Eczema (Vicharchika) Ayurvedic Treatment Melbourne

 

 

 

 

This article aims to explain the detailed Ayurvedic prospective of Eczema. There are lot of sanskrit words or phrases used in the article to keep the authenticity of the information discussed in famous Ayurvedic texts books. If you are looking for a simple information on Eczema, we also have another easy to read article on Eczema available in the treatment section of our website.

 

 

Eczema Ayurvedic Treatment

 

 

 

All skin diseases are explained under the heading Kushta in Ayurveda. Kushta (Skin disease) is Raktapradoshaja Vikara (due to the vitiation of blood tissue).

 

 

Skin disorders in Ayurveda is mainly classified into 2 types :

 

Mahakushta (Major Skin Problems) and Kshudrakushta (Minor Skin Problems)

 

Ayurveda Samhitas have mentioned 18 types of Kushta (Skin diseases) in total, 7 are classified as Mahakushta (Major Skin Problems) and 11 are classified as Kshudrakushta (Minor Skin Problems).

 

Eczema is most closely referred as Vicharchika in Ayurveda and it is explained under Kshudrakushta (Minor Skin Problem).

 

Eczema in Ayurveda is categoried into two types:

 

1. Sushka Vicharchika (Dry Eczema)
2. Ardra Vicharchika (Wet Eczema)

 

Role of Doshas and Dhatus in relation to optimal functioning of skin:

 

• Role of Vata on the skin: Vata Dosha is responsible for touch sensation.

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• Role of Pitta on the skin: Pitta mainly the subtype of Pitta, Bhrajaka Pitta is responsible for temperature regulation. It is also responsible for absorption of herbal pastes or ointments applied on the skin. Pachaka and Ranjaka subtypes of Pitta help to maintain normal skin color.

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• Role of Kapha on the skin: Kapha Dosha is responsible for maintaining moisture, softness and luster of skin. Healing is also the function of Kapha Dosha.

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• Role of Mamsa Dhatu: Skin is Upadhatu (Sub-tissue) of Mamsa Dhatu (Muscle tissue). Sweda (Sweating) is the waste product excreted through the skin. If the sweat is reduced, that means toxins (Mala) is accumulated in the body which is a pathological condition.

 

 

What is Kushta (Skin disease)?

 

Kushta (Skin disease) is defined as “Kushnateeti Kushtam” meaning the disease in which the affected part of the body, that is skin is destroyed.

 

 

Ayurvedic Definition of Vicharchika (Eczema)

 

रक्तं श्यावं सदाहार्ति शतारू: स्याबहुव्रणम्।

सकण्डू : पिडका श्यावा बहुस्त्रवा विचर्चिका।। C.S.Ch. 7/21-26.

 

 

Acharya Charaka in His famous Ayurvedic Text book called Charaks Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 7 versus 21-26 described Vicharchika (Eczema) as a cutaneous eruption with itching and burning followed by cracks of the skin and dryness. Skin becomes Shyava varna (Bluish black coloration) and Pidikas (Eruptions) occur with association of Srava (Discharge), Kandu (Itching), Raji (Lines on skin), Arati (Discomfort), Ruja (Pain), Rukshata (Dryness).

 

 

Causative factors (Nidana) of Ezcema

 

 

विरोधीन्यन्नपानानि द्रवस्निग्धानि गुरूणिच। भजतामागतां च्छर्दि वेगांश्चान्यांन्पतिघ्नताम्।।

व्यायाममतिसंतापमतिभुक्तोपसेविनाम्। शीतोष्णलंघनाहारान् क्रममुक्त्वानिषेविणाम् ।।

धर्मश्रमभयार्तानां द्रुतं शीतांबुसेविनाम्। अजीर्णाध्यशिना चैव पंचकर्मापचारिणाम्।।

नवान्नदधिमत्स्यातिलवणाम्लनिषेवणाम् । माषमूलकमिष्टान्नतिलक्षीरगुडाशिनाम्।।

व्यवायं चाप्यजीर्णेऽन्ने निद्रां च भजतां दिवा।विप्रांन् गुरून् घर्षयतांपापं कर्म च कुर्वताम्।।

C.S.Ch.7/ 4-8.

