Title : Psoriasis through the Lens of ayurveda: Panchakarma dosha balance and beyond
Abstract:
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous plaques, silvery scales, itching, and significant physical and emotional distress, it is understood in Ayurveda as Ekakushtha, rooted in dosha (Bio humours) imbalance, ama (toxins), and rakta dushti (impurities in blood). Conventional treatments often focus on symptom suppression, while recurrence and long-term management remain challenging. Ayurveda’s strength lies in its root-cause approach. For psoriasis, it doesn’t just aim to clear the skin, it works to cleanse the body, calm the mind, and restore internal balance. This presentation highlights clinical observations from patients undergoing Panchakarma based psoriasis management at Vaidya Ayurvedguru Hospital, with marked improvements in scaling, itching, recurrence, and overall quality of life. The presentation includes two illustrative case studies one involving an adult with chronic, extensive plaque psoriasis, and another featuring a pediatric case of psoriasis. Both cases highlight the practical application of Ayurvedic principles and Panchakarma therapies, demonstrating significant clinical improvement and reinforcing the relevance of individualized, age-appropriate treatment approaches, the importance of patient education, emotional support, stress reduction techniques, and skin-care rituals in chronic conditions like psoriasis is also emphasised. Drawing from classical references and clinical experiences at Vaidya Ayurvedguru Hospital, the approach integrates shodhana (Bio-Purification), internal medicines, sattvic (wholesome) diet, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurveda goes beyond symptom management by addressing the root cause and restoring harmony, offering a sustainable and holistic path to healing for patients with psoriasis. In a world seeking safe, natural, and sustainable solutions to chronic disorders, the Ayurvedic approach to psoriasis especially when integrated with detoxification through Panchakarma, proves to be both effective and transformative.
