Role of Samshodhana in Psoriasis - A Case Report
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Samshodhana in Psoriasis - A Case Report
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Nidhee Thakur
PG Scholar, Dept. of Panchkarma, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital Paprola, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
Anil Bhardwaj
HOD, Dept. of Panchkarma, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital Paprola, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Role of Samshodhana in Psoriasis - A Case Report
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9iSuppl2.1078
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing autoimmune disease characterized by well-defined, erythematous plaques with silvery scales, typically affecting approximately 2% of the global population. Psychological stress is a considerable factor exacerbating the disease, which involves accelerated skin cell growth and abnormal accumulation, leading to itching and discomfort. Conventional treatments, such as Psoralen and Ultraviolet therapy (PUVA) and corticosteroids, offer only temporary relief and are associated with numerous side effects like hepatotoxicity and skin cancer, highlighting the need for safer, long-term therapeutic options. Ayurvedic medicine offers a holistic approach through the principles of purification (Shodhana) and balancing of body doshas (bio-energies).
The Role of Shodhana in Managing Psoriasis
Shodhana therapy, a detoxification process, plays a crucial role in the management of skin diseases, including psoriasis, which aligns with the Ayurvedic classification of skin diseases under Kushtha. The two primary methods of Shodhana utilized for treating the patient were Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation). These methods effectively target the vitiated doshas, which contribute to the symptoms of Ekakushtha (the Ayurvedic equivalent of psoriasis). The case of a 32-year-old male patient revealed significant improvements after undergoing Shodhana therapies, with reductions in scaling, discoloration, itching, and elevated patches on the skin, as evidenced by the decrease in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score.
Effects of Ayurvedic Treatments on Psoriasis Symptoms
Following the Shodhana Karma, complementary treatments were administered to further mitigate the vitiated doshas and restore the body’s normal state. These treatments included the use of herbal preparations such as Ras Manikya and Mahamanjisthaadi Kwatha, which are seen to have blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Vamana and Virechana help eliminate toxins and support the cleansing of channels within the body. The therapies not only addressed the physical symptoms of psoriasis but also supported the patient's emotional well-being by easing discomfort, thereby improving sleep disorders associated with itching and scaling.
Conclusion
The Ayurvedic approach to managing psoriasis through Shodhana therapies and subsequent treatments presents a comprehensive method directed at detoxification and dosha normalization. The sequential use of Vamana and Virechana demonstrated notable positive effects on the clinical features of psoriasis while minimizing the risk of side effects associated with conventional treatments. This case study underscores the efficacy of personalized Ayurvedic treatment plans in alleviating chronic skin conditions, emphasizing the importance of individualized therapeutic interventions in holistic healthcare practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the Ayurvedic approach to treating psoriasis?
Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis involves Shodhana therapy, particularly Vamana and Virechana, which detoxify the body by eliminating aggravated Doshas. This is followed by Shamana treatment to balance remaining Doshas and restore normal Dhatu states.
What are the main features of Ekakushtha in Ayurveda?
Ekakushtha is characterized by vitiated Vata and Kapha, displaying symptoms like dry, scaling patches and intense itching. The condition correlates closely with psoriasis, which is likewise marked by similar dermatological manifestations, such as circular plaques and scales.
How effective is Shodhana therapy for psoriasis patients?
Shodhana therapy, including Vamana and Virechana, has shown significant results in reducing scaling, discoloration, and itching in psoriasis patients. The treatment helps in detoxifying the body, thus balancing the aggravated Doshas and improving overall skin condition.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of Samshodhana in Psoriasis - A Case Report”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the text refers to the therapeutic procedures or actions like 'Vamana Karma' and 'Virechana Karma' which are part of the Panchkarma treatments. These Karmas are employed for the Purification and detoxification of the body in Ayurveda.
2) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda. The text mentions Vata, Pitta, and Kapha as the three main Doshas responsible for various physiological and pathological states. Balancing these Doshas is crucial for treating diseases like Psoriasis.
3) Disease:
In this context, the disease focuses on Psoriasis and its Ayurvedic classification as Ekakushtha. It emphasizes that Psoriasis, an autoimmune and relapsing condition, affects the skin and is connected to the imbalance of the Doshas, particularly Kapha and Vata.
4) Vamana:
Vamana is one of the Panchkarma therapies indicated for Kapha Dosha imbalances. It involves therapeutic emesis to expel toxins from the body. The case report mentions the use of Vamana Karma as an essential part of the treatment for Psoriasis.
5) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha refers to a broad category of skin diseases in Ayurveda. Psoriasis fits under Ekakushtha, a subtype of Kushtha. The treatment for Kushtha involves both Shodhana (detoxification) and Shamana (pacification) therapies.
6) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three primary Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with qualities like coldness, heaviness, and stability. In the context of Psoriasis (Ekakushtha), Kapha is a significant vitiated Dosha, and treatments like Vamana aim to balance it.
7) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
Samshodhana involves purification therapies to eliminate the aggravated Doshas from the body. Key procedures like Vamana and Virechana are mentioned as Samshodhana therapies essential for managing skin diseases such as Psoriasis.
8) Drug:
Drugs mentioned include Ayurvedic formulations like Ras Manikya, Gandhak Rasayana, and Mahamanjisthadi Kwatha, which help in mitigating symptoms of Psoriasis by balancing Doshas and promoting skin health.
9) Ekakushtha (Ekakustha, Eka-kushtha):
[see source text or glossary: Ekakustha]
10) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to detoxification therapies in Ayurveda. Procedures like Vamana and Virechana are used to perform Shodhana, essential for treating diseases by eliminating toxins and balancing the Doshas.
11) Vata:
Vata is one of the three primary Doshas associated with movement, dryness, and roughness. In Psoriasis (Ekakushtha), Vata imbalance is addressed through treatments like Snehana and Swedana to lubricate and moisture the skin.
12) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana involves pacifying therapies that aim to balance the remaining Doshas after Shodhana. In Psoriasis treatment, oral medications and other supportive therapies are considered part of Shamana.
13) Blood:
Blood, or Rakta, is crucial in Ayurveda for maintaining skin health. Vitiated Rakta is implicated in skin diseases like Psoriasis. Treatments for Psoriasis aim to purify and balance the blood.
14) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined preparations used in Ayurvedic medicine, such as Tamara Bhasma and Abhrak Bhasma included in Ras Manikya, which help purify the blood and mitigate skin diseases like Psoriasis.
15) Purification:
Purification in Ayurveda refers to Shodhana therapies like Vamana and Virechana, essential for removing accumulated toxins and balancing the Doshas, thus aiding in the management of diseases like Psoriasis.
16) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine. This text explores Ayurvedic approaches to managing Psoriasis through Panchkarma therapies like Vamana and Virechana and various herbal treatments.
17) Manikya:
Manikya refers to Ras Manikya, an Ayurvedic drug used in the case study. It contains ingredients like Tamara Bhasma that help purify the blood and improve the condition of Psoriasis.
18) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to clarified butter or ghee used in Ayurveda. Panchatikta Ghrita is mentioned as part of the treatment protocol for Snehpana to balance Vata and Kapha in Psoriasis.
19) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the basic bodily tissues in Ayurveda. Normalizing the Dhatus is crucial, and therapies like Shodhana aim to bring them back to their balanced state, especially in skin diseases like Psoriasis.
20) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Kaphadosha]
21) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga refers to massage therapy using oils, mentioned as part of the preparatory phase in Shodhana therapies. Marichyadi taila was used for Abhyanga in the treatment of Psoriasis.
22) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to symptoms or clinical features of a disease. The text identifies the Lakshana of Psoriasis (Ekakushtha) such as itching, scaling, and discoloration, guiding the treatment approach.
23) Snehana:
Snehana is the oleation process used in Panchkarma. It involves the application of oils like Panchatikta Ghrita to balance Vata and Kapha, making it a crucial step before Shodhana therapies in Psoriasis management.
24) Tamara:
Tamara refers to copper and is used in Tamara Bhasma, part of Ras Manikya. It aids in red blood cell formation and helps restore the skin's complexion and health in Psoriasis.
25) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
26) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three primary Doshas, associated with heat and metabolism. In the context of Psoriasis, therapies like Virechana are aimed at balancing Pitta, which, when vitiated, contributes to skin inflammation.
27) Rakta:
Rakta or blood is an essential Dhatu. Its vitiation is implicated in Psoriasis, and treatments like Virechana aim to purify Rakta, thereby aiding in the disease's management and alleviation of symptoms.
28) Saindhavalavana (Saindhava-lavana, Saimdhavalavana):
Saindhava-lavana is rock salt used in various Ayurvedic preparations, such as in the Vamana Karma procedure. It aids in the effective expulsion of toxins from the body.
29) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
[see source text or glossary: Kusthaghna]
30) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
31) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna means anti-itching. Ayurvedic drugs like Ras Manikya have Kandughna properties, making them effective in managing annoying symptoms like itching in Psoriasis.
32) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is an Ayurvedic formulation used in Virechana Karma. It consists of three fruits: Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki, known for their detoxifying and balancing properties.
33) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy aims at rejuvenation and promoting longevity. Gandhak Rasayana, mentioned in the text, has properties that help detoxify and boost overall health, aiding the management of Psoriasis.
34) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts. Susruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita are cited for their guidelines on managing skin diseases like Psoriasis through Panchkarma therapies.
35) Koshtha (Kostha):
[see source text or glossary: Kostha]
36) Snigdha:
Snigdha means 'oily' or 'unctuous.' It is a quality aimed to be achieved during Snehpana with Panchatikta Ghrita to prepare the body for purification therapies like Vamana and Virechana.
