Is Ayurvedic medicine good for eczema?

Eczema Warriors.

I would like to call people who bravely endure the battle with Eczema and all its symptoms Eczema warriors.

I see them as people who fight to get their normal life back no matter how weary and frustrating it can be to manage and address the symptoms brought about Eczema and looking for the "one" treatment, which will finally put an end to the itching.

We should be thankful that we are living in this information age where we have many platforms to exploit to learn about and look for the final treatment that can give us our win against skin disorders like Eczema.

For some who are looking beyond the usual treatments prescribed by their skin doctors be it because they are not seeing any results, or are having a hard time continuing the medications because of expenses or just because of personal preference, one of the more popular and controversial natural meant o address and treat Eczema symptoms can be Ayurvedic medicine.

If you've heard this word around and inside communities that talk about eczema treatments using home remedies and alternative, genetic skin disease management protocols, then stick around and read on.

 
Where did Ayurveda originate?

Ayurveda came from an Indian subcontinent long before any form of modern medicine. It is one of the most potent health systems and has scientific backing that proves the connection of the mind and body. Literally translated to "the science of life," this framework of healing acknowledges the dynamic relationship of the body and mind.

Ayurveda Framework

Ayurvedic doctors such as Dr. Raja Sivamani, and Integrative dermatologist, believe that to cure people from what ails them, you have to go beyond giving them medication and guide them to reframe how they see themselves living in their optimal health. Ayurvedic medicine treats not just the symptoms of an ailment but, most importantly, the causes.

When treating skin diseases like Eczema using the Ayurvedic framework, we address the gut. According to this ancient system of knowledge, digestive issues brought about by "incorrect" diets and lifestyle are the root cause of skin ailments. When the digestive fire (known as "Vishama Agni") is either too high or low, some food is converted to toxins (or "Ama"). These toxins circulate in the body, and some are deposited to the superficial fascia, which then manifests in inflamed, itchy, sometimes infected skin. Think of the body as a drain; the body finds the point with the least resistance to dump toxins.

Ayurvedic treatments for Eczema

These are just basic ways to manage your Eczema symptoms. It is always best to consult with a qualified ayurvedic practitioner or Integrative dermatologist so you can have a suitable protocol for your needs. What works for one person doesn't mean it will work for you. These Ayurvedic approaches listed below are general ideas you can start with. Still, it is always best to create a routine that is tailor-fitted to your needs and always with the guidance of your doctor and a certified ayurvedic practitioner.

DIET

Try to eat more foods with healthy fats like avocado or fatty fish. Increase fresh greens and fruits as these are cooling foods. Avoid alcohol, coffee, red meat, and spicy food. Try to incorporate turmeric by sprinkling fresh turmeric root on your diet. Eat your fruits on its own, preferably 2 hours before or after consuming anything else. Always keep yourself hydrated. Try drinking teas from herbs.

EXERCISE

Sweating is one right way to eliminate the toxins in your body, BUT too much sweat can aggravate any skin conditions you are currently trying to heal. Try to substitute high-intensity workouts with low-intensity or low impact ones. You may want to try hiking, walking, yoga, or tai chi to keep the body moving.

HEALING BATHS

Try to incorporate healing baths if you can. Soaking in the tub not only helps in relieving itchy skin by using oils, oatmeal, or mineral salts, it also helps calm down the nerves and relaxes your mind. Some even do a bleach bath but always err in the side of caution when doing this especially when a child is involved. It also is a relaxing activity that lets you calm your mind while your skin is being treated topically.

SKIN HYDRATION

Keeping your skin hydrated by using moisturizing and hydrating agents and, of course, drinking enough water is also vital. One of the things you have to keep in mind is you have to keep your skin hydrated. You can do this by using moisturizing and hydrating agents to help you trap or keep the moisture in your skin. You can use a wide range of natural products from coconut oil to aloe vera gel to shea butter. Again it's not a one-size-fits-all, so it's best to see a professional ayurvedic practitioner so you can avoid further skin aggravation.

MEDITATION

It's not as woo-woo as you think. Meditation helps in calming your body through breathwork—some even hum while meditating. Humming helps in enhancing the experience and activates the brain and helps you get to a trance state. Regular meditation rewires the brain and "dampen the genes involved in the inflammatory response, and promotes those genes associated with DNA stability. "

 Again, these are just some general things you can do to address the symptoms and causes of eczema.  As you can see healing yourself from the inside is as important as healing your self on the outside.  Your physical state is a manifestation of your internal self.  Be mindful of how your body is reacting to how you think, what you consume, and how you eliminate physical and emotional toxins in your life. 

Interested to hear more about how Ayurdevic dermatology can help with your Eczema?

Scroll down to read the transcript on my interview with Dr. Rajah Sivamani or have a listen to the episode below!