IS AYURVEDA EFFECTIVE FOR SCALP PSORIASIS?

Living with scalp psoriasis is indeed a difficult experience. The constant itching and other associated symptoms, along with challenges related to self-confidence, sleep, and even simple activities such as combing your hair or wearing dark clothes, can significantly affect your daily life. These enduring struggles frequently drive individuals to seek alternative solutions.

Ayurveda does not look at the scalp as a problem on its own. Instead, it addresses scalp disorders as a reflection of an internal bodily imbalance. So, it tries to find out what is really going on, like if the gut is healthy, if stress is a problem or if there is inflammation inside. By addressing these underlying issues, this form of treatment offers a tailored treatment plan aimed at ensuring long-term relief rather than temporary relief. For those of you who wish to solve the issue, exploring Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis in Kerala would be a good starting point. This blog serves as a professional guide to help you navigate your options and find your path to lasting relief.

Scalp Psoriasis in Reality, what it Is?

Scalp psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune disorder characterized by rapid proliferation of skin cells caused by an immune system malfunction. Normally, skin cell reproduction takes between 28-30 days. But under the influence of psoriasis, it takes 3-5 days resulting into the accumulation of dead silver scales on red patches of the scalp. It could either affect a small patch near the hair line or the entire scalp. Scalp psoriasis may also involve forehead, back of the neck and behind ears. Along with the unpleasant effects of itching, burning sensation and scaly skin, the psychological state of a person suffering from scalp psoriasis is highly affected by the condition. Studies show that those individuals who have psoriasis tend to suffer from greater levels of stress and anxiety, thus leading to further exacerbation of the situation.

Scalp psoriasis in the Eyes of Ayurveda

This approach to scalp psoriasis does not consider it as a separate disease but rather considers it to be one manifestation of skin conditions. According to Ayurveda, psoriasis belongs to the category of skin disorders (Sidhma / Sidhma Kushta).

From the standpoint of Ayurveda, scalp psoriasis occurs due to disturbance of Vata and Kapha doshas. If Vata dosha is disturbed, this leads to dryness, flaking, and roughness of the scalp. When Kapha dosha is unbalanced, a thick layer of scales appears along with persistent itching. In addition, it is assumed that accumulation of Ama and vitiation of Rakta tissue play critical roles in its development. A distinctive feature of the Ayurvedic understanding of scalp psoriasis lies in considering its origins. Instead of suppressing external manifestations, such as itching and skin changes, Ayurveda focuses on their causes. As a rule, the origin is related to chronic problems with digestion, excessive stress, improper eating, and irregular sleeping.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis

An effective Ayurvedic management program for psoriasis affecting the scalp is not an isolated measure, rather, it covers different dimensions of the body.

Shodhana – The Purification Phase

In case of severe and chronic psoriasis, a purification program known as Shodhana Chikitsa usually forms an essential part of the management strategy. This includes:

• Vamana (emesis) – This method eliminates any accumulation of Kapha and toxins from the upper parts of the body.
• Virechana (medication induced purgation) – It is considered a potent therapy for eliminating Pitta and Rakta.
• Raktamokshana (blood letting using leeches) – This measure is adopted in case of vitiation of blood.

Scalp specific Therapies

In the case of the scalp, Ayurveda employs specific external applications, which are both relaxing and highly healing in nature:

• Takradhara – A treatment wherein medicated buttermilk is poured continuously over the scalp. It is a cooling process that will relax inflamed skin, prevent scaling of the scalp, and nourish it too.
• Shiropichu – A process in which medicated oils are placed on the scalp with the help of a cotton pad. The oil seeps into the scalp and treats conditions such as dryness and aggravation of Vata.
• Lepa Chikitsa – Topical treatments wherein pastes consisting of herbs like neem, turmeric, and sandalwood are used to treat redness, irritation, and scaliness.

Role of Ayurvedic Herbs in Therapies

Psoriasis treatment in Kerala make use of Several medicinal plants in the Ayurvedic management of scalp psoriasis have been investigated in terms of their pharmacological properties:

• Neem (Azadirachta indica) – has remarkable antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity, which facilitates the reduction of scalp inflammation and inhibition of microbe growth in the affected area.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – the medicinal component of this plant called curcumin is known to exert an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibit the excessive turnover of cells seen in psoriasis.
• Aloe vera – promotes soothing of the scalp due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory activity.
• Gandhaka Rasayana and Ashatmurti Rasayana – classical Ayurvedic remedies that are traditionally used as blood purifiers and antibiotics in the treatment of various skin diseases.

Diet & Lifestyle during treatment

In ayurvedic therapy, great importance is attached to Ahara and Vihara as methods of treatment. In the case of scalp psoriasis, this involves the avoidance of hot, sour, spicy, and fermented foods which stimulate Pitta and Vata. Taking cold and easily digestible food, maintaining fluid balance in the body and practicing yoga, pranayama, and getting sufficient sleep is recommended. This advice is not just general health advice but rather specific ayurvedic guidelines.

Get The Support You Need from Rasayana Ayurveda Centre

Effectiveness of ayurvedic treatment for scalp psoriasis relies heavily on an accurate diagnosis, customized treatment plan, and expert advice. While self-medication using ayurvedic oils available over the counter and home-made remedies may provide some temporary relief from symptoms, this cannot replace a consultation with a trained ayurvedic practitioner who will be able to determine one’s prakriti and recommend personalized treatment based on the prevailing doshas.

This philosophy is followed at Rasayana Ayurveda Center, where we have a panel of expert ayurvedic physicians who take into account the unique prakriti of each individual before recommending a particular treatment. If you have been suffering from scalp psoriasis, let us help you get rid of it once and for all.