Holistic Ayurveda for managing Eka-Kushtha (Psoriasis): A Case Study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Holistic approach of ayurveda in the management of eka-kushtha w. s. r. to psoriasis - a case study
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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Vijay P. Shingade
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, Aryangla Vaidyaka Mahavidyalaya, Satara, Maharashtra.
Jasminbegam B. Momin
PG Scholar, GAC, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Holistic approach of ayurveda in the management of eka-kushtha w. s. r. to psoriasis - a case study
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i2.725
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This case study presents a holistic approach derived from Ayurveda in managing Eka-kushtha, which is correlated to psoriasis. Skin health profoundly impacts an individual's confidence and mental well-being, necessitating early intervention for skin disorders. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, skin diseases are categorized under Kushtha roga, emphasizing the importance of utilizing comprehensive treatment strategies including Panchakarma, Shamana aushadhis, and Sthanika chikitsa. This particular study focuses on a 37-year-old female patient whose symptoms aligned closely with Eka-kushtha, leading to a treatment protocol that combined traditional Ayurvedic methods with lifestyle modifications.
Holistic Management of Psoriasis
One of the key aspects of this treatment involved Nidana Parivarjana, which encompasses the identification and avoidance of causative factors contributing to the disease. Through detailed diagnosis, various factors relating to the patient's dietary habits, lifestyle, and psychological state were evaluated. The patient was advised to eliminate exogenous factors that may exacerbate the condition. Alongside, a personalized dietary plan emphasizing the consumption of light and healthy foods was implemented. This foundational preventive step is pivotal in Ayurveda, aiming to rectify the underlying imbalances of doshas—specifically Vata and Kapha—which underpin the pathogenesis of skin disorders.
Comprehensive Detoxification Approach
The treatment protocol also included Shodhana Chikitsa, which refers to the purification therapies that remove toxins from the body. In this case, the patient underwent various Panchakarma procedures—such as Abhyantara Snehapana (internal oleation), Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), and Virechana (purgation)—combined with Raktamokshana (bloodletting). These procedures were tailored to pacify the vitiated doshas and alleviate the symptoms of skin dryness, scaling, and itching prevalent in the patient. Following these treatments, there was significant symptomatic relief, including reduced scaling and improved skin texture and coloration, demonstrating the effectiveness of these traditional methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this case study highlights the successful management of Eka-kushtha through a multidimensional Ayurvedic approach. By integrating dietary modifications, detoxification therapies, and psychological support, the patient experienced remarkable symptom relief and quality of life improvement. The holistic framework not only addressed the immediate symptoms but also emphasized the importance of ongoing management strategies like regular Shodhana chikitsa and strict adherence to Nidana parivarjana, which are essential in preventing relapse. This approach underscores Ayurveda's potential as a sustainable and effective intervention for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Eka kushtha and how is it related to psoriasis?
Eka kushtha is described in Ayurveda as a skin disorder characterized by erythematous, scaling lesions. It correlates with psoriasis, which is an autoimmune inflammatory condition manifesting similar symptoms like papules and plaques on the skin.
What holistic Ayurvedic treatments were used for this patient?
The patient underwent a combination of treatments including Nidana parivarjana (avoidance of causative factors), Shodhana chikitsa (cleansing therapies), Shamana aushadhis (herbal medicines for relief), and Sthanika chikitsa (local treatments), alongside dietary management and psychological support.
How effective was the Ayurvedic treatment for the patient?
The holistic Ayurvedic treatment showed significant improvement in the patient's condition. Symptoms such as skin dryness, scaling, and itching were greatly reduced, leading to a normalization of skin color and texture, thereby improving the quality of life.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Holistic Ayurveda for managing Eka-Kushtha (Psoriasis): A Case Study”. 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) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha is a broad term used in Ayurveda for various skin diseases. The source document reveals that this condition primarily affects the skin, and traditional treatments may involve a combination of Panchakarma, Ayurvedic medicines, and other therapies. The relevance of Kushtha is associated with skin diseases characterized by discoloration, dryness, and scaling.
2) Ekakushtha (Ekakustha, Eka-kushtha):
Ekakushtha is the condition diagnosed in the case study and is closely associated with psoriasis. It is characterized by features such as dryness, scaling, redness, and itching, mostly affecting skin areas like legs and arms. The treatment requires a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach to manage its multifactorial nature.
3) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana refers to pacifying treatments in Ayurveda that aim to alleviate symptoms and restore balance in the body. The text illustrates how Shamana aushadhis (medicines) are utilized alongside other treatments to treat Eka-kushtha, reducing symptoms such as itching, redness, and dryness.
4) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
5) Aushadhi (Ausadhi, Aushadhin, Ausadhin):
[see source text or glossary: Aushadhi]
6) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is a purification therapy in Ayurveda intended to detoxify the body. It includes procedures like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting), which are utilized in the treatment of Eka-kushtha to remove accumulated doshas and toxins, helping to soften lesions and restore skin health.
7) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three fundamental bio-energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological and psychological processes in the body. The onset and severity of Eka-kushtha are associated with imbalances in Vata, Kapha, and sometimes Rakta. Correcting these imbalances is essential for effective treatment.
8) Nidana:
Nidana denotes the causative factors of a disease. In the context of Eka-kushtha, Nidana parivarjana, which involves avoiding the causative dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is crucial for preventing exacerbation and relapse. This preventive measure complements the therapeutic interventions in managing the condition.
9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health and well-being. The described case study on Eka-kushtha uses various Ayurvedic principles and therapies, including Shodhana chikitsa, Shamana aushadhis, and Sthanika chikitsa, to effectively manage the condition and improve the patient's quality of life.
10) Lakshana (Laksana):
[see source text or glossary: Lakshana]
11) Rukshata (Ruksata):
Rukshata refers to dryness of the skin, one of the primary symptoms in Eka-kushtha. The case study highlights how Ayurvedic treatments like Snehapana (internal oleation) and local application of oils help alleviate this dryness, contributing to overall symptom relief and skin health improvement.
12) Sthanika:
Sthanika refers to localized treatment in Ayurveda. In the management of Eka-kushtha, local therapies (Sthanika chikitsa) such as oil application (Sthanika abhyanga) play a significant role in reducing skin dryness, itching, and scaling. Psoralin oil was used in this case study as part of Sthanika chikitsa to manage psoriatic lesions.
13) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu signifies itching, a common symptom in skin diseases like Eka-kushtha. The treatment plan for the patient included measures to reduce itching, such as the application of Psoralin oil and the use of medicated ghee, resulting in considerable relief from Kandu and improving the patient's comfort.
14) Nimba:
[see source text or glossary: Nimba]
15) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
[see source text or glossary: Sukshma]
16) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita means ghee or clarified butter, used medicinally in Ayurveda. In the treatment of Eka-kushtha, Mahatiktaka ghrita (medicated ghee) was administered internally to achieve Samyaka snigdha lakshanas (adequate lubrication). This helps in reducing skin dryness, facilitating the elimination of toxins, and promoting general skin health.
17) Vamana:
Vamana is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving emesis to expel toxins from the body. It was one of the primary Shodhana therapies administered to the patient with Eka-kushtha to alleviate symptoms by removing excess doshas. Vamana helps in reducing itching, drying, and scaling of the skin.
18) Abhyantara (Abhyamtara):
[see source text or glossary: Abhyantara]
19) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
20) Matra:
[see source text or glossary: Matra]
21) Hetu:
[see source text or glossary: Hetu]
22) Mahatiktakaghrita (Mahatiktakaghrta, Mahatiktaka-ghrita):
[see source text or glossary: Mahatiktaka-ghrita]
23) Vardhamana:
[see source text or glossary: Vardhamana]
24) Khadira:
[see source text or glossary: Khadira]
25) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vyadhi]
26) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to therapeutic procedures or actions. In the case study, various karmas like Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), and Abhyanga (oil massage) were executed to manage Eka-kushtha. These actions are crucial for eliminating doshas, improving symptoms, and achieving overall health.
27) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta]
28) Darvi:
[see source text or glossary: Darvi]
29) Taila (Thaila):
[see source text or glossary: Taila]
30) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
31) Yoga:
[see source text or glossary: Yoga]
32) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana is a bloodletting therapy in Ayurveda used to remove toxins from the bloodstream. In the case study, 100 ml of blood was let out from the right tibial vein as part of the treatment for Eka-kushtha, helping to reduce skin symptoms including redness and inflammation.
33) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in India where the case study was conducted. The institutions and practitioners involved, such as Aryangla Vaidyaka Mahavidyalaya in Satara and GAC in Nanded, Maharashtra, played a crucial role in providing Ayurvedic treatment for the patient with Eka-kushtha.
34) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
[see source text or glossary: Manjishtha]
35) Meditation:
Meditation was recommended as part of the holistic approach to manage Eka-kushtha. Alongside Pranayama (breath control) and Yogasana (yoga postures), meditation helps reduce stress, which is significant given psoriasis’s psychosomatic nature. This aids in slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
36) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
[see source text or glossary: Gandhaka]
37) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga refers to the practice of massaging the body with oil, which is a key treatment in Ayurveda. In the study, Abhyanga with medicated oils like psoralin was used to reduce the dryness and itching associated with Eka-kushtha, contributing significantly to symptomatic relief.
38) Guggulu:
[see source text or glossary: Guggulu]
39) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]
40) Shamyaka (Samyaka):
[see source text or glossary: Samyaka]
41) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with the qualities of earth and water. In Eka-kushtha, the vitiation of Kapha dosha, along with Vata, contributes to symptoms like dryness and itching. Balancing Kapha is essential for effective management of the condition.
42) Dhatu:
[see source text or glossary: Dhatu]
43) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda originated and is widely practiced. The case study, conducted in Maharashtra, emphasizes the application of traditional Ayurvedic treatments in managing Eka-kushtha, reflecting the significance and practice of Ayurveda in India.
44) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
45) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, related to movement and air. Vata's vitiation can lead to dryness, roughness, and scaling, as seen in Eka-kushtha. The treatment focused on pacifying Vata through various therapies to manage and alleviate these symptoms.
46) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in managing diseases in Ayurveda. In Eka-kushtha, the patient was advised on specific dietary restrictions to avoid aggravating the doshas. Proper dietary habits, along with therapeutic interventions, were essential for symptom reduction and overall health maintenance.
47) Fish:
[see source text or glossary: Fish]
48) Mahamanjishthadi (Mahamanjisthadi, Maha-manjishthadi):
[see source text or glossary: Mahamanjishthadi]
49) Tailabhyanga (Taila-abhyanga):
[see source text or glossary: Taila-abhyanga]
50) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
[see source text or glossary: Adhishthana]
51) Samprapti:
Samprapti refers to the pathogenesis or the process of disease formation in Ayurveda. Understanding Samprapti is crucial for diagnosing Eka-kushtha and devising an effective treatment plan that addresses the vitiated Doshas and impaired Dhatus (tissues) involved in the disease.
52) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
[see source text or glossary: Kandughna]
53) Siravedha (Sira-vedha):
[see source text or glossary: Siravedha]
54) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
55) Makshika (Maksika):
[see source text or glossary: Makshika]
56) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
[see source text or glossary: Rasayana]
57) Sweating (Sweat):
[see source text or glossary: Sweat]
58) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
59) Snehana:
Snehana is an oleation therapy in Ayurveda that involves the use of oils or ghee, both internally and externally. It was used in the case study to treat Eka-kushtha, helping to lubricate and moisturize the skin, thus reducing dryness and improving overall skin condition.
60) Avastha:
[see source text or glossary: Avastha]
61) Siddha:
[see source text or glossary: Siddha]
62) Dravya:
[see source text or glossary: Dravya]
63) Vikara:
[see source text or glossary: Vikara]
64) Dushya (Dusya):
[see source text or glossary: Dushya]
65) Lasika:
[see source text or glossary: Lasika]
66) Shatara (Satara):
Satara is a city in Maharashtra, India, where Aryangla Vaidyaka Mahavidyalaya is located. The Ayurvedic treatments described in the case study for managing Eka-kushtha were administered at this institution, highlighting its role in pioneering Ayurvedic medical research and treatment.
67) Manasa (Manasha):
[see source text or glossary: Manasa]
68) Bahya:
[see source text or glossary: Bahya]
69) Roga:
[see source text or glossary: Roga]
70) Shuddhagandhaka (Suddhagandhaka, Shuddha-gandhaka):
[see source text or glossary: Shuddha-gandhaka]
71) Sparshanendriya (Sparsanendriya, Sparshana-indriya):
[see source text or glossary: Sparshanendriya]
72) Dhatupadhatu (Dhatu-upadhatu):
[see source text or glossary: Dhatu-upadhatu]
73) Vishamashana (Visamasana, Vishamasana):
[see source text or glossary: Vishamashana]
74) Bhringaraja (Bhrngaraja, Bhringa-raja, Bhrimgaraja):
[see source text or glossary: Bhringaraja]
75) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
[see source text or glossary: Yashtimadhu]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 130]