Psoriasis is described as Kitibha in Ayurvedic classical texts. The age group affected by psoriasis ranges between 25 to 75. It is marked by silvery flakes on the skin with severe itching and red or heaty patches. Sometimes it is found that only the scalp is effected. Psoriasis is also associated with sypmtoms like hyperacidity, stress , depression, lack of sleep. The common side effect of psoriasis is arthritis (known as psoriatic arthritis).
Though today’s English medicine calls this ailment as an auto immune disorder with no known causes, Ayurveda clearly understands the underlying causes that lead to psoriasis in an individual. These are;
A person is constantly exposed to a very heated environment like working in tree sun, close to a furnace, in a hot room without any or very little ventilation etc.
The individual is consuming wrong food combinations
The person is eating at absolutely wrong times in the day
A person is exercising soon after consuming food
It is closely associated with psychological frame of mind of the patients.
A person is undergoing stress and frustration along with one or more of the above factors responsible for causing psoriasis
Usually patients with pitta constitution are commonly effected by this disorder.
What will add to the condition
Consumption of Shell fish, raw foods, red meat
Symptoms of Psoriasis are;
Silvery flakes on skin ( looks like dandruff )
Body pain or joint pain ( sometimes)
On and off raised body temperature
Dangers to health
Can lead to psoriatic arthritis
Damage the texture and colour of the skin permanently
State of mind when suffering from psoriasis
Irritation, anger, desperation
Low esteem, low self respect
Lack of sexual desire
Treatment and therapy
Psoriasis can be successfully controlled with ayurvedic treatments. This involves herbal supplements, panchakarma and counselling of the patients.
Patients cooperation and understanding plays an important role in the success rate of the treatment.
Modifying diet as per the patient’s prakruti and lifestyle changes is also essential part of the treatment.
Panchakarma helps to detoxify and flush the unwanted wastes and strengthens the system which makes herbal medications more effective.
At the same time stress reducing therapies are also given.
The psychological counselling to encourage healing from the consciousness and quietness the mind establishes patients confidence which further helps him to cope with stress and bring static energies from within.
The course of the therapy should be decided as per the prakruti and Vikruti by a qualified ayurvedacharya