Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions. It is characterized by patches of rough dry skin that are covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis is caused by rapid production of skin cells, which move to the epidermis too quickly. Although the exact cause is unknown, deficiencies in the immune system may be to blame. Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that Ayurvedic medicine may help prevent and cure psoriasis. Alternative treatments like Ayurveda are not meant to replace conventional medicine, so check with your doctor before using Ayurvedic practices to treat psoriasis.
Description
Ayurvedic medicine focuses on doshas, or forms of life-force energy, that are thought to be part of the mind, body and spirit, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Each of the three doshas--pitta, kapha and vata--are thought to regulate certain mental, emotional and physical processes. Imbalance in one of the doshas may disrupt the processes related to that dosha, and may produce disease as a result.
Ayurvedic View
According to the principles of Ayurveda, psoriasis and similar skin diseases may be caused by impairment of the kapha and vata doshas. Kapha dosha is thought to govern the immune system, while vata dosha is thought to govern cell division and discharge of waste, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Impairment of these doshas may stem from the introduction of low-level toxins, called dooshi vishas, into the body, as well as overconsumption of certain foods and food combinations.
Food Combinations
When treating psoriasis, Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the avoidance of combining foods that produce opposite effects on the body. According to the Ayushveda website, milk should not be consumed with honey or garlic, and radishes should not be eaten with dairy products. Also, dairy products and fish should not be consumed together, notes the Ayurveda For You website.
Salty and Sour Foods
According to the Ayurhelp website, overconsumption of salty foods may cause imbalances in the kapha and vata doshas. Elimination of foods that have a sour taste, such as sesame seeds, radishes, urad dal and fish, is also thought to be important in the Ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis.
Other Factors
Ayurvedic medicine also identifies other factors that can imbalance the doshas and cause psoriasis. According to the Ayurhelp website, stress is a major contributor to this condition, and should be managed through meditation and yoga. People with psoriasis should also avoid sleeping in the afternoon to help bring the doshas into balance. Soap may also irritate psoriasis. The Ayurhelp website recommends washing with gram flour instead of soap.
