By Dr Renuka Siddhapura , Ayurveda
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is mainly characterized by patches of irregular skin, which may be red, itchy and scaly. Its severity may range from a small and localized patch to patches on the entire body. It mostly occurs on the elbows, knees and scalp. Sometimes these scales itch and also bleed.
There are mainly five types of psoriasis. They are:
- Plaque- It occurs as red patches covered with white- coloured scales
- Pustular- non-infectious, pus-filled blisters
- Inverse- red patches that occur in the folds of the skin
- Guttate- drop-shaped lesions
- Erythrodermic- Occurrence of rashes which can cause formation of pits on the toe nails
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis-
Ayurveda states that untimely and improper eating habits along with other unhealthy aspects of one’s lifestyle have adverse effects on the blood and in turn, all other tissues. Therefore, these signs of impure blood manifest in the form of diseases such as Psoriasis. Traditional Ayurveda states that imbalances in ‘Vata’ and ‘Kapha’ lead to psoriasis. ‘Vata’ and ‘Kapha’ are two basic energies that play a major role in maintaining full body equilibrium.
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible using ‘panchakarma’ therapies. This includes Ayurvedic methods of treatment that completely detoxify the body as well as successfully eliminate harmful poisons and other toxins from the body.
Other forms of Ayurvedic treatment include:
- Consumption of medicated ghee.
- Intake of herbal medicines or applying concoctions and other topical creams recommended by the books of Ayurveda.
- Meat should be avoided and emphasis should be on vegetarian dishes, so that the three ‘doshas’ are balanced out, thus reducing the chances of developing such conditions. Yogurt, chillies, food products that contain excess sugar or salt and black gram should be avoided.
- Covering your entire body using a paste of mud can help in curing psoriasis.
- Turmeric and Neem should be consumed daily to address psoriasis.
