Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin disorder in which abrasions tend to form on knees, elbows, chest and other parts of body.
It may be triggered by viral infections, immunization or extreme stress.
In Ayurveda, Psoriasis is termed as 'Sidhmam' and is an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas.
The treatment of psoriasis is achieved by a proper routine and removal of harmful factors from the patient's living environment.
Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis goes through several stages viz.
lepanam (application of ointments), abhayangam (oil massage), snehapanam (taking medicated ghee), pizhichil (full body massage), avisnanam (medicated steam bath), sirovasti (keeping oil on head) and other bastis (enema).
Panchakarma chikitsa (treatment) is achieved by: 1) Snehapanam (consuming medicines with ghee as its base) 2) Vamanam(taking medicines that induce vomiting) 3) Virechanam (taking medicines that act as purgatives) The treatment purifies the entire system and stabilizes the metabolism of the patient.
The body immune system is built up through intake of specially prepared herbal potions.
Along with the application of medicines, the person also needs to control his diet and lifestyle to attain best results of this treatment such as; food intake to be vegetarian avoid chilies, black gram, excess salt, frozen foods.
Panchakarma helps in detoxification of body fluids.
Initially the person is given medicated ghee for about five to seven days, followed by inducing vomiting and detoxifying the body, a process known as (Vamana and Virechana).
Therafter a procedure wherein medicated buttermilk is dripped overhead called (Dahara) is done, after which the entire body is pasted with mud and other medicines.
Finally medicated enemas (Basthies) are given for a week and internal medications in the form of herbal concoctions and medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least three months.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease seen as redness, scaling of various sizes.
Ayurveda emphasizes on the effect of stress in Psoriasis and yoga goes a long way in relieving stress.
For psoriasis yoga exercises should be done in the morning sun.
Seven types of pranayama, the breathing and mental exercises, can be practiced towards successful treatment of psoriasis.
Pranayama Exercises Sit cross-legged on a thin woolen or silken mattress in the open and do the following exercises in the order as below: Bhastrika Close eyes and inhale deeply through both the nostrils.
Follow this up with exhalation.
Kapalbharti Breathing in series of quick exhalations accompanied by an inward drawing motion of the stomach.
Bahya Inhale deeply to allow air to fill up lungs fully, hold for a few moments, and then exhale forcefully.
Aalom Vilom A single-nostril breathing exercise.
Pressing right nostril with thumb, inhale deeply, through the left nostril, followed by inhalation through the right nostril.
Agnisaar Inhale deeply but slowly, pushing stomach muscles outward, filling up stomach with air.
Exhale deeply, hold breath and move stomach in and out vigorously as many times as possible, before releasing it and allowing air to fill up lungs.
Bhramari Close eyes and plug ears tightly with the thumbs of both hands.
Put the forefingers on forehead, over eyebrows, and the middle fingers of the two hands right on the closed eyes.
Inhale deeply and say 'OM', without opening mouth, so as to make a humming sound that travels from mouth to ears.
Udgeet After closing eyes, place hands on knees.
Take a deep breath in and then exhale, saying 'OM', stress on the syllable 'O' as long as the breath lasts, utter the syllable 'M' right at the end.
Thereafter, rub hands vigorously to generate heat and place them on eyes.
While doing the breathing exercises direct the energy generated towards the affected parts of the skin by thinking about its well being to get best results.