Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis: How Does It Work?
Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious autoimmune inflammatory condition primarily affecting the skin. It impacts approximately 1-3% of the global population. The disease is characterized by erythematous plaques with well-defined edges, covered by silvery scales.
These skin lesions are often itchy and, in around 20% of cases, may also involve the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. Several factors can exacerbate psoriasis, including stress, infections, certain medications like beta blockers, seasonal changes, and associated allergies. The condition is also believed to have a hereditary component.
5 Different Types of Psoriasis
Modern dermatology identifies five main types of psoriasis:
1. Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris):
- Prevalence: Accounts for about 90% of cases.
- Appearance: Red patches covered with white scales.
- Common Areas: Typically affects the forearms, lower legs, scalp, and around the face.
2. Guttate Psoriasis:
- Appearance: Small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions.
- Trigger: Often follows a streptococcal throat infection.
3. Inverse Psoriasis:
- Appearance: Smooth, red, inflamed patches in skin folds.
- Common Areas: Found in areas like the armpits, groin, or under the breasts.
4. Pustular Psoriasis:
- Appearance: Formation of pustules (blisters filled with non-infectious pus).
- Common Areas: Can occur on the palms and soles, sometimes confused with eczema.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis:
- Appearance: Severe form that covers almost the entire body with inflamed, red skin.
- Characteristics: Difficult to treat and manage.
Additionally, about 50% of psoriasis patients experience nail involvement, which can manifest as pinpoint depressions, thickened nails, or subungual hyperkeratosis (thickening beneath the nail).
Ayurvedic Perspective on Psoriasis
In Ayurveda, skin diseases are broadly categorized under the term kushta. Psoriasis is often classified within this group, and according to Ayurvedic classifications, it may be associated with conditions such as visarpa, visha, jirna-jwara, and frequently vata-rakta. However, psoriasis is most commonly identified in Ayurveda as kitibha kushta.
Kitibha Kushta is described in detail in the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita. It is classified among the eleven kshudra kushta—a group of relatively less severe skin disorders that are generally easier to treat. In this context, the doshas primarily involved in kitibha are vata and kapha.
The clinical features of kitibha kushta include:
- Syavam: Black or brown discoloration of the skin.
- Kinakharasparasa: Rough texture of the affected skin, similar to scar tissue.
- Parusha: Hardness to the touch.
Cause of Disease Psoriasis According to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, psoriasis and other skin diseases are believed to arise from a variety of lifestyle and dietary factors that disturb the body’s natural balance. Here’s a detailed look at these causes:
1. Incompatible Food Combinations:
Consuming foods that do not mix well can disrupt digestive processes and lead to the formation of toxins (ama) in the body. For example, eating fish with milk, legumes with yogurt, or milk with sour fruits can create imbalances that contribute to skin disorders like psoriasis. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of harmonious food combinations to maintain digestive health and prevent disease.
2. Heavy or Oily Drinks:
Drinking excessively oily or heavy beverages can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to improper digestion and toxin buildup. This can result in aggravation of the doshas, particularly kapha and pitta, which may manifest as skin issues including psoriasis.
3. Suppression of Natural Impulses:
Ignoring natural urges such as vomiting, sleep, or thirst can disturb the body’s internal balance and digestive functions. This suppression can cause an accumulation of toxins and imbalance in the doshas, which may trigger or exacerbate skin conditions like psoriasis.
4. Physical Activity in Extreme Conditions:
Engaging in strenuous physical activities in extreme heat or immediately after consuming a large meal can disrupt the digestive fire (agni) and exacerbate dosha imbalances. This can lead to the accumulation of toxins and an increased risk of developing skin diseases.
5. Disregard for Ayurvedic Guidelines:
Not adhering to Ayurvedic principles related to exposure to extreme temperatures, fasting practices, and proper meal timing can disturb the body’s equilibrium. Such violations can compromise digestive health and lead to conditions like psoriasis.
6. Cold Water After Sun Exposure:
Drinking cold water immediately after being in intense sun can shock the digestive system and disrupt the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. This sudden change in temperature can disturb the balance of doshas and contribute to the development of skin conditions.
