Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and rapid skin growth. Normally, skin cells grow and shed over the course of a month, but in people with psoriasis, new cells form every few days. This results in a build-up of skin cells that form thick, scaly patches, known as plaques.

The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning, or soreness
• Thickened or pitted nails
• Painful, swollen joints (in the case of psoriatic arthritis)

The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person. For some, it may only affect small areas, while for others, it can cover large parts of the body.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers that can cause or worsen psoriasis flare-ups include:

• Stress: High levels of stress can trigger an immune response, leading to a flare-up.


• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as strep throat, can trigger or worsen psoriasis.


• Medications: Certain medications, like beta-blockers and lithium, can aggravate psoriasis.


• Climate: Cold, dry weather can make symptoms worse, while sunlight may improve them.
• Injury: Cuts, scrapes, or severe sunburns can lead to psoriasis flare-ups.

In Ayurveda, psoriasis is known as " Kitibha " or "Ekakushtha." According to Ayurvedic principles, psoriasis is caused by an imbalance of the doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. These doshas represent different elements in the body, and when they are out of balance, they can manifest in various physical and mental ailments, including skin disorders.

• Vata Imbalance: Vata governs movement and flow in the body. When imbalanced, it leads to dry, flaky skin, which is often seen in psoriasis patients.


• Kapha Imbalance: Kapha is responsible for structure and moisture in the body. An imbalance in Kapha causes thickening and scaling of the skin, another common symptom of psoriasis.


• Accumulation of Toxins(Ama): Poor digestion and an unhealthy diet lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the blood and tissues. These toxins build up and manifest as psoriasis symptoms.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing psoriasis by addressing the root cause of the imbalance and detoxifying the body. Treatment aims to balance the doshas, cleanse the system, and improve overall health.

1. Herbal Remedies

   Several herbs are renowned for their ability to purify the blood and reduce inflammation, making them valuable in managing psoriasis. Turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helps soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Neem, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively cleanses the skin and alleviates psoriasis symptoms. Guduchi, a powerful immune system booster and detoxifier, aids in the treatment of psoriasis by promoting overall body balance. These herbs, when used appropriately, can provide natural relief from psoriasis and improve skin health.

2. Dietary Modifications

   Diet plays a significant role in managing psoriasis. Avoiding Pitta-aggravating foods, such as spicy, oily, and salty foods, can help prevent further inflammation and worsen of psoriasis symptoms. Incorporating cooling foods like cucumber, leafy greens, and coconut water can pacify Pitta and reduce inflammation. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can improve digestion and help eliminate toxins from the body, promoting overall skin health. By following these dietary recommendations, individuals with psoriasis can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

3. Detoxification Therapies (Panchakarma)

   Panchakarma, a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification process, is highly beneficial for managing psoriasis. Virechana, a purgation therapy, helps cleanse the digestive system and eliminate excess Pitta and Kapha from the body, which can contribute to psoriasis symptoms. Basti, a herbal enema therapy, helps balance Vata dosha and detoxifies the body, promoting overall skin health. By incorporating these Panchakarma treatments into your psoriasis management plan, you can effectively eliminate toxins and restore balance to the body, leading to improved skin health and reduced psoriasis symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Changes

   In Ayurveda, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for managing acne. Stress, a significant aggravator of Pitta, can contribute to acne flare-ups. Therefore, incorporating stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama into your daily routine is essential. Additionally, following a consistent daily routine (dinacharya) that includes regular meals, sleep, and exercise can help regulate the doshas and promote overall skin health. Ensuring you get enough sleep is vital for allowing the body to heal and regenerate skin cells, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts. By prioritizing a balanced lifestyle, you can support your skin's natural healing processes and achieve a clear, healthy complexion.