 

 

 

मिथ्याहारविहारेण विशेषेणविरोधिना। साधुनिन्दावधान्यस्वहरणा छैच सेवितैः ।

पाप्मभिः कर्मभिः सद्यः प्राक्तनैः प्रेरिता मलाः।।

A.H.Ni. 14/1-2.

 

 

Acharya Charak and Acharya Vagbhatta in their respective books Charak Samhita and Ashtanga Hridya have described Causative factors of Vicharchika (Eczema) under the category of different types of Skin disease. It is a divided into three  categories.

 

• Ahara (Diet)
• Vihara (Lifestyle)
• Achara (Conduct)

 

 

Bad dietary choices leading to Eczema:

 

Ayureveda suggested that the following food items cause Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

• Fresh grains, Virudhha Ahara (Incompatible food items)
• Food intake during Ajirna (Indigestion)
• Intake of garlic or radish with cold milk, fish with milk, citric fruits / sour food items with milk consuming grains with milk, green vegetables with milk, meat of aquatic or marshy animals with milk, intake of radish with jaggery, intake of meat and honey after hot diet and vice versa
• Excess use of food articles like meat, milk, curd, buttermilk, Jaggery, Sesame seeds, horse gram, black gram.
• Continuous and increased use of honey and treacle
• Over eating, Unwholesome food.
• Excess use of Sour, Salty and spicy/Pungent taste in diet.
• Increased use of Liquid, Unctuous, Heavy to digest food items, Cold food and Spicy food.
• Intake of polluted water or Excess intake of water), Excess intake of hot water or liquids.

 

 

 

Bad Lifestyle choices leading to Ezcema:

 

Eczema is caused due to continued indulgence in the following lifestyle factors.

 

• Lack of exercise or physical inactivity
• Day sleep in excess
• Excess oleation
• Indulging in physical exercise or sun bath immediately after heavy food intake.
• Indulgence in sex when one is suffering from indigestion
• Improper administration of Panchakarma (Detoxification) procedures or Snehapana (Oral administration of ghee)
• Taking a cold shower immediately after coming from hot sun.
• Suppression of natural urges, especially that of vomiting.
• Indulgence in physical exertion like exercise or sexual intercourse just after Oral administration of ghee and Vamana (Therapeutic emesis)
• Not following the Ayurvedic principles of Seasonal Regimen, when there is sudden change from cold to hot or vice versa.
• Sudden change from Nourishing diet to Non-nourishing food, that is food items that increase dryness in the body.
• Excess grief or stress.

 

 

Bad Conduct or behavioural choices leading to Ezcema:

 

Ayurveda mentions that the one who had previously (in pervious life) or has indulged in Sinful acts in present life, is prone to skin disorders like Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

 

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Eczema Disease:

 

 

वातादयोस्त्रयो दुष्टास्त्वक् रक्तंमासमम्बु च। दूषायन्ति स कुष्ठानां सप्तको द्रव्यसंग्रहः।।

अतः कुष्ठानि जायन्ते सप्तं च एकादशैव च। न चैकदोषज किचित् कुष्ठं समुपलभ्यते ।।

C.S.Ni. 5/3.

 

नचकिञ्चिदस्ति कुष्ठमेकदोषप्रकारपनिमित्तम्, अस्ति तु खलु समानप्रकृतिनामपि कुष्ठानां दोषांशांशविकल्पानुबन्ध स्थानविभागेन वेदनावर्णप्रभावनामचिकित्सिविशेषः ।

C.S.Ni. 5/4.

 

त्रयो दोषाः युगपत् प्रकोपमाद्यन्ते; त्वगादयश्चत्वारः शैथील्यमा-पद्यन्ते ;तेषुशिथिलेषु दोषाः, प्रकुपिताः

स्थानमधिगम्य संतिष्ठ-मानास्तानेव त्वगादीन् दूषयन्तः कुष्ठान्यभि निर्वर्तयन्ति।।

C.S.Ni. 5/6.

