Abstract

A CASE STUDY OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS/EK-KUSHTH

Dr. Hetal Mori Jariwala*

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disease with predominantly skin and joint involvement. It is a long standing autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. It is non-infectious chronic inflammatory disease of skin characterized by well-defined erythmatous plaques with silvery scale. Psoraisis varies in severity from small localized patches to complete body coverage. The disease not only affects the patient physically but also disturbs the mental and social health of the patient. There is no satisfactory treatment available for Psoriasis. Ayurvedic treatment can give promosing results in such patients. In Ayurveda all skin diseases are described under the umbrella of Kushtha and in that Psoriasis is categorised under Ek-Kushtha. Repeated Shodhan Chikitsa followed by various Shaman Yogas and Rasayan Chikitsa for continued remission are emphasized in treatment of Kushtha in all ancient Ayurvedic texts. In this article a case of psoriasis is being presented which was treated successfully with Ayurvedic management.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Ekakushtha, Virechana, Shodhan Chikitsa, Shamana Chikitsa, Rasayana chikitsa.