Ayurveda is a traditional alternative medicine system that may help with psoriasis. You can try several Ayurvedic treatment options, as well as other herbal remedies and lifestyle practices.
Medications prescribed to treat psoriasis may cause uncomfortable side effects. As a result, you might look for complementary natural treatments to help manage your psoriasis symptoms.
Ayurveda is one form of natural medicine. Discover here which Ayurvedic treatments may be effective for people with psoriasis.
Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic form of medicine that began in northern India. It’s based on the idea that good health depends on having a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
People who practice Ayurveda believe that every person has a distinct energy pattern that’s made up of three different energies. These energies are known as doshas, and they include:
- Vata: governs bodily functions
- Pitta: governs metabolic functions
- Kapha: governs growth in the body
Ayurveda practitioners believe that if your doshas are out of balance, you may feel stressed or become sick. The goal of Ayurveda is to keep your doshas balanced for optimal health.
To do this, the practice focuses heavily on herbal remedies and a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- doing exercise like yoga
- practicing meditation
- engaging in detoxification
Ayurveda isn’t yet considered mainstream in Western medicine, but it’s gaining momentum. Its principles may be applied to most health conditions and are sometimes used as a complement to conventional medical treatments.
An Ayurvedic practitioner can help you figure out your unique mix of doshas, as well as the best diet, exercise, and lifestyle practices to help keep them balanced throughout the seasons.
The main Ayurvedic treatment used to help treat psoriasis is Panchakarma. This is a type of therapy in which five karmas, or actions, help purify and cleanse the body of toxins.
Panchakarma generally involves plant-based remedies and dietary changes. A vegetarian diet is often recommended.
The five actions of Panchakarma include:
An Ayurvedic practitioner can advise you on preparing your body for Panchakarma using oils and steam, and they can help you determine which combination of actions may be most appropriate for your individual situation and health. They can also supervise you during the treatment and recommend changes to it as needed.
The recommended length of treatment and its outcome will depend on the severity of your psoriasis and your commitment to the treatment.
Psoriasis can be triggered by stress — both physical and emotional. Meditation and exercise may help reduce stress-related psoriasis flare-ups. Both of these activities are included in Ayurveda treatment plans. Visualization meditation may be helpful. There are also many guided meditations available online.
Some herbal remedies may also help to reduce stress. For example, a
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Ayurvedic herbal remedies as supplements. That means they don’t undergo the same strict testing and monitoring procedures as other treatments and drugs.
Although Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced for centuries, some treatments and herbal remedies may be harmful. Some herbal preparations
Scientists have conducted few controlled clinical trials, meaning the safety and effectiveness of Ayurvedic practices and remedies isn’t well understood.
You should use Ayurvedic treatments only under the direction of a trained practitioner.
If you’re interested in holistic health, Ayurvedic treatments may be one option to try alongside conventional medications. You should not use these remedies in place of traditional care.
If you suspect you have psoriasis but it has not yet been confirmed, it’s important to consult a medical doctor for an official diagnosis.
If you have psoriasis and think Ayurveda may have, it’s advised that you speak with your doctor and a trained Ayurveda practitioner.
The mind-body connection seems to play a large role in overall wellness. For that reason, many doctors are likely to support general Ayurveda lifestyle practices such as:
Yet Ayurvedic remedies that help one person may not help another. Developing a treatment plan that includes both conventional and Ayurvedic medicine may give you the best of both worlds and the most promising results.
To help prevent drug interactions and negative side effects, be sure to tell your care team about all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that you take.