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:: PSORIASIS – An Ayurvedic Perspective
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by eruptions of superficial papules and larger patches with phenomena of chronic inflammation. The name Psoriasis seemingly emerged from the Greek word 'Psora' meaning 'itch'. The aetiology of Psoriasis is unknown.Various investigators have suggested many theories to explain the origin of the disease. The theories of nervous origin have been given the best substantiation. According to this theory, psoriasis is caused by the disturbances in the functions of the nervous system. It is very well known that psoriasis or its relapses sometimes develop after psychic traumas or mental stress.
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is much more emotional than physical suffering by the patient and he/she
is forced to withdraw from most of his/her social activities due to the
physically unappealing appearance on the skin. Ignorance and inadequate
information about the disease lead to social ostracism of the patient
in his/her social circles. Let us have a correct perspective of Psoriasis
through Ayurveda.
SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Generally
the disease appears as a papulation - eruption of small circumscribed
solid elevation of the skin in ones and twos. They may be discrete or
confluent and silvery scales will appear on the papulations. The lesions
usually occur at first on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower limbs and
later spread all over the body. Psoriasis patients are likely to develop
psoriatic arthritis which gives joint discomfort, swelling, stiffness
or throbbing. Psoriasis usually goes through cycles of relapses and remissions.
In Ayurveda, Psoriasis is termed as 'Sidhmam'. Though
there are many types of Psoriasis, the two recognized as the most common
and widespread are: -
1. Dry, circumscribed papulations with very prominent silvery
scales.
2. Moist and/or suppurating papulations with scales.
As per Ayurvedic science, type 1 is the result of the combined effect
of 'Vata' and 'Kapha' doshas of the
body and type 2 is the result of combination of 'Vata'
and 'Pitta' doshas of the body.
CAUSES
Human skin, though simple, is a complex system comprising protective,
circulatory, sensory, lubricatory and thermo-regulatory components. Psoriasis
is a condition of the skin related to the imbalance of the blood chemistry
(Rakthadooshyam). Climate, food habits, anxiety, depression, heredity,
etc in singly or in different combinations are considered to be the causative
factors of Psoriasis.
Incompatible life styles, which could initiate the disease, among
others, are: -
a) Exposure to extreme climatic and weather conditions.
b) Alternate exposure to cold (air conditioned) and natural
environment.
c) Drinking of very cold water/beverages when the body is
warm.
d) Faulty food and drink habits.
e) Heavy physical activities on a full stomach.
f) Mental stress & strain, job pressures, anxiety,
depression, effects of psychic trauma etc.
The
above conditions affect the physiological homeostasis (balance of functions
of the internal organs) and upset one's temperature regulatory mechanisms.
An area of the brain called Hypothalamus controls a person's body temperature.
In persons with Psoriasis, it has been observed that the temperature regulatory
mechanism of the Hypothalamus is upset. Clinical studies by reputed Ayurveda
hospitals and Ayurveda Medical Colleges in Kerala have recorded a higher
body temperature of the patients at the time of admission for treatment.
Mentally stressful conditions of the patient contribute very largely to
this higher body temperature and the mental trauma experienced by him/her
due to the disease aggravates it further. After treatment the body temperature
has been observed to revert back to normalcy.
The higher body temperature cause lesions on the skin to appear and when
the scaly epidermis is peeled off and discarded, the underlying dermis
and its complex systems of blood vessels, nerve endings etc are affected
adversely.
The food constituents in excess that could trigger the onset of
the disease are:
a) Hot, salty, spicy, acidic food.
b) Freshly harvested grains and sesame seeds in particular.
c) Milk and milk products, particularly yogurt and buttermilk.
d) Fish, honey, jaggery (crystallized/ partly dehydrated molasses).
e) Alcohol.
TREATMENT
Ayurveda provides a promising treatment for the disease. A very
important part in the treatment of psoriasis is played, in addition to
general therapy, by a proper regimen and elimination of harmful factors
from the patient's working and living conditions. The patient's
regimen must provide for at least 7-8 hours of daily sleep, vitamin-rich
food and regular outdoor hours (not less than 1 ½ to 2 hours a
day). The patient should be very thoroughly examined and in cases of internal
or nervous diseases, should be given corresponding treatment. It is very
important to safeguard the patient against any nervous shock.The patient
should avoid allergy causing food and should take sufficient
quantity of water. Any soap or shampoo should not be applied over the
lesions.
Traditional Ayurveda treatment addresses the
a) Purification of blood.
b) Rejuvenation of the complex systems of the skin, the nervous
system in particular.
c) Temperature regulation of the body.
d) Strengthening of the body immunization system, and
e) Psychological stabilization.
Time-tested Ayurveda procedure, Panchakarma chikitsa
(Panchakarma treatment which encompasses five distinct treatment procedures)
is the best course of treatment. Of the five ingredients of Panchakarma
treatment, three are used to treat Psoriasis. They are: -
1) Snehapanam (consuming medicines with ghee
as its base)
2) Vamanam (taking medicines that induce
vomiting)
3) Virechanam (taking medicines that act
as purgatives)
The treatment purifies the entire system and stabilizes the metabolism
of the patient. The body immune system is built up through intake of specially
prepared herbal potions.
Other procedures used to stimulate the
body functionary systems and stabilize the mental and psychological condition
of the patient are: -
a) Application of medicated oil on the head.
b) Applying medicated pack on the head.
c) Dhara (pouring medicated fluid/other liquids on the head
in slow unbroken stream for a specified time).
d) Therapeutic Yoga, Meditation, Reiki and Pranic healing
sessions.
The net result of the treatment is
a) Blood purification by Snehapanam.
b) Stimulation of hypothalamus by Dhara resulting in
temperature regulation of the body.
c) Stabilizing the blood chemistry by ensuring
balanced nutritious food, which are more alkaline than acidic.
d) Immunization of the body.
e) Achieve a psychological state of mental well
being by application of Yoga, meditation, Reiki, Pranic healing etc.
CONCLUSION
Western medical research concludes that there is no known cause for Psoriasis and hence no cure “……. when it comes to Psoriasis, modern medicine in absolutely inadequate”. Latest modern treatment for Psoriasis includes immune suppressing drugs, injection of steroids etc to suppress the skin conditions. The long term use of such drugs however has their own resultant complications . In conclusion we would like to assure Psoriasis-affected persons that a controlled, balanced, nutritious diet, stress free living and a well thought out Ayurveda treatment supported by Yoga and meditation will be the path to freedom from Psoriasis.
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