PSORIASIS

PSORIASIS - A NATURAL AYURVEDIC HERBAL TREATMENT

Psoriasis is a prolonged inflammation of skin. The causes of psoriasis are still unclear. This condition is neither infectious (Do not spread from one person to another) nor does it affect the general health. It affects both the genders and may start at any age.

Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

CAUSES OF PSORIASIS As said earlier according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are unknown .But the following factors can trigger psoriasis. Heredity - If one parent is affected then there is 15% of chances for the child to suffer from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected then the possibility of child getting the psoriasis is 60%. Throat infections trigger psoriasis. Trauma or hurt on skin like cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.

• Some medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.
• Smoking and alcohol are other two factors which activate psoriasis.
• Mental stress or psychological trauma may also set off psoriasis.          

WHAT DOES AYURVEDA SAY ABOUT PSORIASIS? Psoriasis is caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated doshas affect the skin and blood tissues. They also influence water element of the affected region on skin. Thus the skin which is influenced by affected doshas becomes discolored (white or copper colored), scaly and thin. CAUSES OF VITIATION OF DOSHAS Consuming opposite foods. Controlling natural urges. Exposure to severe climatic conditions

• Consuming food that is too salty, too sour and/or too heavy for digestion.
• Sleeping during the afternoon.
• Taking bath in cold water immediately after physical exertion.
• Mental stress.

                        

CHANGES THAT OCCUR ON SKIN DURING PSORIASIS It takes 27 days for skin to replace itself with new mature skin cells. But the regions of skin affected by psoriasis the skin replace itself within 3-4 days with plenty of immature skin cells forming thick psoriatic patches.

According to ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element of skin and also initiate rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated Kapha dosha causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which is affected by vata and kapha adversely influences healing process.

SELF-CARE FOR PSORIASIS

• Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.
• Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga .
• Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.
• After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously on skin.
• Avoid soap. Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the skin.
• After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
• Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after
• Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.

AYURVEDIC TIPS FOR PSORIASIS

• Avoid consuming opposite foods.
• Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying etc.
• Do not take cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, traveling, a long walk etc.
• Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
• Absolutely do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.
• Avoid sleeping in afternoons.
• Say no to radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour foods.
• Always apply besan flour or herbal scrub instead of soap.
• Smear herbal cream which is infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs.
• Keep on applying moisturizing gel or cream continuously to maintain the moisture levels of skin.

SOME PRACTICAL THINGS……………

It is very common we get doubt whether it is psoriasis if we get a skin allergy or rashes or lesions and it takes long time to heal.  People often correlate every skin disease to psoriasis.  But psoriasis has some typical features.  The lesions are unique and flaking is very common and it usually start on the extensor surfaces like on the back of elbow, knee joints, ankles, behind the ear and on head. 

Psoriasis is having a very close relation with the mind.  A lot of mental stress can trigger this.  Those who are suffering from psoriasis may be experienced this.  Whenever they are in stress and lot of tension the lesions may flare up. 

In Ayurveda, the psoriasis is classified under “poorvajanma karma vyadhi” i.e a disease that is related to our sins of past life.  By reading this may look funny and irrelevant, but till today in modern medicine the reason for psoriasis is unknown. 

MY VIEW:

Psoriasis is related to gene.  It can pass from parents to children and their children like that.  But, it may or may not manifest in everyone.  Only in a suitable condition (mentally, physically, emotionally) personality it will develop or else it will be in dormant stage.

TREATMENT:

Ayurveda is having a solution for psoriasis.  I am not saying treatment for this as this is not a disease, rather I say a disorder.  Only disease can be cured right.

First the person suffering from psoriasis should know about it in detail. As Ayurveda deals with ahara vihara (food and activities) and deals how life should be, a lot can be done in psoriasis.  The patient should have a very sincere dedication and seriousness to the treatment. It is not easy to keep oneself cool and stable throughout to support the treatment.  I have been treating psoriasis very successfully by explaining everything to the patient and making them understand every bit about psoriasis and its line of treatment. (If not everyone will start the treatment in full swing and most of them will fed up after one or two months and discontinue the treatment in between and run from one doctor to other for a miracle which they never get.)  

MEDICINES AND TREATMENTS:

There are very good line of treatments in Ayurveda to treat psoriasis, at its different conditions and levels.   There are so many very good classical medicinal preparations in Ayurveda, so, stop running behind some creams and medicinal kits with names of psoriasis as each and every person is individual and the manifestation of psoriasis is different according to the person’s Prakruti i.e. nature.  So, a unique medicine is not possible.

Taking the medicines to balance the Doshas which are involved, doing suitable Panchakarmas at proper time (can be decided after examining the patient and his Prakruti), and a suitable diet restriction, and patient’s full support and faith all if go together will definitely give a better better result in psoriasis.

DR.USHAKIRAN