Skin complaints affect all ages, from neonates to older people, and cause harm in several ways. It includes 4D’s: Disfigurement, Disability, Discomfort, and Death (in some cases). Skin is the organ that extends itself superficially and extends itself into the deeper levels of the body.
According to Ayurveda, any skin disorder occurs when there is an imbalance in the doshas and dhatus in our body. Two leading causes of diseases that cause doshas are wrong diet and lifestyle. Following an incompatible diet (viruddhara or food items of opposite nature) or an incompatible lifestyle against the season or the Prakriti (nature) of a person causes the generation of toxins or poisons in our body. When these toxins accumulate in the body tissues, skin, etc, and contaminate them, skin diseases erupt. Though skin disorders are attributed to imbalances in all three doshas, the prime dosha involved is Pitta.
All treatments aimed at curing skin disorders emphasize the treatments’ complete penetrative and detoxifying abilities. Ayurveda’s approach to treating skin issues is to eliminate the root causes. In contrast, ayurvedic skin treatment may take longer to appear as the focus is on restoring complete health to the body. The main treatment line for all types of skin disorders mainly includes cleansing (shodhana) treatments like Vamana (Emesis therapy), virechana (Purgation therapy), and Rakhtamoksham. Apart from this, shaman aushadhis (oral medicine) are also administered for preventive and curative purposes.
The de-toxification therapies used to treat skin diseases are suitable for patients and people without ailments. The Panchakarma Therapy helps maintain health, increase lifespan, reduce weight, tone and rejuvenate the complexion, and revitalize the mind, body, and spirit.
Understanding Doshas
Each dosha plays a unique role in skin health, and an imbalance in any of them can contribute to specific skin issues:
- Vata Dosha: Vata governs movement and controls dryness, roughness, and cracking. When Vata is aggravated, it can lead to dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and skin cracking. Skin disorder ayurvedic treatment focuses on nourishing and moisturizing therapies to restore balance. These may include Abhyanga (oil massage), herbal steam therapy (Swedana), and consuming nourishing oils internally.
- Pitta Dosha: Pitta governs metabolism and heat in the body. When Pitta is imbalanced, it can lead to inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and rashes with burning sensations. Skin problem ayurvedic treatment aims to alleviate excess heat and inflammation with cooling and soothing therapies. This may involve applying cooling herbal pastes, using gentle herbal skincare products, and consuming cooling herbs internally.
- Kapha Dosha: Kapha governs stability and lubrication. Imbalance in Kapha can result in oily skin, acne, and excessive sweating. Ayurvedic skin treatments aim to reduce oiliness and congestion in the skin. This may include herbal exfoliation, steam therapy, detoxifying herbs, and following a Kapha-balancing diet.
Eczema
The term eczema or dermatitis refers to distinctive reaction patterns in the skin, which can be either acute or chronic. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Vicharchika. Eczema is characterized by swelling, reddening, itching, skin dryness, and flaking. She is scratching the skin, which results in rashes. It also affects the scalp; when eczema affects the scalp, it is revealed by scaling (dandruff).
Eczema has two types: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous eczema is triggered by specific processes originating in the body, while external triggers cause exogenous eczema. Eczema is triggered when the immunity of the body is impacted – the trigger may be caused by various reasons like irritants (soap, shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, vegetables, meats), allergens (pets, pollen, dust mites), bacteria, hot and humid temperature, sweat, food items (stale, spicy, fermented, fried, sour, dry food items), stress and irregular schedules, excessive intake of items like tea, coffee, alcohol, aerated beverages.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema
Eczema or Vicharchika is triggered due to the vitiation of the pitta dosha (which represents fire). When an individual’s diet or lifestyle is not good, the initial impact is felt on the digestive system. Thus, the pitta dosha is aggravated. Dosha imbalance reduces the body’s ability to eliminate ama (toxins). A disturbance in pita dosha causes toxins to accumulate in the skin. This contamination of toxins in the body tissues is the leading cause of eczema. Ayurvedic treatment for skin disease eczema recommendations for treating eczema is based primarily on restoring the balance of the pitta dosha in the body. Treatments to pacify the pitta dosha stabilize the body’s digestive system and eliminate the accumulated toxins. Therefore, the focus of treatment is on detoxification and cleansing. Apart from this, other Ayurvedic remedies such as Udhwarthanam (massage with dry herbal powders), Lepam (face packs with natural or medicated herbs), and Dhoopanam (medicated fumigation) are also effectively administered depending on the patient’s condition. Oral medication is also prescribed where required.
Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches
Ayurvedic treatment for skin diseases involves an approach tailored to individual needs:
- Herbal Remedies: Specific herbs are used based on the doshic imbalance and skin condition. Examples include neem, turmeric, and manjistha for their cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dietary Adjustments: A balanced diet tailored to one’s dosha helps pacify imbalances. This may involve favouring cooling foods for Pitta, light foods for Kapha, and nourishing foods for Vata.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, adequate sleep, and a routine are essential for skin health. Meditation, yoga, and pranayama can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
- External Therapies: Topical applications and external therapies such as oil massage, herbal exfoliation, and steam baths help improve circulation, detoxification, and skin health.
In Ayurveda, treating skin diseases involves restoring balance to the doshas. By understanding the unique role of each dosha and tailoring treatment approaches accordingly, Ayurvedic practitioners aim to address the root cause of skin issues and promote long-term healing. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can provide personalized guidance and effective treatment for achieving radiant and healthy skin.