37) Shamyaka (Samyaka):
Samyaka refers to the satisfactory or complete state. For example, achieving Samyaka Snigdha Lakshana indicates proper oleation of the body, making it ready for subsequent therapeutic procedures.
38) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to the tissues that are affected or vitiated in a disease. In Kushtha (Psoriasis), Raktadi Dushya (blood and other tissues) are targeted for purification and balancing through therapies like Vamana and Virechana.
39) Lavana:
[see source text or glossary: Lavana]
40) Madhu:
Madhu refers to honey. It is used in various Ayurvedic treatments, including as an ingredient in the Vamana Karma mixture, aiding in the expulsion of toxins.
41) Sneha:
Sneha means oil or fat. Snehana therapy involves the internal and external application of oils like Panchatikta Ghrita to prepare the body for purification procedures like Vamana and Virechana.
42) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to oil used in massage or Abhyanga. Marichyadi taila mentioned in the text is used for Sarvanga Abhyanga before Shodhana therapies to prepare the body by lubricating and relaxing the muscles and tissues.
43) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu means itching, a primary symptom of Psoriasis (Ekakushtha). Kandu is attributed to Kapha Dosha imbalances, which are addressed through Vamana Karma and Ayurvedic medications like Gandhak Rasayana.
44) Bhava:
[see source text or glossary: Bhava]
45) Katu:
Katu refers to the pungent taste. Many Ayurvedic herbs used in Panchatikta Ghrita have a Katu Rasa, which helps in alleviating Kapha and Vata Doshas.
46) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa means taste and also refers to medicinal preparations. Ras Manikya, mentioned in the text, is an Ayurvedic preparation used to treat various symptoms of Psoriasis.
47) Vega:
Vega refers to the bodily urges or impulses, particularly during purification therapies like Vamana. The text mentions counting the number of Vega during Vamana Karma to assess the treatment's efficacy.
48) Vati:
Vati refers to tablets or pills. Chitrakadi Vati is used for Deepana and Pachana before Snehapana in the treatment protocol for Psoriasis.
49) Food:
Food, particularly dietary habits like Mithya Aahara (improper diet) and Virudha Aahara (incompatible foods), is cited as a significant causative factor for diseases like Kushtha.
50) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text that provides guidelines for managing skin diseases like Psoriasis, emphasizing therapies like Vamana and Virechana.
51) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana refers to bloodletting, an Ayurvedic purification therapy. Sushruta recommends it as part of the treatment regimen for skin diseases like Psoriasis.
52) Inflammation:
Inflammation in Psoriasis is addressed through the detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties of Ayurvedic therapies like Vamana, Virechana, and medications like Gandhak Rasayana.
53) Madhuyashti (Madhuyasti, Madhu-yashti):
Madhuyashti or licorice is used as one of the ingredients in the Vamana Karma mixture, aiding in the detoxification process.
54) Samshamana (Samsamana):
[see source text or glossary: Samshamana]
55) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Vatadosha]
56) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Pittadosha]
57) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
58) Romakupa (Roman-kupa):
[see source text or glossary: Roma-kupa]
59) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or aggravation of Doshas. In Psoriasis, the vitiation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas necessitates therapies like Shodhana to restore balance.
60) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka or sulphur is a vital component in Ayurvedic medicines like Gandhak Rasayana, used for its antimicrobial and detoxifying properties in treating Psoriasis.
61) Haritaki:
Haritaki is one of the ingredients in Triphala, used in Virechana Karma to induce purgation, aiding in the detoxification process.
62) Utklesha (Utklesa):
Utklesha refers to the exacerbation or aggravation of Doshas. The preparatory stages of Shodhana aim to bring about Utklesha, making it easier to eliminate the Doshas during therapies like Vamana and Virechana.
63) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
64) Rukshata (Ruksata):
Rukshata refers to dryness, a symptom of Vata imbalance in Psoriasis. Treatments like Snehapana and Abhyanga aim to alleviate Rukshata by nourishing and lubricating the skin.
65) Prakasha (Prakasa):
[see source text or glossary: Prakasha]
66) Avarodha:
[see source text or glossary: Avarodha]
67) Trivrita (Trivrta):
Trivrita is one of the ingredients used in Virechana Karma for inducing purgation, helping to eliminate toxins from the body.
68) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
69) Kshudra (Ksudra):
[see source text or glossary: Kshudra]
70) Vyaghri:
Vyaghri or Solanum xanthocarpum is one of the ingredients in Panchatikta Ghrita, used for Snehpana in the treatment of Psoriasis.
71) Ashraya (Asraya):
[see source text or glossary: Ashraya]
72) Avastha:
[see source text or glossary: Avastha]
73) Anupana:
[see source text or glossary: Anupana]
74) Virudha:
Virudha Aahara refers to incompatible foods, significant causative factors for diseases like Kushtha in Ayurveda.
75) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vriddhi]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 106]
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