According to recent reports, approximately 20 million people in India suffer from some form of eczema. They further state that one in ten individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime, with its prevalence potentially peaking in early childhood. Despite its widespread occurrence, people still fail to understand the symptoms of eczema and assume the irritation is due to dry skin. Here we will understand eczema better for its early detection and prevention:
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition accompanied by severe rashes and extreme itching. The cause can vary from genetics and abnormal immune systems to defects in moisture supply to the skin membrane. Thyroid is another reason that can lead up to the skin issue. It is an atopic disease, like asthma, and its symptoms can worsen if the skin is exposed to the following triggers:
- Extreme temperatures (harsh enough to strip skin moisture)
- Harsh chemicals (detergents, soaps, perfumes)
- Allergens in the air (pollen, dust mites, etc.)
- Anxiety and Insomnia
Why Choose the Ayurvedic Root?
Ayurveda, the world’s oldest healing system originated in India, believes in bringing alignment and balance to one’s anatomy through food and lifestyle habits. According to the holistic approach of Ayurveda, a person’s perfect health is all about maintaining a perfect balance of three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Let us now explore the various Ayurvedic treatments for eczema that help eradicate the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms!
Effective Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema: Top 5 Natural Remedies
- Panchakarma: The Ayurvedic Framework for Eczema Treatment
Panchakarma is an intervention just like a general physician’s consultation, that deeply assesses food habits, sleep patterns, stress levels, and more to detoxify both mentally and physically. This involves incorporating dietary changes as instructed by Ayurvedic practitioners to improve the patient’s metabolism by ensuring the food consumed is healthy, on time, and appropriate for the person’s body type and lifestyle.
- Abhyanga: The Ayurvedic Oil Massage for Eczema Relief
Sarvanga Abhyanga is advocated in the case of eczema, where the whole body is massaged with herb-enriched oils. This immediately calms the inflammatory rashes, removes toxins from the skin, and provides the appropriate moisture and nourishment required. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system relaxing the patient’s mood, stress, and anxiety.
- Virechana: Detoxification Therapy for Eczema in Ayurveda
Virechana is a form of purgative therapy where herbs are administered to remove excess pitta from the stomach and intestines. The principle behind this therapy is that a sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet leads to irregular bowel movements, which might result accumulation of toxic waste. Ayurveda believes that waste not flushed out regularly can cause flare-ups. The purgative drug’s dosage is prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner based on the individual’s age and the intensity of the problem.
- Vamana: Ayurvedic Emesis Therapy for Eczema Treatment
Vamana is another popular Ayurvedic treatment that induces controlled vomiting as guided by the practitioner. The aim of this treatment is to eject Kapha along with toxins from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. This increases the patient’s digestion and metabolism. It has also proved beneficial to skin health and nourishment. Usually, post the Vamana treatment, Virechana is prescribed to complete holistic detoxification of toxins.
- Lepa: Ayurvedic Herbal Paste Therapy for Eczema
Lepa is an Ayurvedic paste made from herbs prescribed to manage the inflammation or flare-ups of eczema lesions and rashes. A common lepa used for eczema is Dashanga lepa, made of 10 potent herbs with proven healing effects. Dashanga lepa helps manage the burning sensation and pain caused by eczema flare-ups. However, this is strictly for external treatment and not for oral intake.
Incorporating Ayurvastra: Healing Through Clothing
At Miho, we believe in the power of Ayurvastra, a unique blend of Ayurveda and textiles. Ayurvastra fabrics are infused with medicinal herbs, in this case, the same herbs used in Dashanga Lepa, offering additional benefits to those suffering from skin conditions like eczema. Wearing Ayurvastra-treated clothing can enhance the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments by providing constant, gentle exposure to healing herbs, promoting overall skin health and well-being.
Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.