Psoriasis (Kitibha) is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder closely correlated in Ayurveda with Kitibha Kushtha, a form of Kshudra Kushtha (minor skin disorder). It arises from vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas along with Rakta dushti. Characteristic symptoms include dry, scaly, reddish-brown patches, skin cracking, and rough texture due to impaired Agni and ama accumulation.
Types of Psoriasis
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Vataja Psoriasis: Dry, cracked, scaly skin; severe itching; pain and fissures aggravated in cold, dry weather.
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Pittaja Psoriasis: Red, inflamed patches with burning, oozing, and irritation; worsens with heat and spicy foods.
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Kaphaja Psoriasis: Thick, oily, pale plaques with heavy scaling; mild itching; sluggish progression.
Causative Factors (Nidana)
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Dietary Causes: Incompatible foods like fish with milk, fermented or heavy foods, excessive curd or meat intake.
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Lifestyle Causes: Day sleeping, night awakening, suppression of natural urges, sedentary habits, and excessive hot water use.
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Dosha Imbalance: Predominantly Vata-Kapha imbalance and rakta dushti; Tridosha involvement in chronic cases.
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Psychological Factors: Stress, anger, grief aggravate doshas and impair Agni leading to pathology.
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Genetic Factors: Hereditary predisposition through shukra and artava.
Signs & Symptoms
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Discoloration: Shyava (dark) or Aruna (reddish) patches
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Itching (Kandu), dryness (Rukshata), rough texture (Parusha)
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Cracking of skin (Tvak Sphutana)
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Well-localized, raised plaques (Sthira, Utsanna)
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Lined appearance like fish scales (Raji Yukta)
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Chronic and relapsing in nature
Ayurvedic Approach to Psoriasis Management
At Aimil Healthcare, our holistic Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis (Kitibha Kushtha) is centered around dosha pacification, blood purification, and detoxification therapies for long-term relief and prevention of relapse.
1. Dietary Regime (Ahara Chikitsa)
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Favor light, dry, bitter foods like old rice, barley, green gram, bitter gourd, neem leaves.
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Avoid incompatible combinations like fish with milk, curd, fermented items, and sour fruits.
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Include Triphala kwatha, punarnava, neem, and lukewarm water with trikatu churna.
2. Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara Chikitsa)
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Avoid day sleeping, late nights, and stressors.
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Daily abhyanga with neem taila, bath with Triphala choorna.
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Moderate exercise and adherence to seasonal and daily routines.
3. Panchakarma Therapy (Shodhana Chikitsa)
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Snehapana with tikta ghrita or mahatiktaka ghrita.
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Vamana for Kapha elimination, Virechana for Pitta-rakta cleansing.
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Raktamokshana in localized patches, Tikta ksheera basti for balancing Vata-Kapha.
4. Palliative Therapy (Shamana Chikitsa)
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Internal: Guduchi, Neem, Manjistha, Sariva, Triphala, Haridra.
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External: Jatyadi taila, Tiktaka ghrita, Nimba taila; lepa with Triphala, Sariva, Lodhra, Chandan.
5. Ayurvedic Drug Therapy (Aushadha Chikitsa)
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Internal Medicines: Mahamanjishtadi kwatha, Panchtikta ghrita guggulu, Kaishora guggulu, Arogyavardhini vati, Gandhaka rasayana, Khadirarishta, Sarivadyasava.
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External Medicines: Kusthaghna taila, Dineshavalyadi taila, Triphala choorna for bathing.
Ayurveda offers an individualized and sustainable path for managing Psoriasis by correcting root imbalances, purifying blood, and strengthening skin health through internal and external therapies.
