Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an increased growth rate of the keratinocytes from the stratum basale to stratum corneum. Normally, these cells rise to the skin's surface once a month. This rate is increased to twice a month if you have psoriasis. This noncontagious condition is indicated by thick, red skin with flaky, silvery-white scaly patches. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, offers a comprehensive approach to treating psoriasis through diet and lifestyle, herbal formulas, and cleansing protocols. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the services of a licensed medical professional.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Psoriasis
Ayurveda considers digestion to be the primary factor in the pathology of disease. In the case of psoriasis, a compromised digestive system leads to an increase of pitta dosha into rasa dhatu. Pitta dosha is an ayurvedic principle of physiology representing the energy of transformation in the body. Rasa dhatu is the first tissue created from the process of digestion and is akin to plasma, serum, white blood cells and the lymphatic system.
Factors That Contribute to Psoriasis
Because of the connection between digestive health and psoriasis, there are certain diet and lifestyle habits that may be contributing factors, such as drinking alcohol and eating foods that have excess sour, salty or pungent tastes and are too heavy, sweet or oily. Inappropriate exposure to the elements, excessive use of cosmetics and stress are all considered aggravating to pitta dosha. As pitta dosha becomes vitiated, it soon impacts vata and kapha doshas, leading to disease.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Psoriasis
In treating psoriasis, ayurveda recommends a comprehensive treatment strategy that involves strengthening your digestion and detoxifying and eliminating toxins. Addressing your diet, and not only how you eat, but also when and what, is important. Topical treatments such as medicated ghee or herbs combined with aloe vera gel can be soothing and calming for inflamed skin. Herbal formulas support digestion and aid in the detoxifying process.
Pancha Karma
The most effective treatment for psoriasis is pancha karma, a process of cleansing and rejuvenating the body through five actions -- pancha equals five, karma equals action. This is a protocol unique to ayurveda and should not be undertaken without the supervision of a qualified ayurvedic practitioner. Pancha karma can be administered from five days to several weeks, depending on your condition. It is believed to be effective because it reverses the disease process and restores your body to balance.
Consulting an Ayurvedic Practitioner
Ayurveda is a unique medicine because it not only considers your condition, but also your individual constitution. For this reason, you are well advised to consult with a certified ayurvedic practitioner when seeking treatment. An ayurvedic practitioner will determine the most appropriate diet, herbs and treatment protocols based on your current condition and constitution.
References
- PubMed Health: Psoriasis
- LifeSpa January 2010 Newsletter; Turn Up Your Digestive Fire; Dr. John Douillard
- Ayurvedic Specific Condition Review: Skin Inflammation
- "Ayurvedic Healing"; Dr. David Frawley; 2000
