Psoriasis and its ayurvedic treatment.

October 8, 2008

Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin with red raised lesions characterized by severe itching, dryness of the skin and white silvery scales. It is a non infectious diseasewhich may go in remission for years and may become worse at times. Common sites of lesions are elbow, scalp, knees and lower back. Pitting of nails is very common. Ayurveda explains psoriasis as the disorder named KITIBHA and it is a form of vitiated Vataand Kapha. These affect the skin, blood tissue and water element of that area making the skin discoloured, thin and

scaly. VAIDYA TALK - PSORIASIS Psoriasis affects both sexes equally and can occur at any age, although itmost commonly appears for the first

time between the ages of 15 and 25 years. The prevalence of psoriasis in Western populations is estimated to be around2-3%. The prevalence of psoriasis among 7.5 million patients who were registered with a general practitioner in the United Kingdom was 1.5%. A survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation (a US based psoriasis education and advocacy group) found a prevalence of 2.1% among adult Americans. The study found that 35% of people with psoriasis could be classified as having moderate to severe psoriasis. Around one-third of people with psoriasis report a family history of the disease, and researchers have identified genetic loci associated with the condition. Onset before age 40

usually indicates a greater genetic susceptibility and a more severe or recurrent course of psoriasis.

*Causes of Psoriasis* Ayurveda believes that it is caused due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha Doshas. The causes of vitiation of these Doshas are: * Consuming foods that should not be eaten together ( eg. Milk and radish, salt and milk, fish and milk) * Excessive intake of black beans, sea food, jaggery, yogurt, sour and salty food * Excess exposure of stresses or psychological trauma * Taking day time naps

* Bathing with cold water immediately after doing any kind of strenuous physical exertion * Controlling natural urges * Eating too salty or too sour or too heavy food (which is difficult to digest) . * Smoking and use of alcohol According to modern medicine the exact cause of psoriasis isunknown but throat infections, trauma, burns, bruises, hereditary are certain factors that trigger Psoriasis.

*Treatment of Psoriasis * :

We aim at detoxifying the body through the process known as Panchakarma . * Vamana and Virechana : Consumptionof medicated ghee (Snehapanam) considering the condition of person for5 to 7 days followed by induction of vomiting and / or purgation usingcertain herbs. * Takradhara : Dripping of medicated buttermilk on the forehead (dhara). * Lepanam : Application of medicated paste or ointments on the affected area. * Basti : medicated enemas are given for a recommended time duration. * Yoga and

meditation : to achieve a calm mind. * Internal medicines that include : Manjisthadi ghan Vati, Bakuchi capsules,Arogyavardhini tablets. * External application of 777 oil, Psorayog ointment, Psorolin soap *Tips for Psoriasis * * Avoid all factors that trigger Psoriasis. * Do not prick or peel the skin . * Do not use soap for bathing as it dries the skin . Instead

use chick pea flour (besan ) or use any medicated soap. * Avoid day time naps. * Have a bath daily as it helps in removing scales and inflamed skin . * After the bath pat dry the skin , do not rub vigorously * Expose your skin to small amount of sunlight which helps in improvement of lesions but a larger amount may worsen the condition. * Avoid excess use of sour, salty and acidic food.

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