Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontiguous, chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is referred as Kitibha in ayurveda. It produces plaques of thickened, scaly skin. The dry flakes of silvery-white skin scales result from the excessively rapid proliferation of skin cells. The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage.
Triggering factors of psoriasis as per ayurveda
- Intake of mutually contradictory food like fish and milk, intake of unctuous and heavy drinks, suppression of natural urges like vomiting, sleep, thirst etc.
- Physical exercise in excess heat climate or after taking heavy meal, violation of laws of Ayurveda in exposing to heat, cold, fasting and taking food.
- Intake of cold water immediately after exposing to scorching sun.
- Intake of uncooked food and food before the previous meal is digested.
- Violation of laws of panchakarma (5 purification procedures).
- Excess intake of foods like fresh grains, curd, fish, salt and sour substances; excess intake of black gram, radish, pastry, sesame seeds, milk, jaggery;
Ayurvedic Management
As per Ayurveda, Psoriasis cause due to the variation of the doshas – Vata and Kapha. Vata and Kapha doshas show in the skin and cause the gathering of toxins. These toxins collect in profound tissues like rasa(supplement plasma), rakta (blood), mansa (muscles), and lasika (lymphatic). These toxins cause contamination of more profound tissues, causing Psoriasis. Purification of blood is the first step in the treatment of Psoriasis in ayurveda. These include medication,life style changes, strict diet regimen and panchakarma treatments.
Shodhana Chikitsa(Detoxification):
Vamana, Virechana and raktha moksha are the main detoxification therapies for psoriasis
Thakradhara
Buttermilk , which has tremendous cooling properties is used as the main ingredient for the treatment. Thakradhara means the profuse pouring of medicine-rich buttermilk on a person’s body.