Ayurvedic Medicine, often known as Ayurveda, is an ancient Indian medical practice. It focuses on enhancing general health and balance while taking into account one’s individual bodily constitution. Ayurvedic treatment for skin diseases has been in usage for centuries.
Ayurveda treats ailments by restoring balance to the underlying blend of cosmic components that make up our bodies (space, air, fire, water, and earth). Diet, herbal supplements, and massages with particular oils are generally used to treat the condition. Trained Ayurvedic doctors can determine the body type and type of imbalance, as well as provide appropriate herbs. For small ailments, these normally act almost immediately, while chronic and systemic illnesses require longer.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy skin that can also include papules and vesicles. Although the actual etiology of eczema is unknown, it is thought that the symptoms of eczema are caused by the immune system’s sensitivity to irritants. Furthermore, inherited and environmental variables have been linked to the disease’s cause.
Eczema is said to be caused by an imbalance in your doshas. Ayurveda’s goal is to bring them back into harmony through natural remedies. It also aims to detoxify the body, removing impurities that are known to trigger eczema symptoms.
This condition is known as Vicharchika in Ayurveda, and it is caused by vitiation of any of the three doshas, which affects the skin and blood, as well as accumulated metabolic wastes. Pitta or Kapha is the most common doshas engaged, however, all three can be present. The following is a general description of how the doshas influence the disease’s characteristics.
Vata: Extreme dryness, scaling, exfoliation, itching, and a lot of discomfort and throbbing define Vata eczema. Redness, blisters, bleeding, burning feelings, and infection are all symptoms of Pitta eczema.
Kapha: Eczema of the Kapha kind involves itching, weeping, and skin thickening. Seborrhoeic eczema is common among Kapha types, especially between the rolls of fats and other moist sweating places.
Tridoshic: When all three doshas are involved and the symptoms are mixed, as is prevalent in many chronic instances, it is referred to as a Tridoshic type.
Stress Factors
Stress can be both a cause and a contributor to flare-ups. Take a more holistic approach to stress management, including mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Be more conscious of all areas of your health, including your relationships with others and with yourself.
Some people’s symptoms are acute and only last a short time, while others have symptoms that last a lifetime. Modern medicine believes this illness has no treatment, yet Ayurveda may safely manage and, in many cases, heal it over time.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema
Oral medicines must be given in the early stages of treatment in order to purify the body. After that, medications for external use are administered. Finally, Rasayanas are offered for skin renewal and nourishment. Some of the therapies that are useful in the ayurvedic treatment for eczema include:
Panchakarma therapy
Eczema is mostly treated with Panchakarma therapy in Ayurvedic medicine. The use of ayurvedic for skin diseases has been there for centuries.
Panchakarma therapy is only available through an Ayurvedic practitioner. Treatments and procedures that may be included are:
- 5–7 days of medicinal ghee consumption
- a full-body oil massage
- Sweating is induced.
- Purging and vomiting are induced.
These treatments aim to alleviate eczema symptoms by eliminating toxins and boosting the immune system.
Snehana: The therapy, which can last up to seven days, is done with medicated ghee or sesame oil.
Sweating: Procedures that generate minor sweating can be performed after Snehana.
Vamana: If eczema symptoms include swelling, oozing, and itching, Vamana is a good choice.
Mridu Virechana: This method entails the administration of medicinal laxatives to alleviate symptoms such as burning, irritation, and pus formation.
Rakta Sodhana: If the preceding techniques fail to reduce the signs and symptoms, Rakta Sodhana (bloodletting with instruments or leeches) may be used.
Vasti: This is also known as Enema therapy, and it cleanses the colon, which is where Vata nourishes the body.
External medications are used in the following procedures:
Lepa: On the affected area, a paste prepared with suitable herbs is administered.
Parisheka: To expel impurities and soothe the body, warm oils and herbal decoctions are poured upon the body.
Udvarthana: This technique entails massaging the body with herbal powders and is particularly beneficial for tough and thick skin.
Avagaha: In Avagaha therapy, the patient is made to sit in neck-deep warm water with therapeutic herbs to treat major affected parts of the body.
Dhupana: Dhupana is a type of herbal fumigation that is used to treat Vata and Kapha dominating diseases.
Ayurvedic treatment also entails the consumption of herbs. You can cook with them, drink them as tea, or take them as a supplement. The herbs listed below are used to treat the symptoms of eczema:
- Turmeric
- Neem
- Triphala
- Cardamom
- Indian sarsaparilla
It is vital to analyze the person and their skin condition(s) before treating skin illnesses from an ayurvedic perspective. The individual’s Doshic composition, nutrition, and lifestyle, pulse, and skin health are all assessed by the doctor.
Ayurvedic medicine aims to re-establish the Doshic equilibrium. But it is crucial to maintain patience throughout the process. This is due to the fact that the period of treatment will vary based on your body and the severity of your ailment.