Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterised by thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of skin, affecting both sexes equally and usually first appears at the age ranging from 15 to 30 years. It is, however, rare in infancy and old age.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and the skin of the person suffering from this disorder appears red and irritated and at times covered with bright silvery scales, due to which the patient also suffers itching. Areas usually involved are elbows, knees and the skin behind the ears, trunk and scalp. This disease also affects the underarms and the genital areas. The lesions vary in size from minute papules only just visible, to sheets covering large parts of the body. Quite often, they are discs from 1.5 cm. to several centimeters in size. The lesions of psoriasis are always dry and rarely become infected.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, however, psoriasis involves an abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself. This abnormality is related to the metabolism of amino acids, the protein chemicals, which are nature`s basic building blocks for the reproduction of cell tissues. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis, as it tends to occur in families. About 30 per cent of the patients have a family history of the disease.

The factors that aggravate and precipitate the outbreak of psoriasis are: injury to the skin in the form of cuts, burns, minor abrasions, changes in the seasons, physical and emotional stress, infections and use of certain medicines for the treatment of other diseases.

Diet :  Since psoriasis is a metabolic disease, a cleansing juice fast for about seven days is always desirable in the beginning of treatment. Carrots, beets, cucumbers and grapes may be used for juices. The warm water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the fast. After the juice fast, the patient should adopt the diet of three basic food groups, namely (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables and (iii) fruits, with emphasis on raw seeds and nuts, especially sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and plenty of organically grown raw vegetables and fruits.

However, the juices of citrus fruits should be avoided in this diet and even all-animal fats, including milk, butter and eggs should be avoided. Refined or processed foods and foods containing hydrogenated fats or white sugar, all condiments, tea and coffee should also be avoided. After noticeable improvement, goat`s milk, yogurt and home made cottage cheese may be added to the diet. Juice fast may be repeated after four weeks of diet.

Water Treatments : The patient must avoid frequent baths and soaps should also not be used. Regular seawater baths and the application of seawater externally over the affected parts once a day is beneficial. The hot Epsom salts bath has proved valuable in psoriasis. Three full baths should be taken weekly until the trouble begins to subside. The number of baths thereafter may be reduced to two weekly and finally to one. After the bath, a little olive oil may be applied. The skin should be kept absolutely clean by daily dry friction or sponge.

The use of mudpacks in the treatment of psoriasis has also been found highly beneficial. The packs are made by mixing the clay with a little water and are then applied to the affected areas. After the clay has dried, it is removed and fresh pack applied mudpacks are eliminative in their action. They absorb and remove the toxins from the diseased areas.

Solar Treatment : In many cases, psoriasis responds well to sunlight. The affected parts should be frequently exposed to the sun. The daily use of a sunlamp or ultra-violet light is also beneficial.

Home Remedies : Cabbage leaves have been successfully used in the form of compresses in the treatment of psoriasis. The thickest and greenest outer leaves are most effective for use as compresses. They should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be made flat, soft and smooth by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins.They should be warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over it. The whole compress should then be secured with an elastic bandage.

Exercises : The patient should undertake plenty of regular exercise in fresh air, especially exposing the affected parts, and deep breathing exercises. He should avoid all nervous tension and should have adequate rest.

Treatment of Psoriasis by Aromatherapy : Essential oils are excellent skin-soothers and healers and can help calm many of the symptoms, particularly inflammation, itchiness and infection. Soothing and anti inflammatory Oils: Birch, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cypress & Violet.

Oils with healing effects: Lavender, Geranium & Myrrh.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease usually seen as redness and scaling of various sizes. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune disease, which affects the skin and joints. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are zones of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques recurrently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area of the body including the scalp and also the genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extensor aspect of the joint. The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Factors that may aggravate psoriasis include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Yoga goes a long way in relieving stress that is induced in the body due to Psoriasis. For psoriasis, yoga exercises should always be done in the morning sun, since the sunrays offer Vitamin D that is essential for a healthy skin.

The following asanas should be done after practicing Pranayama.
• Bhastrika is the asana where, one has to close the eyes and inhale deeply through both the nostrils. This should be followed up with exhalation.

• Kapalbhati is also helpful in this case and indicates breathing in series of quick exhalations accompanied by an inward drawing motion of the stomach.

• Bahya is the process of deeply inhaling to allow air to fill up lungs fully, holding for a few moments, and then exhaling forcefully.

• Anuloma and Viloma is a single-nostril breathing exercise that cures psoriasis to an extent. Pressing right nostril with thumb, one should inhale deeply, through the left nostril, followed by inhalation through the right nostril.

• Agnisara Asana is inhaling deeply but slowly, pushing stomach muscles outward, filling up stomach with air. Then exhaling deeply, holding breath and moving stomach in and out vigorously as many times as possible, before releasing it and allowing air to fill up lungs.

• Bhramari is the Yogic exercise where one has plug ears tightly with the thumbs of both hands. Put the forefingers on forehead, over eyebrows, and the middle fingers of the two hands right on the closed eyes. Then inhale deeply and saying "OM", without opening mouth, so as to make a humming sound that travels from mouth to ears, concludes the exercise.

• Udgeet is the exercise for psoriasis, where one has to place the hands on knees after closing the eyes. Then take a deep breath in and then exhale, saying OM. One should stress on the syllable "O" as long as the breath lasts and utter the syllable "M" right at the end.

• Finally, one should rub hands vigorously to generate heat and place them on eyes. While doing the breathing exercises, the individual has to put an effort of directing the energy generated towards the affected parts of the skin by thinking about its well being to get best results.

The treatment of Psoriasis includes many more regulations like the person should avoid excitement, anxiety, fast foods, spicy foods and cold drinks.

The Yoga asanas prescribed above should be strictly performed under the supervision of an experienced Yoga teacher.