Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, is known as Kushtha (specifically Ekakushtha, Kitibha, or Sidhma Kushtha) in Ayurveda. It’s considered a complex disorder involving the vitiation of all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), along with the impairment of Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle/flesh), Twak (skin), and Lasika (lymphatic fluid) Dhatus (tissues). The primary culprits are often an imbalance of Vata and Kapha, with a strong Pitta component due to the inflammatory nature. The accumulation of Ama (toxins) due to impaired digestion and metabolism is also a crucial factor.

Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis is comprehensive, personalized, and aims to:

• Purify the blood and detoxify the body.
• Balance the vitiated Doshas.
• Reduce inflammation, scaling, and itching.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Promote healthy skin cell regeneration.
• Prevent recurrence.

Here’s a detailed overview of Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis:

I. Shodhana (Panchakarma – Detoxification and Purification Therapies): Panchakarma is considered the cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis, as it addresses the deep-seated toxins and imbalances. The specific therapies and their duration depend on the individual’s constitution and disease severity.

1. Snehapana (Internal Oleation):
   • Description: Administering medicated ghee (clarified butter) internally for several days, typically 7-10 days, in increasing doses. The ghee is infused with bitter and purgative herbs.
   • Benefits: Helps liquefy and mobilize toxins (Ama) from deeper tissues and channels, preparing the body for cleansing.
2. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis):
   • Description: Medically induced vomiting to eliminate excess Kapha and Pitta Doshas from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
   • Benefits: Particularly useful if Kapha symptoms (itching, thick plaques, discharge) are prominent. It helps reduce congestion and inflammation.
3. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation):
   • Description: Medically induced purgation using herbal laxatives to eliminate vitiated Pitta Dosha and toxins from the small intestine and liver.
   • Benefits: Highly effective for inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, as Pitta is strongly associated with inflammation and blood impurities. It helps clear skin lesions and reduce redness and burning sensation. Often repeated if the condition is chronic.
4. Basti (Medicated Enema):
   • Description: Administering medicated oils (Sneha Basti) or herbal decoctions (Kashaya Basti) into the rectum.
   • Benefits: Considered the best treatment for Vata disorders and effective in cleansing the colon (primary seat of Vata) and eliminating deep-seated toxins. It helps balance Vata, which contributes to the dryness and scaling in psoriasis.
5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting/Blood Purification):
   • Description: Therapeutic removal of small amounts of impure blood, usually through leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) or venesection (Siravedha).
   • Benefits: Directly cleanses the blood, which is often severely vitiated in psoriasis. It helps reduce inflammation, itching, and improve skin texture. This is done by experienced practitioners only.

Other Supporting Panchakarma Procedures & External Therapies:

• Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage): Gentle full-body massage with medicated oils like Nimbadi Taila, Karanjadi Taila, Mahamarichyadi Taila, or Vranaropana Taila. It helps moisturize dry skin, reduce scaling, improve circulation, and soothe irritated skin.
• Lepana (Application of Herbal Pastes): Application of pastes made from herbs like Neem, Manjistha, Turmeric, Chandan (Sandalwood), Bakuchi, Karanja, often mixed with water, rose water, or medicated oils. These help reduce inflammation, itching, and promote healing.
• Ksheeradhara / Takradhara (Medicated Milk/Buttermilk Pouring): Continuous pouring of medicated milk (Ksheeradhara) or buttermilk (Takradhara) over the affected area or the forehead (Shirodhara). Takradhara is particularly cooling and Pitta-pacifying, beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions and stress reduction.
• Avagaha Swedana (Herbal Bath): Soaking in baths infused with herbal decoctions (e.g., Neem, Triphala, Dashamoola).
• Dhanyamla Dhara: Pouring of warm, fermented medicinal liquid (Dhanyamla) over the affected skin to reduce inflammation and itching.

II. Shamana (Palliative Therapies & Herbal Medicines): These involve internal medications to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the body.

• Blood Purifiers (Rakta Shodhana): Herbs that detoxify the blood are crucial.
  • Neem (Azadirachta indica): Potent blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal.
  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Excellent blood purifier, detoxifies the lymphatic system, reduces inflammation, and improves skin complexion.
  • Khadira (Acacia catechu): Blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, and astringent.
  • Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus): Blood purifier, cooling, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic.
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and helps digest Ama.
• Anti-inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Herbs:
  • Turmeric (Haridra – Curcuma longa): Strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
  • Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and helps balance doshas.
  • Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia): Traditionally used for skin conditions, particularly for discoloration and promoting healthy skin.
  • Chopchini (Smilax china): Used for chronic skin diseases and inflammatory conditions.
• Classical Formulations:
  • Mahamanjishthadi Kashayam/Kwath: A highly effective blood purifier and anti-inflammatory decoction.
  • Kaishore Guggulu: Used for skin diseases, gout, and blood purification.
  • Arogyavardhini Vati: Improves liver function, digestion, and detoxifies the body.
  • Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu: A medicated ghee formulation beneficial for various skin disorders.
  • Nimbadi Churna/Vati: Based on Neem, useful for skin conditions.
  • Triphala: A gentle detoxifier, helps regulate bowel movements and eliminate Ama.