7. Raw Food with Weak Digestion:
Consuming raw foods, particularly when digestive strength (agni) is weak, can lead to improper digestion and toxin formation. This can result in an imbalance of doshas and an increased likelihood of skin disorders, including psoriasis.
8. Improper Snacking:
Eating snacks before the previous meal has been properly digested can overload the digestive system and disrupt its function. This can lead to toxin accumulation and dosha imbalances, which may manifest as skin problems such as psoriasis.
9. Indigestion:
Poor digestive health is a key factor in the formation of toxins (ama), which can aggravate the doshas and lead to various skin disorders, including psoriasis. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for preventing and managing skin conditions.
10. Disruption of Panchakarma Regimen:
Failing to follow the prescribed regimen during Ayurvedic detoxification treatments (panchakarma) can lead to incomplete detoxification and the accumulation of residual toxins. This can disrupt dosha balance and contribute to the development of skin issues.
11. Excessive Consumption of Certain Foods:
Overindulging in foods such as fresh grains, curd, fish, salty and sour substances, urad dal, radish, confectionery, sesame, milk, and jaggery can lead to an imbalance of doshas and the formation of toxins. This imbalance can manifest as skin conditions like psoriasis.
12. Sexual Intercourse During Indigestion:
Engaging in sexual activity while experiencing digestive issues can further strain the digestive system and disrupt the body’s balance. This can exacerbate existing skin conditions or contribute to new ones.
13. Daytime Naps:
Taking naps during the day, especially after meals or when the digestive system is still processing food, can interfere with the body’s natural rhythms and digestion. This disruption can lead to an imbalance of doshas and an increased risk of skin disorders.
14. Sinful Acts:
Engaging in actions considered morally or ethically wrong can disturb mental and emotional balance, which can, in turn, affect physical health. This disruption can contribute to the development or worsening of skin conditions, including psoriasis.
By avoiding these provoking factors and adhering to Ayurvedic principles, individuals can better maintain their overall skin health and reduce the risk of psoriasis.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis
In Ayurveda, psoriasis is considered a disorder involving an imbalance of the doshas—vata and kapha—manifesting primarily in the skin (tvaka).
Although psoriasis is closely associated with disturbances in vata and kapha doshas, the role of pitta dosha cannot be overlooked due to its involvement in inflammatory processes.
According to Ayurvedic teachings, most skin diseases are tridoshic disorders, implicating all three doshas.
Approach to Treatment
Ayurveda emphasizes two primary approaches to treatment:
- Shamana (Palliative Treatment): This provides temporary relief of symptoms through local external treatments, such as topical applications. However, it does not address the root cause of the disease and may offer only short-term benefits.
- Shodhana (Cleansing Therapy): This approach aims to eradicate the underlying cause of the disease, expel accumulated doshas from the body, and prevent relapses. Shodhana is considered more effective for chronic conditions like psoriasis.
Shodhana Therapy for Psoriasis
1. Panchakarma: The cornerstone of shodhana therapy in Ayurveda, Panchakarma involves a series of cleansing procedures designed to expel toxins and restore dosha balance. Preparatory treatments, such as oiling, can help in weakening vata, pitta, and kapha doshas. For instance, Panchatiktaka Gritam is a medicinal oil that can be used for this purpose.
2. Vamana (Emetic Therapy): This treatment is especially beneficial for psoriasis, particularly during spring (Vasanta Ritu) when kapha dosha tends to be aggravated. Vamana helps eliminate excess kapha, which can exacerbate psoriasis.
3. Virechana (Purgation Therapy): This therapy is effective for balancing pitta dosha and is best performed in autumn (Sharat Ritu) when pitta levels are naturally elevated. Virechana aids in detoxifying the body and reducing pitta imbalances.
Medicinal Therapy for Psoriasis
1. Kaishora Guggulu: A formulation containing Triphala, Giloy, and Guggul gum, which is known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. This formulation helps in cleansing metabolic channels (srotas) and purifying the blood (rakta shodhana).
2. Bitter-Tasting Preparations: These are beneficial for the skin and help reduce itching. Bitter-tasting herbs balance kapha and pitta doshas, and can also assist in softening vata dosha.
3. Hot Potency Herbs: Medicines with hot potency, such as Guggul, can counteract the cold properties of vata dosha and promote better circulation.
