AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF EKAKUSHTHA (PSORIASIS) – A CASE STUDY

*Shiv Shankar Shukla and Astha Shukla

ABSTRACT

In Ayurveda, ancient Acharyas have described all types of skin disorders under the heading of Kushta Roga. Ekkushta has been mentioned under the heading of Kshudra Kushta. The symptoms of Ekkushta which have been mentioned in classics i.e. Aswedanam, Mahavastu and Matsyashakalopamam, can be compared with psoriasis.[2] Ekkushta is vata- kapha predominant vyadhi. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which is caused by an overactive immune system. It is mainly characterised by patches of abnormal skin.[3] These skin patches are red, dry, scaling with itching. There are many treatments for psoriasis both in ayurvedic and modern medicine. But modern medicine treats psoriasis with corticosteroids. But all these medications have many side effects. Hence, there is a need to treat the root cause of such a chronic disorder which is possible by ayurvedic treatment. Present case was carried out in IPD of Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Burhanpur, M.P. The treatment has shown good improvement in the symptoms of Ekkushta (Psoriasis).

Keywords: Ayurveda, Ekkushta, Kushta Roga, Psoriasis, Vata-Kaphaja vyadhi.