 

 

Acharya Charaka has mentioned in his diagnostic text of Ayurveda Charaks Samhita Nidaan Sthana chapter 5 and Jesus 3-5 that Tridosha with Kapha predominance get vitiated because of the above causative factors and spread through the Channels of circulation causing Obstruction in Srotas (Circulatory Channels) at the level of skin, blood tissue, muscle tissue, lymphatic tissue, causing amalgamation of vitiated Doshas with the Dhatus or tissues leading to Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

Kushta (Skin disease) is the most troublesome disease according to one of the most renowned scholars of Ayurveda, Acharya Susrutha. Due to indulgence in faulty diet and lifestyle, the three Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha get aggravated and in turn vitiate the body elements – Twak (Skin), Mamsa (Muscle tissue), Rakta (Blood tissue) and Ambu or Lasika (Water element). These 7 factors (3 Doshas and the 4 factors) manifest on the skin and cause the disease Kushta (Skin disease). These 7 factors are called as Sapta Dushya Sangraha of Kushta, that is the combination of seven vitiated elements of skin diseases. All 18 types of Kushta (Skin disease) are produced because of the complex 7 body elements but the Dosha predominance varies in each type.

 

According to Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya famous texts of Ayurveda, Kapha Dosha is the predominant Dosha in Vicharchika (Eczema). But Susrutha Samhita states that Vicharchika (Eczema) is Pitta Dosha predominant.

 

 

Indulgence in causative factors increases Vata. Vata in association with vitiated Pitta and Kapha enters into the blood circulation that transversely spread over the body surface and Vata deposits the increased Pitta and Kapha on the skin through blood and then increases the elements and spreads them to the entire surface of the body.

 

According to Susrutha Samhita, the causative factors vitiate the Vata Dosha. This aggravated Vata in association with vitiated Pitta and Kapha enters into the blood vessels thereby spreading on the body. Thus, the vitiated Vata spreads the aggravated Pitta and Kapha on the entire surface of the body. The regions on the skin where this aggravated Pitta and Kapha are deposited become the site of Vicharchika, hence appearing to be patchy and discoloured. When the person keeps indulging in causative or aggravating factors continuously, the condition aggravated, forcing the vitiated Doshas to reach deeper layers of the skin thereby affecting deeper tissues of the body like blood and muscular tissue.

 

 

Ayurvedic Pathogenesis of Vicharchika (Eczema) are summarized below -

 

• Dosha: Tridosha
• Dushya (Aggravated elements): Twak (Skin), Rakta (Blood tissue), Mamsa (Muscle tissue), Lasika / Ambu (Water element)
• Srotas (Channels of vitiation): Rasa (Channels carrying lymph), Rakta (Channels carrying blood tissue), Mamsa (Channels carrying muscle tissue) and Udakavaha (Channels carrying water element)
• Agni (Digestive and Metabolic fire): Decreased Jataragni (Digestive fire) and Dhatu Agni (Metabolic fire)
• Srotodushti (Type of vitiation in channels of circulation): Sanga (Obstruction), Vimargagamana (Reverse flow)
• Adhisthana (Seat of vitiation): Twacha (Skin)
• Swabhava (Nature of disease): Chirakari (Slow progressing)

 

 

Purvarupa (Premonitory Symptoms) of Eczema

 

The following are the premonitory symptoms of Vicharchika (Eczema). Prolonged indulgence in causative factors will produce the following premonitory systems.

 

• Asvedana: Lack of sweating
• Atislakshnata: Increased wetness
• Parushya: Roughness
• Vivarnata: Discolouration
• Kandu: Itching
• Suptata: Numbness
• Alpadaha: Mild burning sensation
• Klama: Fatigue
• Twak Rukshata: Dryness of skin
• Nistoda: Pricking pain
• Lomaharsha: Horripilation
• Gaurava: Heaviness
• Shvayathu: Oedema
• Ushmayana: Increased heat in the affected part

 

If the person consults an Ayurveda physician at this stage and takes timely treatment, Eczema can be cured completely and easily.

