SKIN CARE
Skin ailments, referred to as “Kustha” in Ayurvedic texts, arise from the imbalance of the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and the disturbance of the four body elements: skin (twak), blood (rakta), muscle (mansa), and water (ambu).
Various causative factors contribute to skin diseases, including:
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Dietary Causes
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Behavioural Causes
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Psychological Factors
Skin conditions under the influence of
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Vata manifest with dry, rough skin, black or grey discoloration, and a sensation of pin-pricking pain.
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Pitta-dominant skin diseases exhibit local burning sensations, red discoloration, foul smells, and pustular discharge.
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In Kapha-dominant conditions, symptoms include white discoloration, itching, coldness, and infected wounds.
Ayurveda offers two primary modalities of treatment:
1) Shodhana Chikitsa: This involves radical removal of vitiated Doshas and the disease from the body. Shodhana chikitsa focuses on purification through various methods, such as:
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Snehapana
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Virechana
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Abhyanga
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Takra Dhara
2) Shamana Chikitsa: In Shamana chikitsa, Doshas are pacified within the body using oral medicines.
Through these Ayurvedic treatments, the root cause of skin diseases is addressed, providing a comprehensive approach to skin wellness. By harmonizing the Doshas and eliminating vitiated elements, Ayurveda offers a holistic path to skin health and overall well-being.