From the perspective of Ayurveda, the underlying cause of any disease or disorder in the body is an improper lifestyle and dietary choices that go against the basic nature or constitution of the individual, also known as Prakriti. Skin diseases can result from an imbalance in any of the three doshas, but it is associated more with the imbalance of the Pitta dosha or the heat element. Any activity that contributes to the aggravation of the heat element in the body can give rise to skin problems.
Before treatment is prescribed for a particular skin condition, Ayurveda suggests to appropriately analyse the skin condition of the individual and also diagnose their food habits, lifestyle, pulse, general health, and dosha composition. The aim of Ayurvedic treatment of skin diseases is to correct the imbalance of doshas in the body, and that can be achieved with traditional therapies mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts along with balanced diet, meditation, herbs, and daily routines.
Panchakarma is one of the best Ayurvedic treatments for skin problems that restores the doshic balance and promotes skin health by removing the toxins that have accumulated in the body. Panchakarma therapy is a complete detoxifying program that flushes out toxins from the body and cleanses it at the cellular level. When the toxins are cleared from the body, the doshas gain equilibrium, and the organs and skin go back to their normal functions.
While Ayurveda has mentioned about several herbs, ointments and Ayurvedic medicines for skin infections that offer relief to the skin lesions, wounds or irritation, its treatment methods are always focused on addressing the underlying cause of the disease so that the individual can heal their body from within and eliminate the symptoms of skin diseases.
Excessive intake of yoghurt, fish, black gram, radish, sesame, jaggery, milk and milk products, fermented foods, unctuous or oily foods, sour food prepared with vinegar or sauce can lead to several skin problems. In addition to that, even overeating and consumption of incompatible foods together like fish and milk, sour fruits and milk can be the causative factor for skin diseases.
Suppression of natural urges can vitiate the doshas, which is responsible for the manifestation of skin diseases.
According to Ayurveda, there are two main categories that all skin diseases fall into, which are further subdivided into seven and eleven types.
The seven types of Mahakushta are Kaapaala (Kapala) Kushta, Audumbara (Oudumbara) Kushta, Mandala Kushta, Rushyajihwa (Rishyajihwa) Kushta, Pundareeka (Pundarika) Kushta, Sidhma Kushta, Kaakana (Kakana) Kushta.
The eleven types of Kshudra Kushta are Eka Kushta, Charmakhya Kushta, Kitibha Kushta, Vaipadika Kushta, Alasaka Kushta, Dadru Kushta, Charmadala Kushta, Pama Kushta, Visphota Kushta, Shataru Kushta, Vicharchika Kushta.
These eleven types of Kshudra Kushta can be classified based on the dominance of the three doshas.
According to Ayurveda, most skin diseases are rooted in the dhatus or tissues in the body like blood, fat, etc. Therefore, the Ayurvedic treatments of skin diseases are penetrative that go deep into the layers of the skin and eliminate the problem from its roots. Although it may take a few weeks to show signs of cure, you can be sure that the results will be permanent.
Some of the common skin diseases that are seen in individuals are acne vulgaris, psoriasis, eczema and leucoderma. Here are their causes and treatment methods as described by Ayurveda for skin diseases:
This condition is common in teenagers caused by overactive sebaceous or oil glands. During the onset of puberty, these glands secrete excess sebum causing the blockage of skin pores and inflammation of hair follicles leading to a series of skin problems. The pores may congest due to build-up of dry skin, dirt and bacteria and worsen the acne. Chronic acne vulgaris can lead to severe scarring.
Acne vulgaris can have several symptoms caused due to vitiated blood or Rakta Dushti and subtle channels of the body. The treatment methods for acne are designed keeping this in mind. Some of them include:
It is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by the presence of bumpy red patches with large white scales. Psoriasis is caused when the cells in the basal layers of the skin multiply much faster than the normal rate. The disease is noninfectious and is triggered when the Vata and Pitta dosha are aggravated leading to the accumulation of toxins in the Rakta (blood), Mansa (Muscles), Lasika (Lymphatic) and Rasa (Plasma) dhatus.
The Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis aims at eliminating toxins from the blood and tissues and balancing the digestive system. Here are some of the treatment methods for psoriasis treatment:
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by red and itchy skin and sometimes may be present with papules and vesicles. Although the exact cause of eczema is not yet known, it is considered that the symptoms of eczema arise due to overreaction of the immune system to irritants. Moreover, hereditary and environmental factors have also been associated with the cause of the disease.
In the initial phases of the treatment, oral medicines have to be administered for purification. Then, medicines for external application are given. Finally, for the rejuvenation and nourishment of the skin, Rasayanas are provided. The following are some of the therapies effective in the treatment of eczema:
Procedures that involve the application of external medicines are:
Leucoderma or vitiligo is a skin disorder in which pigment cells or melanocytes die or stop functioning causing white patches on different parts of the body. It is an autoimmune condition and generally affects the hands, wrists, knees, neck and the back. In some cases, the retina, mucous membrane, and the hair of the scalp may also be affected.
Ayurveda predicates that leucoderma is caused due to the imbalance of all the three doshas that vitiate the Rakta, Mansa and Medha dhatus. It can be treated or managed by the following:
Healing is much faster when the mind and body work in proper sync and support the treatment procedure followed for skin diseases. Therefore, at Govardhan Ecovillage, we aim at cleaning and strengthening the mind-body energy channels that may have weakened due to the disease through our therapies and treatments. Besides, our treatment procedures and medicines are formulated according to the authentic classical texts on Ayurveda that make recovery more effective.
Accomodation at Govardhan Ecovillage is equipped to provide you the mesmerising experience of living in nature without compromising the basic comforts of modern life. The stay here is characterised by healthy living amidst serene natural environment to heighten your journey to explore the inner peace. Eco-living being the cornerstone of all our programs, your time here will also educate you how to exist in perfect harmony with nature even in your city life.