 

 

 

 

Ayurvedic Clinical Symptoms of Eczema

 

The following are the Rupa (Clinical Symptoms), that is clear cut symptoms when the disease has manifested completely.

 

• Itching: Kandu (Itching) occurs due to the predominance of Kapha Dosha. The person experiences severe itching which is the most distressing symptom of Eczema.
• Eruptions: Pidika (Eruptions) occurs due to Pitta Dosha predominance in association with Rakta Dhatu (Blood tissue). Inflammation and redness can be seen in the affected skin lesion.
• Discolouration: Shyava Varna (Bluish black discoloration on the affected part of the skin) occurs due to vitiation of Vata Dosha. If Pitta Dosha is vitiated, the affected part is Raktavarna (Reddish in color) and if Kapha Dosha is increased, then affected part is Shwetavarna (Whitish in color).
• Exudation: Srava (Exudation) is due to the predominance of both Pitta and Kapha Doshas. The discharge is wet and resembles that of water.
• Pain: Ruja / Vedana (Pain) is due to the predominance of Vata Dosha.
• Bleeding: Rakta (Redness / Bleeding) occurs due to increase of Pitta Dosha.
• Ulceration: Vrana (Ulceration) of the skin lesion is because of Pitta vitiation and occurs due to excess scratching.
• Discharge: Paka (Purulent discharge) occurs because of increase of Pitta Dosha and infection in Vrana (Ulcerated lesion)
• Dryness: Ruksha (Dryness) is due to Vata Dosha aggravation. The affected part on the skin is dry.
• Lines: Raji (Linear marking or lining) occurs due to Vata predominance as excess itching may produce thickening of skin.
• Moisture: Praklinna (Wetness) occurs due to increase in Kapha and Pitta Dosha and due to continuous discharge or oozing.

 

Ayurvedic Types of Eczema

 

Skin disorders are of 2 types – one which spreads suddenly and quickly like in Visarpa (Herpes) and the other with develops slowly and gradually as a lesion as seen in Kushta (Skin disease). Viicharchika (Eczema) falls under second group, that is Kushta (Skin disease) group.

 

1. Sravi Vicharchika (Wet Eczema) – This is the first stage where the affected skin lesion becomes Bluish black coloration or Reddish coloration and Eruption occurs with Itching, Discharge and wetness.

 

1. Ruksha Vicharchika (Dry Eczema) – Second stage where along with Itching, Burning sensation, Discomfort, Pain, Dryness and Lines on skin are present.

 

 

Specific Clinical Feature of Eczema

 

Specific clinical feature of Vicharchika (Eczema) mentioned by different Acharya’s are explained below.

 

• According to Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata, the affected part of the skin shows dark eruptions along with profuse exudation and itching in Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

• As per Acharya Susrutha, in Vicharchika (Eczema) linear rough lesions appear on the affected part of the skin on the hands and feet with intense itching and pain.

 

• Acharya Bhela has explained that black colored deep-rooted lesions appear on the affected part of the skin which are oozing in Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

• According to Acharya Kashyapa, in Vicharchika (Eczema) blackish brown pustular eruptions appear on the affected part of skin with intense itching and pain.

 

• Acharya Harita explains that multiple pin head sized eruptions appear on the affected part of the skin with ulcerations and itching in Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

Involvement of Kapha Dosha produces Kandu (Itching), that of Vata Dosha produces Shyava Pidika (Bluish black eruptions) and involvement of Pitta Dosha produces Srava (Exudation).

 

 

Prognosis

 

According to Acharya Charaka, like a small plant can be uprooted easily, the disease can be easily treated or even cured in the early stage. But when the disease becomes chronic, it becomes difficult and requires efforts.

 

According to Acharya Susrutha, if the disease affects only skin, blood or flesh, then it is easily curable.

 

When one single Dosha is involved or Kapha and Vata are vitiated, it is curable. If left untreated, Vicharchika (Eczema) reaches all the tissues of the body and causes complications like Atisveda (excess sweating), Atisarava (excess exudation), Dushtavrana (Non-healing ulcer) and infestation of Krimi (maggots) that destroy the hair, skin, ligaments, arteries and cartilages one by one.

