ROLE OF VIRECHANA KARMA (THERAPEUTIC PURGATION) IN PSORIASIS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Background: The skin or the integument is the external organ that protects against mechanical trauma, UV light and infections. The prevalence of skin diseases in India is 10 to 12% of the total population with psoriasis being the major contributor, in India it ranges from 0.44% to 2.8%. In Ayurveda all skin diseases come under the concept of Kushta. Psoriasis has a high resemblance with Ekkushta, which is the type of Kshudrakushta (less severe form of the Kushta). Skin diseases considered as Pitta Doshaja and Rakta Dhatu Pradoshaja Vikara. Acharya Charaka stated that Virechana is the great treatment for Pitta predominance diseases. Aim: To study the role of Virechana Karma in the management of Ekkushta (Psoriasis). Material and Methods: A single group of 5 diagnosed patients of Ekkushta (Psoriasis) were registered at the Kayachikitsa OPD of Pt. Khushilal Sharma Govt. (Auto.) Ayurvede Hospital Bhopal. The patients were treated with Virechana Karma. Duration of study is 21 days and follow up after completion of trial every week for 1 month. Assessment was done on the basis of symptomatic relief after treatment. Observation: The overall effect of the Virechana Karma in all patients suggested that, complete cure was not in any patient. One patient was mild improved, one patient was markedly improved and three patients were moderately improved. None of patients remained unchanged. Conclusion On the basis of this clinical trial it can be concluded that Virechana Karma works effectively in the management of psoriasis.