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Ayurvedic Management of Ekakushtha with Special Reference to Psoriasis: A Case Study
Abstract
Background: Eka Kushtha, classified under Kshudra Kushtha in Ayurvedic classics, is characterized by Aswedanam (absence of sweating), Mahavastu (extensive skin involvement), and Matsya Shakalopama (fish-scale-like scaling). Its clinical manifestations share similarities with chronic plaque psoriasis, a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous plaques and silvery-white scales.
Case Presentation: A 52-year-old male patient presented with widespread scaly skin lesions involving the scalp, bilateral upper and lower limbs, abdomen, and back, accompanied by persistent itching and powder-like scaling for eight years. Based on the clinical presentation and symptomatology, the condition was assessed as Eka Kushtha with features suggestive of chronic plaque psoriasis.
Ayurvedic Perspective: The condition can be understood through the Ayurvedic concepts of Tridosha involvement, with a predominance of Vata and Kapha Dosha, and the pathogenesis associated with Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana. The involvement of Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika provides a theoretical framework for understanding the chronicity, scaling, and extensive distribution of lesions. Ayurvedic management emphasizes an individualized approach incorporating Shodhana, Shamana, and appropriate external and internal therapies.
Conclusion: This case highlights the clinical correlation between Eka Kushtha and chronic plaque psoriasis and illustrates the relevance of Ayurvedic principles in understanding chronic dermatological conditions. Further documentation of treatment response and long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate clinical improvement, disease recurrence, and the durability of therapeutic outcomes.
Keywords: Eka Kushtha, Psoriasis, Kshudra Kushtha, Ayurveda, Vata-Kapha, Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana.
Keywords
Eka KushthaPsoriasisKshudra KushthaAyurvedaDosha-Dushya SammurchhanaAyurvedic Management.
References
1. Kushtha Chikitsa and Virechana Charaka
Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7 (Kushtha Chikitsa
Adhyaya)
"वमनं ववरेचनं चैव रक्तमोक्षणमेव च । कु विनां शस्यते
वनत्यंदोषाणां शोधनं प्रवत ॥"
Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana
7/39–40, Chakrapani Commentary, Chaukhamba
Prakashan, Varanasi.
Utility: Establishes the importance of Shodhana,
especially Virechana, in Kushtha.
2. Role of Snehapana
Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 13 (Snehadhyaya)
Reference: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 13/13–
16.
Utility: Explains liquefaction and mobilization of
Doshas from Shakha to Koshtha before Shodhana.
3. Swedana Karma
Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 14 (Swedadhyaya)
Reference: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 14/3–8.
Utility: Describes Srotoshodhana, Dosha Vilayana
and facilitation of Dosha elimination.
4. Virechana Karma
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 18
Reference: Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutra Sthana 18/25–
30.
Utility: Explains elimination of Pitta-Kapha Dosha
and purification of Rakta.
Drug References
Arogyavardhini Vati
Reference: Rasaratna Samuccaya, 20th Chapter.
API Part-I, Government of India, Ministry of
AYUSH.
Actions:Deepana,Pachana,Raktashodhana,Kushtha
ghna
Gandharva Haritaki
Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Udararoga
Chikitsa.
Actions:Anulomana,Mridu Rechana,Vatanulomana
Triphala
Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Haritakyadi
Varga.
Actions:Rasayana,Chakshushya,Anulomana,Rakta
prasadana
Bakuchi:Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu,
Haritakyadi Varga.
"कु िघ्नी"
Actions:Kushthaghna,Kandughna,Kledahara
Guduchi
Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Guduchyadi
Varga.
"विदोषघ्नी रसायनी"
Actions:Rasayana,Tridoshaghna,Raktashodhaka
Musta
Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Karpuradi
Varga.
Actions:Deepana,Pachana,Amapachana
Vidanga
Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Haritakyadi
Varga.
Actions:Krimighna,Kledahara,Deepana
Karanja
Reference: Dhanvantari Nighantu, Guduchyadi
Varga.
Actions:Kushthaghna,Kandughna,Krimighna
Modern References for Immunomodulatory and
Anti-inflammatory Actions
Guduchi
Upadhyay AK, Kumar K, Kumar A, Mishra HS.
Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi): Pharmacological
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Khushboo PS, Jadhav VM, Kadam VJ. Psoralea
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Triphala
Peterson CT et al. Triphala: Traditional Ayurvedic
formulation and modern evidence. Journal of
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Reference for Rasapanchaka
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Haritakyadi Varga
Guduchyadi Varga
Karpuradi Varga
Dhanvantari Nighantu
Kaiyadeva Nighantu