 

 

Ayurvedic Line of Treatment for Eczema

 

Treatment aims at balancing the predominantly vitiated Dosha first and the secondary Dosha can be treated afterwards. Treatment aims a Raktaprasadana (Purification of blood), Kandugna (Reducing itching) and balancing the three Doshas.

 

Treatment involves the following steps.

 

• Shodhana (Purification) – Vamana (Therapeutic emesis), Virechana (Therapeutic purgation) and Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)
• Shamana (Pacification) – Bahya Parimarjana (External therapies) and Aushadhi Prayoga (Administration of oral medications)
• Nidana Parivarjana (Avoidance of causative factors) & Rasayana (Rejuvenation herbs)

 

In Vata predominant Eczema, Oral administration of ghee is recommended, in Pitta predominant Eczema, Virechana (Therapeutic purgation) and in Kapha predominant Eczema, Vamana (Therapeutic emesis) is advised. Also, when Doshas are mildly increased, Prachana (Bloodletting by multiple pricks) is suggested and when greatly increased Siravyadhana (Venesection) is indicated.

 

• Abhyanga: Therapeutic Massage
• Swedana: Sweating or Fomentation
• Ghritapana: Oral administration of medicated ghee (Herbal capsules filled with ghee)
• Virechana: Therapeutic purgation
• Sthanika Dhavana: Local irrigation with Khadiradi Kwath (Khadiradi decoction) followed by application of Eladi taila is done for Vranaprasadana (Healing of ulcerated lesion)

 

According to Acharya Sharangadhara, the Doshas are greatly increased in Kushta hence Symptomatic treatment will not be very effective. Depending upon the severity of the Eczema and strength and tolerance ability of the patient, Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) can be done once in 6 months, Virechana (Therapeutic purgation) once a month and Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting) once in 15 days as per the therapeutic needs. If the patient is weak, then trying to eliminate toxins and restore balance of Doshas at once with Panchakarma can weaken the patient.

 

Shodhana (Detoxification) is not done in Children, elderly or weak person and Pregnant ladies.

 

Shamana (Pacification Treatment):

 

It helps to balance the Doshas, Purify Blood, Nourish the Skin through diet and herbs. Bitter & Astringent herbs and food articles are recommended as they are soothing, healing and dries up the vitiated fluids because of the roughness, coarseness and non-sliminess properties.

 

 

Bahya Parimarjana (External Therapies)

 

1. Lepa: Application of herbal pastes
2. Parisheka: Pouring of warm medicated liquids on the body
3. Avagahana: Medicated tub bath
4. Avachurna: Rubbing of herbal powders on the skin
5. Dhuma: Fumigation are done with herbs mainly, Daruharidra, Kushta, Kampillak, Musta, Lodhra, Sarjarasa, Vidanga, Karaveera Twak.
6. Lepa: Application of herbal pastes on the affected part of the skin with Chitrakadi lepa, Masyadi lepa, Trapvadi lepa, Vicharchikahar lepa or Kashmaryadi lepa is ideally done after Shodhana.
7. Parisheka: Pouring of warm medicated liquids on the body with Khadira Kwatha is effective. Neem and turmeric are effective in external use.

 

 

 

Shastra Parimarjana (Surgical intervention)

 

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) by Jalauka (Leech therapy). Acharya Susrutha has explained the benefits of Leech therapy in Eczema. Leech Therapy decreases Itching, Eruptions, Bleeding / Redness and Burning sensation. Leech saliva has antifungal and anti-infection property hence effective in Eczema. Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy) can be done once in 7 days and done after local Abhyanga (Massage) and Swedana (Fomentation).

 

Nasya (Nasal Medication)

 

Nasal medication using herbal powders or Ayurvedic oils is indicated in case of Krimi (Worm infestation related Skin diseases and increased Kapha is suggested.

