Eczema (also known as 'atopic dermatitis') is a condition that makes your skin red, inflamed, and itchy. It is not only a surface problem but a visible sign of deeper imbalances in your body. Many people struggle with eczema daily, feeling a constant urge to scratch, & that only makes the problem worse.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that gives a completely different viewpoint on eczema. It extends beyond treating just the symptoms. In Ayurveda, eczema is seen as an expression of imbalance in the body's natural energies or doshas. Ayurveda addresses these imbalances to deal with eczema right from its source and boost overall health.
Ayurvedic Causes of Eczema
Eczema, also called ‘Vicharchika' in Ayurveda, could be caused by an imbalance of the 3 doshas of the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. All these doshas control particular functions and when disrupted, could cause health issues, such as skin conditions like eczema.
- Vata Dosha: Vata imbalance may make skin dry, scaly and rough. This particular dosha governs movement and dryness and its disturbance causes dry forms of eczema.
- Pitta Dosha: An excess of Pitta might lead to itchiness, redness, and inflammation. This dosha controls heat and metabolism within the body and an imbalance could result in the burning and inflamed symptoms of Eczema.
- Kapha Dosha: Kapha governs moisture and stability. An imbalance here could lead to excessive moisture and thickened skin with oozing lesions (weeping eczema).
Ayurveda also identifies lifestyle, diet and environmental conditions which trigger dosha imbalances and eczema:
Dietary Triggers:
- Excessive consumption of fatty, oily or salty food (including junk food).
- Eating too much dairy and other hard to digest meals.
- Frequent consumption of sesame and seafood.
Lifestyle Factors:
- High stress over long periods.
- Bad personal hygiene.
- Suppressing natural bodily urges and feelings.
- Strenuous exercise without much rest.
- Showering in icy water following exposure to the sun.
- Eating before the prior meal is digested.
Environmental Factors:
- Cold and dry climate exposure aggravates Vata.
- Humid conditions increase Kapha.
- Modern Causes of Eczema
Eczema is a condition influenced by genes, lifestyle and environmental factors. Understanding these causes could help control and reduce flare-ups :
- Genetic Factors: Eczema typically runs in families. In case your parents or siblings have eczema, hay fever, or asthma, you are also at a greater risk for developing it yourself. This familial pattern indicates a predominant genetic factor to eczema.
- Immune System Response: Eczema is partly an immune system response. Your immune system could regard minor irritants or allergens as significant threats. This causes red, itchy and inflamed skin.
Environmental Triggers:
- Excess exposure to irritants including smoke, pollutants, and strong chemical substances in detergents and soaps.
- Textiles that irritate the skin, like wool and synthetic materials.
- Extreme weather conditions including high humidity or dry air may also trigger symptoms.
Lifestyle & Emotional Factors:
- Stress and poor mental health could intensify eczema. Stress activates immune responses which boost skin inflammation.
- Lifestyle choices like poor hygiene or inadequate moisturising could also cause outbreaks.
Conclusion
Eczema is often a challenging condition, influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to Eczema by addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms. It investigates imbalances in body doshas and lifestyle factors which cause eczema. Understanding these underlying causes of Eczema is essential to effective natural healing and management. If you are searching for a holistic approach to skin health, consulting an Ayurvedic expert could be the first step to long term relief.
