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Posted 02/28/2022 in Ayurveda

5 Top Effective Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema


5 Top Effective Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema

 - By Kripa

According to a recent report from Nationaleczema.org, approximately 31.6 million people (10.1%) in the U.S. have some form of Eczema. They further quote that one in ten individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime, with its prevalence potentially peaking in early childhood.  Despite its occurrence amongst masses, many people often fail to understand the symptoms of Eczema and assume the irritation is due to dry skin. 

For starters, Eczema is a skin condition that is accompanied by severe rashes and extreme itching. The cause can vary from genetics, abnormal immune system to defect in moisture supply to skin membrane due to thyroid disease. It is an atopic disease, like asthma, its symptoms can get worst if skin gets exposed to following triggers:

  1. Extreme temperatures (harsh enough to strip skin moisture)
  2. Harsh chemicals (detergent, soaps, perfumes)
  3. Allergens in the air (pollen, dust mites etc)
  4. Anxiety and so on

 To quote a real-life example, a Texas based Sales head and a mother of two children was suffering from a chronic case of Eczema to an extent that led her to insomnia. She tried various treatments which gave her momentary results, but the inflammatory rashes and itches always came back. This affected her work, personal life, and overall well-being. With a strong quest to treat the root-cause of the condition, she explored Ayurveda. This had helped her in restoring her skin health and in keeping Eczema at bay.

Ayurveda is the world’s oldest healing system that believes in the principle of bringing in alignment and balance in one’s anatomy through altering his/her food and lifestyle habits. In the holistic approach of Ayurveda, a person’s perfect health is all about maintaining a perfect balance of three Doshas and they are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Let us now explore the various ayurvedic treatments for Eczema that helps in eradicating the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms! 

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema 

1. Panchakarma - The framework to treat Eczema

Panchakarma is an intervention in one’s lifestyle which deeply assesses one’s food habits, sleep patterns, stress levels, and so on to detox both mentally and physically. This is because detox enhances toxin removal and enables cells to function favorably on macro and micro levels. This involves inculcating effective procedures that are targeted to eliminate the toxins from the skin and the system. This involves incorporating dietary changes as instructed by ayurvedic practitioners to improvise the metabolism of the patient by ensuring the food consumed is healthy, on time and is appropriate for the person’s body type and lifestyle.

The list of potential Ayurveda-based approaches to managing Eczema includes Abhyanga, Virechana, Vamana and Lepas.

2. Abhyanga

Abhyanga in Ayurveda is a massage therapy. Here in the case of eczema, Sarvanga abhyanga is advocated 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. This also has a calming effect on the nervous system which in turn relaxes the patient’s mood, stress and anxiety.

3. Virechana

Virechana is a form of purgative therapy where herbs are administered to remove excess pitta from the stomach and intestines. This basically, flushes out the toxic wastes from the patient’s body. The principle behind this therapy is, sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet, that leads to irregular bowel movements. This further might lead to constipation or accumulation of toxic waste. Ayurveda believes that the waste that is not flushed out regularly can cause flare-ups. The purgative drug’s dosage is prescribed by an ayurvedic practitioner based on an individual age and intensity of the problem.

4. Vamana

Vamana is also 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 gastro-intestinal tract. This increases the digestion and metabolism of the patient. It has also proved beneficial to skin’s health and nourishment. Usually, post the Vamana treatment, Virechana is prescribed to complete holistic detoxification of toxins.

5. Lepa

Lepa is an Ayurvedic paste made from herbs that are prescribed to manage the inflammation or flare-ups of Eczema lesions and rashes. For example, a common lepa that is used for Eczema is Dashanga lepa and as name suggests it is made of 10 potent herbs that have proven healing effects. Dashanga lepa has also helps in managing the burning sensation and pain caused by Eczema flare-ups. However, this is strictly for external treatment and not for oral intake.

Whether you have been diagnosed recently from Eczema or have been suffering for a long time, it is never too late to embrace Ayurveda in your routine.  At Ayurveda Living, we have Ayurvedic practitioners who have tremendous knowledge and hands-on expertise in successfully treating Eczema across various age groups. Search for an Ayurveda practitioner near you and message them for an appointment now! Find Ayurveda Practitioners near you

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.