Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS (EK-KUSTHA) – A CASE STUDY

Dr. Rashmi Agari*, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Tripathi, Dr. Shweta Shukla, Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh

ABSTRACT

The word psoriasis is derived from Greek word Psora+ Iasis. Psora means condition. So by combining the words together, psoriasis means an itchy condition. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as pathogens and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin tissues of the body psoriasis is a multi-factorial disease that arises due to many factors such as genetic predisposition, local trauma, general illness, smoking alcohol, indigestion, excessive alcohol and stress, both hormonal and immunological abnormalities are involved at a cellular level in psoriasis. Dysfunctional of T-cells is the primary event and then hyperkeratosis occurs in the epidermis. According to Ayurveda vitiation of Vata and Kapha dosha by dietary and lifestyle changes play a primitive role in the generation of chronic psoriasis. In addition to this, Ama, a variety of exogenous environmental stressors and genetic / epigenetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. These vitiated Doshas and males with and without Ama, in turn, adversely affect the skin and blood tissues as well. So in psoriasis Vata, Kapha, and Pitta/Rakta vitiation are major contributing pathological factors in its manifestation. Although Ek-kustha is considered as a disease of Bahya Rogmarga, but its initiation is from Koshtha, hence diet also plays a prominent role in early pathogenesis of Ek-Kushtha.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Ek-Kushta, Ayurveda, Ama.