In ayurveda, a proper analysis of an individual’s skin condition is conducted before starting the treatment. It also includes diagnosis of the person’s lifestyle, food habits, general health, pulse and dosha composition. With traditional therapies mentioned in our ancient ayurvedic texts, various skin disorders are treated by correcting the imbalance of doshas in the body alongside ensuring a balanced diet, meditation, intake of herbs, etc.
For all types of skin diseases, Panchkarma is considered one of the best ayurvedic treatments that help restore the dosha balance in the body. The ayurvedic therapy completely removes accumulated toxins from the body that eventually promotes skin health.
Types of Skin Diseases
- Acne Overactive sebaceous or oil glands leading to this condition which is most commonly found in teenagers.
- Psoriasis Inflammatory skin disease causing bumpy red patches with large white scales due to enormous increase in the cells of skin’s basal layers.
- Eczema Overreaction of the immune system to irritants, hereditary or environmental factors causing red and itchy skin over the body.
- Leucoderma An autoimmune condition where melanocytes or pigment cells stop functioning resulting in white patches on different body parts, usually affecting hands, wrists, neck, back and knees.
- Rosacea A chronic skin condition reason for redness and flushing on the face, bumps and dryness.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Different Skin Problems
Virechana: In this therapy, bitter, astringent and sweet herbal purgatives are given to the patient to expel the vitiated Pitta and Rakta (blood dhatu) completely from his body. It can be done during inflammatory stages.
Vaman: In this, herbs or medicines are administered orally to the patient to induce vomiting which results in the removal of blockages of Srothas in the facial skin and the entire body as well.
Nasyam: This ayurvedic therapy involves administration of medicated herbal oils through nostrils to treat chronic conditions of acne.
Snehana: In this therapy, the patient is orally administrated medicated ghee for five to seven days to treat his vata-dominated psoriasis.
Basti: In Basti, the patient is given medicated enemas with herbal concoctions for nearly eight days. After this, the patient has to consume medicated ghee for 90 days.
Rakta Sodhana: Bloodletting by leeches or tools is conducted to reduce the signs and symptoms of eczema.