4. Ayurvedic Herbal Wines (Arishta): Preparations like Khadirarishtam have pungent, diffuse, and penetrating properties that reach the channels (srotas) effectively, aiding in the elimination of accumulated doshas.
5. Rasayanas: These rejuvenative treatments, such as Gandhak Rasayana, help mitigate vata and kapha doshas and possess skin-cleansing properties.
6. External Oil Applications: Regular use of medicated oils can pacify vata and kapha doshas, providing relief from dryness and scaling.
7. Leech Therapy: In some cases, leech therapy can be beneficial for reducing localized inflammation and improving blood circulation.
Mental Health Considerations
Given that stress plays a significant role in psoriasis, incorporating medications that support mental health is also essential. For example, Manasamitra Vatakam is known for its benefits in managing stress and improving mental well-being.
Note: Treatment for psoriasis should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Self-medication or using treatments without professional guidance can lead to adverse effects and ineffective management of the condition.
Diet for Psoriasis According to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the skin is considered a product of various dhatus (tissues) with different perspectives: Acharya Charaka associates the skin with mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), while Acharya Vagbata links it to rakta dhatu (red blood). Despite these differing views, the influence of Vata and Pitta on the skin is universally recognized.
Given that psoriasis involves disturbances in all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—dietary recommendations must be tailored to each individual’s specific imbalance.
The inflammatory nature of psoriasis particularly necessitates a focus on pacifying Pitta. Here’s a detailed guide on dietary choices:
Vegetables
- Avoid: Tomatoes, eggplants, and frozen or raw vegetables as they can aggravate Pitta and Kapha.
- Moderation: Garlic, onion, and ginger, though they may aggravate Pitta, can be consumed in moderation due to their ability to balance Kapha and Vata.
- Beneficial: Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, spinach, carrots, fenugreek, chicory, Brussels sprouts, coriander, bitter gourd, and avocado. These vegetables are generally soothing and can help balance all doshas.
Fruits
- Avoid: Sour fruits such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), mangoes, strawberries, grapes, pineapples, and cherries as they can increase Pitta and exacerbate inflammation.
- Beneficial: Fruits like bananas, watermelons, and apples are less likely to aggravate Pitta and can be consumed to soothe the skin.
Grains
- Suitable Grains: Whole grains like wheat, brown rice, millet, buckwheat, and barley can be good choices if there is minimal oozing or exudation.
- Avoid: Refined grains and refined flour should be avoided as they can contribute to toxin formation and aggravate the condition.
Oils
- Avoid: Refined oils which can be inflammatory and aggravate Pitta.
- Preferred: Use unrefined oils such as olive, sunflower, coconut, or sesame oil. These oils are less likely to cause imbalances and support overall skin health.
Spices
- Avoid: Hot spices like red chili, which can trigger Pitta and increase inflammation.
- Beneficial Spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, fresh ginger, and mint are recommended for their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. These spices help to balance Pitta and support digestion.
Proteins and Dairy
- Avoid: Meat, fish (particularly sardines, mackerel, and herring), egg yolks, and dairy products, especially if lesions are itchy and exudative, due to their Kapha-aggravating effects.
- Moderation: Egg whites can be beneficial for normalizing Vata without significantly increasing Kapha.
Other Recommendations
- Avoid: Junk food, baked goods, alcohol, and pickles. These items can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and lead to flare-ups.
- General Advice: Maintain a balanced diet, avoid overindulgence, and focus on foods that support digestion and balance the doshas. It is essential to listen to your body and adjust your diet according to how your symptoms respond.
Diet plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis according to Ayurveda. Tailoring dietary choices to balance Pitta while considering the impact on Vata and Kapha doshas can help in managing symptoms and promoting overall skin health.
Q&A on Psoriasis and Ayurvedic Treatment
Q1: What is psoriasis, and how is it viewed in Ayurveda?
A1: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition that primarily affects the skin, leading to red, scaly plaques and sometimes joint involvement. In Ayurveda, psoriasis is considered a tridoshic disorder, meaning it involves imbalances in all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The disease is often classified under skin disorders known as kushta and specifically as kitibha kushta, which is characterized by dry, rough skin and scaling.
