Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema
Skin complaints affect all ages from neonate to the elderly and cause harm in a number of ways. It includes 4D’s: Discomfort; Disfigurement; Disability; Death (in some cases). Skin is the organ that extends itself superficially and penetrates itself into the deeper levels of the body.
According to Ayurveda, any skin disorder occurs when there is an imbalance in the doshas and dhatus in our body. Two of the main causes of diseases that cause a vitiation of doshas are wrong diet and lifestyle. Following an incompatible diet (viruddhara or food items of opposite nature) or an incompatible lifestyle that is against the season or the prakriti (nature) of a person, causes the generation of toxins or poisons in our body. When these toxins accumulate in the body tissues, skin etc and contaminate them, skin diseases erupt. Though skin disorders are attributed to imbalances in all the three doshas, the prime dosha involved is pitha.
All treatments aimed at curing skin disorders emphasise on the complete penetrative and detoxifying abilities of the treatments rendered. The approach of Ayurveda to treating skin problems is by eliminating the root causes of the same; while Ayurvedic treatments may take longer to show results, the focus is on restoring complete health to the body. Main treatment line for all types of skin disorders mostly include cleansing (shodhana) treatments like vamana (Emesis therapy), virechana(Purgation therapy) and Rakhtamoksham. Apart from this, shamana oushadhis (oral medicine) are also administered for preventive and curative purposes.
The de-toxification therapies used to treat skin diseases are not only suitable for patients, but also for people without ailments. The Panchakarma Therapy helps maintain health, increase lifespan, reduce weight, tone and rejuvenate complexion and revitalise the mind, body and spirit.
Eczema
The term eczema or dermatitis refers to distinctive reaction patterns in the skin which can be either acute or chronic. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Vicharchika. Eczema is characterized by itching, dryness of skin, swelling, reddening, dryness, and flaking. Scratching of the skin results in rashes. It affects the ears, central face, nasolabial folds and eyebrows, armpits, umbilicus, breasts and groin. It also affects the scalp; when eczema affects the scalp, it is marked by scaling (dandruff).
Eczema occurs in two types: Endogenous and Exogenous. Endogenous eczema is triggered due to certain processes originating in the body, while exogenous eczema is caused due to externally triggered factors. Eczema is triggered when the immunity of the body is impacted — the trigger may be caused due to various reasons like irritants (soap, shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, vegetables, meats), allergens (pets, pollen, dust mites), bacteria, hot and humid temperature, perspiration, food items (stale, spicy, fermented, fried, sour,dry food items), stress and irregular schedules, excessive intake of items like tea, coffee, alcohol, aerated beverages.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema
Eczema or Vicharchika is triggered due to the vitiation of the pitha dosha (the dosha representing fire). When an individual’s lifestyle or diet is faulty, the initial impact is felt on the digestive system. Thus, the pitha dosha is aggravated. Due to the dosha imbalance, the ability of the body to get rid of the ama (toxins) is reduced. The toxins accumulate in the skin as an impact of the vitiated pitha dosha. This contamination of toxins in the body tissues is the main cause for eczema.
Ayurvedic recommendations on treating eczema are based primarily on the lines of restoring the balance of the pitha dosha in the body. Treatments to pacify the pitha dosha stabilize the body’s digestive system and eliminate the accumulated toxins. Thus, the treatments focus on detoxification and cleansing. Apart from this, other Ayurvedic remedies such as Udhwarthanam (massage with dry herbal powders), Lepam (face packs with natural or medicated herbs), Dhoopanam (medicated fumigation) are also effectively administered depending on the patients condition. Oral medication is also be prescribed where required.
