Dermatology in Ayurveda
by Dr. B. Hari Kumar
Skin (Twacha in Sanskrit) according to ayurveda is one among the sense organs, and the seat of the sensation of touch. The sensation of touch is considered as the special sense of “Vayu” - the air element. The logic in this as for ayurveda is that the air could be better perceived through touch. (Earth, water, fire, air and space are considered the 5 elements in ayurveda constituting the universe and the human body in their physical form. The special senses for each are Smell, Taste, Vision, Touch and Hearing respectively.)
More over this air element together with space element constitute the humour responsible for movement, control and coordination, “The Vatha dosha”. This concepts gives further impetus to the skin and its role as the sense organ of touch in treating muscular, skeletal and Neurological impairments.
The formation of skin - is from Blood tissue says Ashtanga Hridaya an ayurvedic classic written around 600AD. “The skin is formed from the metabolism of blood, like a creamy layer forms on top of milk when you cook it”. Thus Skin disorders are often considered as due to Blood impurities.
When skin falls similar to blood, the dosha (humoural) predominance of Blood is also to be considered. Blood is considered the seat of Pitha( constituted by Fire element - the principal metabolic factor).The redness of blood is actually the fiery part (the red blood cells, the Hemoglobin) while the fluid part and the white parts (Plasma, WBC) are predominantly Kapha (constituted by the earth water elements, the Nutritional and stabilizing factor).
The ayurvedic classics describe the skin as having 7 layers. Their names are: Avabhasini, Lohitha, Swetha, Thamra, Rohini, Vedhini, and Mamsadhara. Their important functions, thickness etc. are also explained.
Management of Neurodermatitis in ayurveda
Neurodermatitis a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the scratch-itch cycle is one of the important hurdles for Dermatology. It is often precipitated by rubbing of clothes, or any such external body on the skin, followed by scratching and itching. This condition fall under the category of Skin diseases named- Kushta, in ayurvedic terminology.
The important management principle of this disorder is repeated purifications, (Panchakarma) Virechana- Purgation being most important. Nasya- the nasal cleansing, Vamana-emesis and Vasthi the enema are also advised whenever required. Once the heavily imbalanced doshas are purified, the further follow up is the use of decoctions, herbal teas and other herbal supplements to maintain a proper balance.
Charaka samhitha the ayurvedic classic mentions a group of herbs named “Kushtaghna"- curing kushta- dermatological disorders, as well as one called “Kandughna"- reducing itching(anti pruritic ).
Important herbs Curative of Dermatologic disorders:
1. Khadira- Acasia catechu - bark
2. Haridra- Curcuma Longa - root
3. Aragwadha- cassia fistula - skin
4. Arushkara - Semicarpus anacardium - purified seed
Important herbs curatives of Itching:
1. Chandana- Sandalum album- bark
2. Nalada - Nelumium indicum- stem
3. Aragwadha-cassia Fistula - bark
4. Nimba -Azadiracta indica - whole parts
Apart from this Detoxification is also an important step in some conditions where Toxins are the precipitating factors.
Detoxifying herbs include:
1. Haridra - Curcuma Longa
2. Manjishta - Rubea cordifolia
3. Sireesha - Albezia Lebbok
4. Sindhuvara - Vitex Negundo
Topical applications - mostly using Coconut oil as the base with combinations of herbs are useful in certain conditions to stop itching and thus to break the scratch-itch cycle.
This is often helpful for removing dryness naturally.
As Stress is an important causative factor and stress further makes it worse treatments like Thakradhara- the medicated buttermilk stream on the forehead and Thila dhara- streaming of medicated oil on the forehead are often helpful with the use of adaptogenic supplements like Aswagandha (withania somnifera) and Jatamansi (Nordostochis Jatamansi ).
A proper rehabilitation, emotional support and Faith as well as devotion are also important aspects of managing the ayurvedic way.
Kushta - the group of skin problems are having Karmic reasons (spiritual causes) according to ayurveda. Hence pilgrimages, worships, sacrifices, social work or philanthropy etc are considered equally important in healing it. Thus these good old methods of treating Kushta consider the whole person in the right perspective, and such an approach may help finding a path to tackle Neurodermatitis as well.
The above management of Neurodermatitis has been giving us a certain amount of success in Kerala, in clinical practice. These approaches may be integrated to mainstream medicine as well.
Dr Hari is a medical superintendent at KNM NSS ayurveda hospital Vallamkulam NSS Ayurveda hospital Aranmula Kerala,India.
http://www.doctorhari.com
© 2008 Six Senses Yoga Society