Abstract

ROLE OF SHAMANA CHIKITSA IN EKAKUSTHA W.S.R TO SCALP PSORIASIS: A CASE STUDY

Swagata Chakraborty* and Arnab Ghosh

ABSTRACT

In Ayurveda, all types of skin diseases are described under one umbrella termed as Kustha. Acharyas have described that each & every Kustha has Tridosha involvement but the type of Kustha depends on the predominance of particular Doshas which exerts specific symptoms. Ekakustha, one among the kshudra kusthas, can be compared with Psoriasis due to its maximum resemblance. Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal patches on skin which are typically reddish, thickened, itchy, and scaly. They may vary in severity from small and localized to extensive, large and spread in complete body even in scalp. Psoriasis is generally thought to be a genetic disease which is triggered by some environmental factors, local trauma, general illness and stress. In modern medicine, the cure of this disease is still questionable as the actual cause is unknown. Ayurveda propounds a holistic treatment approach for Psoriasis in the term of ekakustha. As per Ayurvedic view point, the line of treatment of skin diseases are Shodhana and Shamana therapy. But only shamana chikitsa can also treat ekakustha in this busy lifestyle of present era as reflected in the present study. A case report of 34 years old female patient, presented with well demarcated, raised, red, scaly, silvery patches on scalp along with itching & burning sensation, diagnosed as a case of scalp Psoriasis, was treated with oral medication and local application and got significant result which will be presented in the full paper.

Keywords: Ekakustha, Scalp Psoriasis, skin, shamana chikitsa, Ayurveda.