Q2: What are the main doshas involved in psoriasis, and how do they affect the condition?
A2: In psoriasis, the primary doshas involved are:
- Vata: Contributes to dryness and roughness of the skin.
- Pitta: Responsible for inflammation and redness.
- Kapha: Associated with scaling and thickening of the skin.
All three doshas play a role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis, but the inflammatory nature of the condition often means Pitta is particularly significant.
Q3: What is the Ayurvedic approach to treating psoriasis?
A3: Ayurveda uses a dual approach to treating psoriasis:
- Shamana (Palliative Treatment): Provides temporary relief through external treatments and dietary modifications. This includes using soothing oils, herbs, and managing symptoms with a balanced diet.
- Shodhana (Cleansing Therapy): Focuses on removing toxins from the body and correcting dosha imbalances. This involves procedures like Panchakarma (a series of detoxification treatments), Vamana (emetic therapy), and Virechana (purgation therapy) to expel accumulated doshas and toxins.
Q4: How does Panchakarma help in managing psoriasis?
A4: Panchakarma is a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification process that includes five main therapies: Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Raktamokshana (bloodletting), and Nasya (nasal administration of medicines). These therapies help in:
- Removing Toxins: Cleansing the body of toxins that aggravate dosha imbalances.
- Balancing Doshas: Restoring equilibrium among Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Enhancing Digestion: Improving metabolic function to support overall health and skin condition.
Q5: What dietary recommendations does Ayurveda suggest for managing psoriasis?
A5: Dietary recommendations in Ayurveda for psoriasis include:
- Avoiding: Sour fruits (like citrus), tomatoes, eggplants, frozen and raw vegetables, refined grains, refined oils, junk food, and hot spices.
- Including: Soothing vegetables (sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach), non-sour fruits (bananas, apples), whole grains (brown rice, millet), and unrefined oils (olive, coconut).
- Spices: Use turmeric, cumin, coriander, fresh ginger, and mint while avoiding hot spices like red chili.
- Proteins: Limit or avoid meat, certain fish (like sardines), and dairy products if symptoms are severe. Egg whites can be consumed in moderation.
Q6: How important is stress management in the Ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis?
A6: Stress plays a significant role in exacerbating psoriasis. Ayurveda recognizes the connection between mental and physical health. Therefore, stress management is crucial in treating psoriasis. Ayurvedic remedies may include:
- Herbal Formulations: Such as Manasamitra Vatakam to support mental health.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises to reduce stress levels and support overall well-being.
Q7: Can Ayurveda completely cure psoriasis?
A7: Ayurveda aims to manage and mitigate symptoms of psoriasis rather than providing a complete cure. The focus is on balancing doshas, improving overall health, and preventing relapses. Effective management involves a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and Ayurvedic therapies tailored to the individual’s needs. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is essential for personalized treatment.
Q8: Is self-medication appropriate for psoriasis in Ayurveda?
A8: No, self-medication is not recommended for psoriasis or any serious health condition. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a personalized treatment plan developed by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Self-medicating can lead to inappropriate treatment choices, potential side effects, and ineffective management of the condition.
Q9: Are there any lifestyle changes recommended in Ayurveda for psoriasis management?
A9: Yes, Ayurveda recommends several lifestyle changes for managing psoriasis, including:
- Regular Routine: Maintain a balanced daily routine with consistent meal times and sleep patterns.
- Avoiding Triggers: Minimize exposure to known triggers such as excessive heat, cold, or stress.
- Hydration: Drink adequate water to support digestion and toxin elimination.
- Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate physical activity to enhance overall health and balance doshas.
By following these guidelines and working closely with an Ayurvedic practitioner, individuals with psoriasis can achieve better symptom management and improved quality of life.
References:
- Potential implications of Ayurveda in Psoriasis: A clinical case study(1)
- Ayurvedic Management of Psoriasis( Ek Kustha): a case study(2)
- Ayurvedic management of Plaque Psoriasis – A Case Study(3)
- Management of psoriasis through ayurveda: case study(4)
- A clinical study of some Ayurvedic compound drugs in the assessment quality of life of patients with Eka Kushtha (psoriasis)(5)
