Psoriasis is an auto immune skin disease where the skin cells grow faster than it ordinarily should, which is about 27 days. One of Psoriasis’ biggest enemies is dryness and dry weather when it results into scaling and peeling of the skin’s outer layers of the skin. The itching could cause redness and wounds in the skin. This is a condition often caused due to emotional trauma and stress, among other reasons. According to the ancient herbal science of wellness, Ayurveda, Psoriasis is the result of imbalance in Vata (air element) and Kapha (earth element). But it can very well be managed by following some of the treatments and home remedies prescribed within Ayurveda. Here are a few ways you can do it!
1. Abhyanga: Detoxifying Warm Oil Massage
Abhyanga is one of the most popular and recommended therapies in Ayurveda, especially for Psoriasis. This Ayurvedic therapy incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, which loosen toxins, relax the nervous system, and provide rest, nourishment, and rejuvenation. It oleates the skin and prevents it from drying and scaling.
Where can you go for an elaborate Abhyanga session?
If you are someone who is always looking out for a kick-your-boots-up relaxing spa vacation, replete with good food, great detoxes and treatments like Abhyanga, full body oil baths, herbal wraps administered by highly skilled therapists and doctors for an internal and external overhaul of your system in the midst of nature, head over to The Art of Living International Retreat Center, state-of-the-art wellness center nestled on the lap of Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina that promises an immersive spiritual and physically invigorating journey.
2. Keep Your Skin Moisturized
If your skin shows symptoms of scaling and becoming white and dry very often, if your skin itches a lot, it is recommended to show it to an Ayurveda expert, who can tell you about the Dosha imbalances in your body by studying your pulse through time tested methodology of pulse diagnosis. For psoriasis patients, it is extremely important to keep their skin moisturized and covered at all times. Shankara has a range of body and facial moisturizing creams as well as body oils that combine a blend of Ayurveda from the east and natural actives from the west giving you a long lasting moisturizing solution for your dry skin. For example, Shankara’s Hydrating Body Silk protect the body’s largest organ with an antioxidant-rich body lotion. This body lotion simultaneously calms, soothes, hydrates, and offers relief for the most sensitive and irritated skin.
· Ideal for sensitive or irritated skin
· Deeply hydrates leaving skin supple
· Rich in nutrients to nourish intensely
· Calming and soothing to the skin
3) Virechana Or Purgation Therapy
Ayurvedic experts suggest, Virechana or purgation therapies can immensely benefit by detoxifying the body thoroughly and balancing the two doshas that lead to Psoriasis.
4) Ayurvedic Treatment With Formulated Buttermilk
Ayurveda recommends Thakradara, a treatment that uses medicated and purified buttermilk for healthier and rejuvenated skin and hair.
5) Avoid Virudhahara Or Opposing Foods
Virudhahara in Ayurveda is understood as mixing up wrong combination of foods that become toxic for the body like fruit milk shakes or milk shakes and curd among others.
6) Super Food: Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids, is an excellent source for balancing Doshas along with being a rich anti-oxidant and balances hormones. Regular intake of raw flax seeds or roasted flax seeds also gives you a brighter and cleaner skin.
7) Yoga
For treating Psoriasis, which results from some form of emotional trauma, most effective and helpful can be Pranayamas or deep breathing techniques like The Art of Living’s Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing exercise that eliminates emotional toxins and negative emotions from our system are prescribed.
The following sequence can be followed for Psoriasis–
1. Chant Om 3 times
2. Kapalabhati or skull shining technique- 20 times, rounds (do slow if you have hypertension / heart disease or condition / vertigo)
3. Bhastrika or bellow’s breath- 20 times, 3 rounds (do slow if you have hypertension / heart disease or condition / vertigo)
5. Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing- 9 to 12 rounds slow and deep
6. Bhramari or the bumble bee technique- 5 times
6. Along with this, drinking lot of water, yoga nidra, being active with a healthy diet will help.
7. Include at least one meditation of choice per day.
It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher.
