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.
Some of the exercises that are recommended for Psoriasis are as follows -
Seven types of pranayama, the breathing and mental exercises, can be practiced towards successful treatment of psoriasis.
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.
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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.