 

 

 

Rasayana (Rejuvenation herbs)

 

These are administered after the treatment of Eczema for remission and prevention of recurrence. Rasayana herbs mainly Tuvaraka, Bakuchi, Chitrakamoola etc are effective in Eczema. Guduchi Swarasa or Guduchi Kwatha or Guduchi Siddha Ghrita is recommended for one month.

 

Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for Eczema

 

1. Kwath (Decoction) of Darvi, Khadira and Nimba are effective in Vicharchika (Eczema).
2. Kashaya (Medicated Decoction) – Mahatiktaka Kashaya, Panchatiktaka Kashaya, Patola Katurohinyadi Kashaya, Maha Manjishtadi Kashaya, Patoladi Kashaya, Aragwadadhi Kashaya
3. Vati (Tablet) – Triphala guggulu, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu
4. Ghrita (Medicated ghee) – Tikta Ghrita, Panchatikta Ghrita, Khadira Ghrita
5. Asava – Arishta (Fermented Tonics) – Khadirarishta, Saribadyasavam
6. Taila (Oils) – Mahamarichyadi Taila, Karanja Taila, Devadarvyadi Taila, Lakshadi Taila, Musta Taila, Vidangadi taila.
7. Single Herbs Capsules – Manjishta, Sariva, Khadira, Karanja, Nimba, Guduchi, Haridra, Daruharidra, Triphala, Patola, Vasa, Chitraka, Brihati Phala

 

 

Ayurvedic Wholesome Diet for Eczema

 

As diet & lifestyle play a major role in supporting treatment, indulgence in wholesome diet and lifestyle will enhance cure of Eczema. The following food items should be included in daily diet by people suffering from Vicharchika (Eczema) -

 

• Laghu Ahara: Light to digest food
• Tikta Rasa Shaka: Bitter vegetables
• Purana Dhanya: Old grains
• Jangala Mamsa: Meat of animals of arid region
• Mudga: Green gram
• Patola: Snake gourd
• Shastikshali: Red variety of rice
• Godhuma: Wheat
• Masura: Orange lentil
• Ghrita: Ghee clarified butter

 

Apathya Ahara – Vihara (Unwholesome Diet & Lifestyle)

 

Food articles predominant of Amla Rasa (Sour taste), Madhura rasa (Sweet taste), Katu rasa (Pungent taste), Lavana rasa (Salt taste); Guru Ahara (Heavy to digest food), Kshira (Milk), Dadhi (Curd), Anupa Mamsa (Meat of aquatic animals), Matsya (Fish), Guda (Jaggery), Tila (Sesame seeds), Kulatha (Horsegram), Masha (Black gram), Vidahi Anna (Spicy food), Madhya (Alcohol)

Abhishyandi & Vishtambi Anna (Foods that cause obstruction in the channels of circulation),

Ikshu varga (Products prepared from sugarcane) are said to aggravate Vicharchika (Eczema). So a person suffering from Vicharchika (Eczema) should reduce or avoid consuming these food articles in diet.

 

Industrial pollution and contact with Chemicals and Detergents, Humid, watery, cold contact increases Vicharchika (Eczema).

 

The reason why these articles are unwholesome in Vicharchika (Eczema) are explained below.

 

• Excess use of sesame seeds increases Pitta Dosha in the body and Skin disease.
  Increased intake of Jaggery decreases Agni (Digestive fire) and Increases worm infestation.
• Excess use of Sour taste causes vitiation the blood and increased use of Sweet taste causes Ama (Metabolic toxin formation) and Ajirna (Indigestion).
• Matsya (Fish) is Bahudosha kara (Increases Doshas excessively), hence its increased intake of Matsya (Fish) increases all the three Doshas in the body excessively.
• Intake of Heavy to digest food regularly causes Ajirna (Indigestion)
• Over use of Radish in diet Increase of three doshas and is Abhishyandi (causes obstruction in Srotas or channels of circulation).
• Excess use of yoghurt increases Kapha and is considered Maha Abhishyandi (causes excess obstruction in Srotas or channels of circulation) especially when taken after sunset.

 

Thus, Ayurveda approach to Vicharchika (Eczema) can be holistic, safe and effective if taken under supervison of an Ayurvedic Practitioner.