check-ups for chronic diseases. These check-ups are a crucial part of your treatment plan and are never overlooked. In the case of therapies to relieve symptoms, the supervision of our doctors is paramount, ensuring you feel cared for and supported throughout your journey to wellness.

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