Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease characterised by visible scales, plaques, and patches over the skin. The patches may be red, pink or whitish and can be dry, itchy, or scaly. There are five types, and each type’s signs and symptoms vary. The food we eat directly affects our body, and confident food can increase or decrease the inflammation associated with psoriasis.  In Ayurveda, all skin diseases are categorised under “ Kusta “, and psoriasis falls under the category of kshudra kusta . Every Kusta condition occurs due to an imbalance of seven factors, namely Vata, Pitta, Kapha ( Three dosha ), Twak ( Skin), Rakta (Blood), Mamsa ( Muscle ) and Lasika( Lymphatic system).

Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines

Psoriasis ayurvedic treatment mainly aims to restore balance by focusing on diet, lifestyle modification, herbal remedies, detoxification and stress reduction. Understanding the relationship between food and inflammation will help you to plan a precise diet.

Foods to include 

The foods that can be included as a part of the Psoriasis diet are those that have cooling properties and also help to soothe the inflamed skin and promote healing within. You can include foods like: 

•  Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables 
• Beans, seeds and nuts in their natural, unprocessed forms. 
• Eggs, lean, non-processed meats, and fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid 
• Low-fat dairy products
• Grains like buckwheat, gluten-free flour ,millets, etc 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day with plenty of water.

Foods to avoid : 

Some food products that may cause inflammation worsen or be contraindicated in psoriasis ayurvedic treatment are : 

• Beverages like alcohol, beer, etc 
• Rich sugar products like cakes or pies, cookies, candies, etc 
• Wheat, barley, etc
• Processed foods like burgers, french fries, hot dogs, etc 
• Seasoned foods include salad dressing sauce, seasoned rice mixes, and seasoned snack foods like potato and tortilla chips.

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Psoriasis Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala

Recommended Yoga Poses for Psoriasis

Yoga can be a helpful complementary practice to manage stress, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being. Stress reduction is significant for individuals with psoriasis, as stress can exacerbate symptoms. Here are some yoga poses that may be beneficial for people with psoriasis:

Child’s Pose (Balasana):

• Promotes calmness and relieves stress and tension, thereby reducing psoriasis flare-ups.
• It also strengthens legs, lower back and hips

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

• It helps improve flexibility in the spine and promotes blood flow; it helps in the healing process of skin.
• It strengthens back muscles and improves posture and respiratory health. 

Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana):

• helps improve flexibility and reduce tension in the spine  
• aids in digestion and hence improve your gut health 

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):

• can stretch and strengthen the entire body.
• Helps to reduce stress and tension and calms the body.

Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani):

• Encourages rest, lessens stress, and calms the neurological system. It also increases blood flow to the face and scalp.
• Improves blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Corpse Pose (Savasana):

• Promotes relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and lessens stress.
• Allow the body to rest and rejuvenate. 

Psoriasis Ayurvedic Treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the treatment of psoriasis typically involves a combination of Samsodhana (purification or detoxification) and Shamana (palliative or alleviating) therapies. This dual approach aims to eliminate the root cause of the disease and manage its symptoms.

Samsodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification Therapy):

• Panchakarma: This is a set of five therapeutic procedures that help remove toxins from the body. The specific Panchakarma treatments for psoriasis may include Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enema). These procedures aim to eliminate excess doshas and toxins from the body.
• Raktamokshana: Bloodletting or blood purification therapies may be employed to remove impurities from the blood. This can be done using methods like leech therapy or other Ayurvedic techniques.

Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative Therapy):

• Internal Medications: Ayurvedic formulations containing herbs with anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and immune-modulating properties are prescribed. Commonly used herbs include Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
• External Applications: Medicated oils and ointments, often containing herbs like Neem, Aloe Vera, and Manjistha, may be applied to the affected skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Dietary Recommendations: A psoriasis-friendly diet, focusing on foods that pacify Pitta dosha, is often recommended. This may include a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding spicy, sour, and fermented foods.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Stress Management: Since stress is considered a triggering factor for psoriasis, stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are often recommended.
• Adequate Rest: Proper sleep and rest are essential for overall well-being and can support the body’s healing process.

The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s constitution (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), and the severity of the psoriasis. 

Dheemahi Ayurveda has a rich tradition of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through five generations . Our team comprises expert doctors who are dedicated to prioritising patients’ health and well-being throughout their health journey. Daily consultation and routine follow-up check-ups help us get more information about the condition of the patient . Dheemahi Ayurveda also facilitates the supervision of our doctors in every panchakarma therapy with exact documentation of your treatment schedule