My question is about psoriasis. I have the skin disease called psoriasis, and I want to know in detail about its Ayurvedic treatment.
I have heard that psoriasis is a long-lasting disease and that it flares up and settles from time to time. Because of this, I wonder whether it can be kept under control, and how Ayurveda can help. This skin problem is visible to others, so I sometimes feel self-conscious too.
I have also heard that in Ayurveda, skin diseases are treated not only with medicine but that diet, daily routine and body purification (Panchakarma) are also given importance. But I do not have a clear understanding of what exactly to eat, what not to eat, and which habits to change.
I want to understand these things:
– How does Ayurveda understand psoriasis, and what does it consider its causes?
– What is its treatment in Ayurveda, and how big is the role of Panchakarma?
– What should be taken and what should be avoided in diet?
– How much effect do daily routine, stress and sleep have on this disease?
– How should the skin be cared for daily?
– Can Ayurveda be taken along with ongoing medicine?
– In which signs should I see a doctor immediately?
I want to keep this disease under control in the long run and live a good life. So practical guidance on what to do in daily life along with treatment will help a lot.
Hello
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Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that flares up and settles from time to time. No one can guarantee to “cure it permanently”, but with proper treatment, diet, stress control and Ayurvedic Shodhana-Shamana (purification and pacification) care, symptoms stay well controlled in many people.
Understanding the problem
In psoriasis, skin cells form quickly, so red, thick patches with silvery scales appear. Stress, infection, the cold season, alcohol, smoking and skin injury can worsen it. Sometimes the joints are also affected.
The Ayurvedic view
In Ayurveda, psoriasis-like symptoms are described as Kitibha or Ekakushtha (types of Kushtha, skin disease). Vata-Kapha doshas, disturbance of Rakta and skin, Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food) and mental stress are considered the main causes. The Charaka Samhita gives special importance to repeated Shodhana (body purification) in Kushtha.
Practical steps
- Examination by a skin specialist; mention joint pain if there is any.
- Never let the skin dry out; coconut oil or moisturiser after bathing.
- Bathe with lukewarm water; not very hot water.
- Do not pull off scales or scratch.
- Daily meditation and pranayama; stress worsens psoriasis.
- Stop alcohol and smoking.
Diet
- Avoid incompatible foods with milk, such as sour, salty or fish.
- Less curd, fermented food, excess salt, fried food, red chilli and fast food.
- Bitter vegetables (bitter gourd, pointed gourd), moong, green vegetables, enough water.
Medicine, yoga and Panchakarma
In Ayurveda, substances such as neem, turmeric, Manjishtha, Khadira, Giloy and Panchatikta Ghrita are considered useful in Kushtha. After the vaidya’s examination, Panchakarma therapies such as Vamana, Virechana, Takradhara or Raktamokshana may be suggested. The right medicine, dose and timing will be decided by the vaidya after examining your condition. Do not stop the doctor’s ongoing medicine on your own, especially in severe psoriasis.
When to see a doctor immediately?
- Rapidly spreading redness over the whole body, fever, chills
- Pus in the patches
- Swelling and pain in the joints
- Worsening during pregnancy
Related Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis does not spread by touch.
Does stress worsen psoriasis?
Yes, in many people stress increases flare-ups.
What is Takradhara?
A Panchakarma therapy in which medicated buttermilk is poured in a stream over the head, used in skin disease and stress.
In short: Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition, compared in Ayurveda with Kitibha or Ekakushtha. Avoiding incompatible food, keeping the skin moist, controlling stress and Shodhana-Shamana treatment under a vaidya’s supervision can keep symptoms under control.
You can consult in person or online.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
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