From The Inside Out – A Deeper Look At Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting millions. There are several types, with scalp psoriasis being the most common, each with unique signs and symptoms. By far the most common psoriasis symptoms appear as raised reddish patches covered by a silvery white scale. These patches often form on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, although they can appear anywhere on the body. The skin generally itches and will frequently crack and bleed. Modern medicine states that there is no known cure, and will generally offer medicated creams as a form of psoriasis treatment.

Ayurveda recognizes the trigger for the condition as an imbalance of the doshas. The reasons for this imbalance vary greatly between individuals but inappropriate dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyle practices figure prominently in the list of psoriasis causes, as does stress. According to Ayurveda psoriasis is an expression of a Pitta-Kapha imbalance in the skin. Excess Pitta in the blood frequently leads to skin rashes and inflammation; if there is excess Pitta in the small intestine it is absorbed into the blood. Excess Kapha is indicative of a sluggish digestive system, which leads to congestion, for example in the liver.

The Ayurvedic approach to treatment for psoriasis is therefore primarily concerned with detoxifying the body, in particular the liver and the blood, and in optimising the digestive process. The ways in which this is achieved include:

• Herbal medicines to detoxify the blood and strengthen the immune system
• Ayurvedic ointments, creams and oils
• Panchakarma –  a comprehensive, custom-tailored cleansing and rejuvenating program
• Pranayama – Yogic breathing exercises to treat the immune system

The psoriasis diet will require attention to avoid foods that aggravate Pitta and Kapha. Pitta is aggravated by acidic foods, such as orange, mandarin and pineapples, and also by shellfish, beef and chili. Too much dairy aggravates Kapha, as do bananas. Sweet fruits, such as grapes, are encouraged.

The treatment for psoriasis may not be a short-term process, though cases starting from the head, scalp psoriasis, generally respond more quickly than those which begin around the joints. What is certain is that the only way one can hope to achieve a permanent solution is to treat the problem from the inside.

If you require treatment for psoriasis, Call Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260 for free 10 minute consultation