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Ayurveda
Psoriasis
by Dr. Savitha Suri
Psoriasis is
a prolonged inflammation of skin. The causes of psoriasis are still
unclear. This condition is neither infectious (Does not spread from one
person to another) nor does it affect the general health. It affects
both the genders and may start at any age.
Psoriasis is
quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although
people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis
can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or
between 50 and 60.
Causes of Psoriasis
As said
earlier according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are
unknown. But the following factors can trigger psoriasis.
-
Heredity
- If one parent is affected then there is 15% of chances for the
child to suffer from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected
then the possibility of child getting the psoriasis is 60%.
-
Throat
infections trigger psoriasis.
-
Trauma or
hurt on skin like cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.
-
Some
medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.
-
Smoking
and alcohol are other two factors which activate psoriasis.
-
Mental
stress or psychological trauma may also set off psoriasis
What does Ayurveda say about
Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is
caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated doshas affect
the skin and blood tissues. They also influence water element of the
affected region on skin. Thus the skin which is influenced by affected
doshas becomes discolored (white or copper colored), scaly and thin.
Causes of vitiation of
Doshas
1. Consuming
opposite foods.
2. Controlling natural urges.
3. Exposure to severe climatic conditions
4. consuming food that are too salty, too sour and/or too heavy for
digestion.
5. Sleeping during the afternoon.
6. Taking bath in cold water immediately after physical exertion.
7. Mental stress.
Changes that occur on skin
during psoriasis
It takes 27
days for skin to replace itself with new mature skin cells. But the
regions of skin affected by psoriasis the skin replace itself within 3-4
days with plenty of immature skin cells forming thick psoriatic patches.
According to
Ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element of skin
and also initiate rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated Kapha dosha
causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which is affected by vata
and kapha adversely influences healing process.
Self-care for psoriasis
• Avoid all
factors which trigger psoriasis.
• Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga .
• Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.
• After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously
on skin.
• Avoid soap. Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the
skin.
• After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing
vigorously.
• Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after
• Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
Ayurvedic tips for Psoriasis
1. Avoid
consuming opposite foods.
2. Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying
etc.
3. Do not take cold water bath immediately after an heavy work out,
traveling,
a long walk etc.
4. Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
5. Absolutely do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.
6. Avoid sleeping in afternoons.
7. Say no to radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and
other
sour foods.
8. Always apply besan flour instead of soap.
9. Smear herbal balm which is infused with vata and kapha balancing
herbs.
December 24,
2006
Disclaimer
The above article is educational in nature, and is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical
condition, please consult your physician.
Dr. Savitha Suri B.A.M.S is Chief Consultant physician at Chaitanya
Integrated Medical Center, Udayagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, India. She is
practicing Indian Systems of Medicines since 12 years. By arrangement
with
http://www.ayurhelp.com
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