What Psoriasis is?
Though psoriasis is related to the skin however it is autoimmune in nature. It means psoriasis is caused due to the autoimmune action of the immune cells against own skin cells. This in turn leads to excessive production of cells on the skin. The speed at which the old and worn out skin cells die is comparatively lesser in comparison to production of new skin cells. That is why there is build-up of skin layers in the affected area. This condition is characterized by appearance of red and scaly patches over the skin. Papules and itching plaques are amongst the most notable symptoms of this disease.
The intensity and severity of the symptoms may vary from patient to patient. The scaly patches may either remain confined to some area or region or it may spread to other body parts too. The skin cells get replaced quite quickly in such patients. Besides the physical discomfort being experienced on the skin by the patients it may also be a matter of great concern from mental viewpoint too. It is because such patients generally suffer from the problem of low self-confidence. Timely diagnosis and use of apt and safe treatment options may play a great role in management of this condition.
Psoriasis Causes
There are multiple causative factors that may become the triggers for this discomforting skin condition. Some of the common causes of psoriasis as recognized in the medical field are as listed hereunder.
- Family history of the disease
- Intake of certain foods such as fish and milk together
- Certain injuries such as cuts or wounds on the skin that remain unhealed for long time
- Use of certain medicines is also known to trigger psoriatic symptoms
- Excessive smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Extreme mental stress
Psoriasis types
Some of the key types of psoriasis as identified in the medicine world are as follows.
- Psoriasis vulgaris
- Plaque psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
- Scalp psoriasis
- Nail psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Oral psoriasis
- Eruptive psoriasis
All these may have some common as well as varying symptoms that may appear dominantly or in mild manner in different patients. It may depend upon the triggering factors as well as the unique physical constitution of the patients.
Psoriasis in view of ayurveda
As per ayurveda, Vata and Kapha doshas are related to the skin and hence vitiation of these two doshas is held responsible for occurrence of psoriasis as per ayurvedic viewpoint. As a result of imbalance of these two doshas in the body, the toxins get accumulated in the skin. The profound tissues like the rasa, rakta, mansa and lasika that stand for supplement plasma, blood, muscles and lymphatic respectively are the seat of collection of the toxins. As a result of these toxins, the deeper skin tissues get contaminated. And it is the key reason for occurrence of psoriasis in accordance with ayurvedic medicine world. That is why ayurveda focuses on purification of the blood and tissues so as to treat and manage this skin condition well.
Various types of ayurvedic therapies as per ayurveda are aimed at purification of the blood so that toxins may be essentially removed from the body and the skin. At the same time, it is also ensured that skin gets proper nourishment and the moisture meant for its normal and most optimal functions. The skin cells are totally healed for complete recovery from psoriasis. In order to offer ayurvedic therapies to the patients, use of herbs and natural components is emphasized to ensure freedom from any adverse or other hazardous effects on the body.
Ayurvedic treatment plan for psoriasis
Keeping in mind the side-effects caused with the use of modern and other medicines, ayurveda advocates use of natural therapies for effective and permanent relief from this discomforting skin condition. Since any disease is directly affected by the diet and lifestyle followed by any person therefore it suggests healthy diet and lifestyle to the patients apart from using certain therapies to offer great and quick relief from the associated symptoms.
Various ayurvedic therapies used in ayurvedic clinics like Nidanam Wellness Clinic also lay emphasis on excellent stress management as it is also a key culprit for triggering and aggravation of the psoriatic symptoms. Main focus of the ayurvedic therapies is on internal cleansing for total eradication of the toxins and other hazardous elements present in the body and the skin. At the same time, such therapies are also aimed at providing nourishment to the skin for its overall good health in all respects.
Some of the commonly used therapies in ayurveda for psoriasis management are being discussed below. The entire treatment plan may last from 7 days to 21 days depending upon the extent and severity of the symptoms.
Vaman
In this therapy, the patient is fed with ghee along with herbs for few days followed by induced vomiting on the last day. The main aim of this therapy is detoxification of the entire body so that skin may also be cleared of the toxins and unwanted elements.
Virechanam
It is similar to the Vaman therapy wherein the patient is also offered massage apart from making him ingest herbal ghee for few days. With the help of induced purgation, the toxins that get accumulated in the stomach are removed from the body.
Dhara
This therapy involves pouring of different liquids on the forehead or the affected region of the patient. Its main aim is to reduce stress and anxiety that further aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. Various herbal ingredients like neem, Haridra, aaragwada, Nimbadi kwath, Manjishtadi kwath etc. may be used in this therapy. It helps in inducing sleep naturally so that patients may get relaxed down so as to stay away from stress, tension and other negative mental states.
If you are also looking for some safe and natural cure for psoriasis management, ayurvedic therapies are perhaps the right and the best option for you.