Psoriasis is a type of prolonged, non-communicable (do no spread from one person to another) inflammation of skin which do not affect the general health conditions. It can affect any gender at any age. It affects around 2% of the total population worldwide. Many people may not be aware that they may be suffering from Psoriasis due to extremely mild symptoms.
According to Modern Science, causes of Psoriasis are unknown. But the following factors can be responsible in triggering the chances of Psoriasis:
- Heredity: One of the infected can get their child at a 15% risk of Psoriasis. A child is at 60% risk if both the parents are suffering from Psoriasis.
- Throat infections may initiate psoriasis.
- Trauma or injury to the skin like cuts, burns or bruises may trigger psoriasis.
- Some medicines or any skin irritants can cause psoriasis.
- Prolonged and excessive smoking and drinking alcohol can cause psoriasis.
- Psychological stress or mental trauma may also help in causing psoriasis.
Psoriasis is caused by vitiation (overriding the effect) of vata dosha and kapha dosha. This affects our blood tissues and skin. The following reasons can cause Vitiation of Doshas:
- Intake of opposite foods.
- Excessive control on natural urges.
- Exposure to severe and extreme climatic conditions.
- Eating foods which are too salty, too sour or is heavy for digestion.
- Habit of sleeping in the afternoon.
- Taking immediate cold water bath after physical exhaustion.
- Mental trauma or psychological stress.
Traditional Ayurvedic treatment aims at:
- Blood purification by Snehapanam,
- Rejuvenation of the skin and the nervous system,
- Regulating the temperature of the body by performing Dhara,
- Fortifying our immune system,
- Psychological maintenance
Out of the 5 basic ingredients of an Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment, three are used:
- Snehapanam (take medicines with ghee),
- Vamanam (take medicines to induce vomiting),
- Virechanam (take medicines that can initiate purgation or evacuation of bowels).
Ayurvedic way to treat Psoriasis is quite promising. A patient has to maintain a steady lifestyle including the below tips:
- 7-8 hours of daily sleep,
- Eating foods rich in vitamins,
- Regular outdoor hours not less than 1.5-2 hours daily.
- Regular examination,
- Prevention from nervous shocks,
- Avoiding allergic foods and allergic substances,
- Drinking plenty of water,
- Avoid usage of shampoo or soaps on the lesions,
- Do not control your natural urges like – urinating, vomiting, bowel emptying etc.,
- Avoid opposite foods,
- Never take a cold water bath immediately after physical exhaustion like – travelling, walking, work out etc.,
- Foods that are heavy to digest, including highly salty and sour foods should not be eaten,
- Do not sleep in afternoons,
- Use herbal scrub or besan flour (chick pea or gram flour) rather than using a soap.
- Use moisturizing creams or gels on skin to maintain the moisture of your skin.
- Limit your intake of radish, sesame, urad dal (black lentils), sesame, jaggery, fish and curds.
- Apply medicated oil on head,
- Apply medicated pack on head,
- Performing Dhara (i.e. pouring slow unbroken stream of medicated fluids),
- Perform therapeutic Yoga, Reiki, Meditation and other Pranic healing sessions,
- Reduce stress levels through meditation and yoga,
- Never prick, scratch or peel skin. This may trigger psoriasis,
- Pat dry your skin gently without rubbing, after washing,
- Wear cotton clothes.
