Pranavam Ayurveda · Kozhikode
Skin & Dermatological
Conditions
Physician-guided Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis, eczema, chronic urticaria, acne, and other skin disorders — addressing the root cause through classical Kerala tradition since 2005.
Ayurvedic Name
Kushtha & Twak Vikāra
Conditions We Address
Not One Condition —
A Spectrum of
Skin Concerns
Skin disorders in Ayurveda are grouped under Kushtha — a broad category of Twak Vikāra (skin afflictions) rooted in Dosha imbalance, impaired digestion, and Rakta (blood tissue) vitiation. At Pranavam Ayurveda, each patient receives a distinct physician-designed approach based on the specific condition, Dosha involvement, and individual constitution.
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune skin condition marked by scaly, inflamed plaques on the skin's surface. Classified under Eka Kushtha in classical Ayurvedic texts, it is understood as a deep-seated Vata-Kapha disorder with Rakta involvement — requiring comprehensive internal purification alongside external therapies.
Eka KushthaEczema & Dermatitis
Chronic inflammatory skin conditions causing dryness, itching, and recurring flare-ups. Ayurveda correlates these with Vicharchika — a Kapha-Pitta-dominated Kushtha — and addresses the underlying digestive imbalances and Rakta vitiation that perpetuate the condition.
VicharchikaUrticaria & Allergic Skin
Recurrent hives, hypersensitivity reactions, and allergic skin manifestations are classified under Sheetapitta and Udarda in classical Ayurveda. Management focuses on Pitta-Kapha pacification, Ama clearance from the digestive tract, and strengthening systemic immunity through targeted herbal protocols.
SheetapittaAcne & Acne Scars
Persistent acne, cystic breakouts, and post-acne pigmentation and scarring. Known as Yuvanpidika in classical texts, this is viewed as a Pitta-Kapha-mediated condition aggravated by impaired Agni (digestive fire) and Rakta dushti — treated through both internal purification and targeted topical formulations.
YuvanpidikaFungal & Chronic Infections
Recurrent fungal infections, ringworm, and chronic skin infections that resist conventional short-term treatment. Addressed in Ayurveda through Kapha-Pitta pacification, Ama clearance, and targeted anti-microbial herbal formulations alongside appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Dadru KushthaHyperpigmentation & Discolouration
Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and chronic discolouration arising from Rakta and Pitta imbalance. Classical Ayurvedic protocols address the deeper tissue-level causes while supporting skin lustre through both systemic and local treatments tailored to each patient.
VyangaAyurvedic Therapies
Classical Treatments,
Individually Prescribed
Skin conditions require both internal purification and external therapy in Ayurveda. The treatments below are selected and combined by our physicians based on your specific condition, Dosha imbalance, and constitution — never as a fixed package.
Therapeutic Purgation
Virechana
Virechana — medicated therapeutic purgation — is the foremost Panchakarma procedure for Pitta-dominant skin disorders. By eliminating accumulated Pitta and Ama from the gastrointestinal tract, it directly addresses the Rakta dushti (blood tissue vitiation) that classical Ayurveda identifies as the root cause of most chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
Classical Indication
The primary Panchakarma therapy for Pitta-dominant skin disorders — Kushtha, Vicharchika, psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, and all conditions involving Rakta vitiation.
Physician Note
Virechana requires a preparatory phase (Purvakarma) including Snehana and Swedana. The entire protocol is individually designed and closely supervised by the treating physician.
Therapeutic Emesis
Vamana
Medically supervised therapeutic emesis designed to eliminate excess Kapha from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Vamana is the classical Panchakarma treatment of choice for Kapha-dominant skin conditions such as chronic urticaria, certain presentations of eczema, and skin disorders associated with congested lymphatics and impaired immune response.
Classical Indication
Kapha-predominant skin conditions, chronic urticaria (Sheetapitta), recurrent allergic skin reactions, and conditions involving congested Kapha channels.
Physician Note
Vamana is performed only when indicated following thorough assessment. A structured preparatory phase precedes the procedure; the protocol is entirely physician-guided.
Medicated Buttermilk Dhara
Takradhara
A continuous, rhythmic stream of medicated buttermilk poured over the forehead and scalp in a steady flow. In skin care, Takradhara is particularly valued for its cooling, Pitta-pacifying properties — traditionally used in chronic skin conditions with stress and heat aggravation, scalp psoriasis, and conditions involving systemic Pitta excess accompanied by psychological tension.
Classical Indication
Pitta-aggravated skin conditions, scalp psoriasis, chronic inflammatory skin disorders with stress involvement, and conditions presenting with internal heat excess.
Physician Note
Buttermilk formulation, session duration, and suitability are determined individually based on the skin condition and Dosha assessment.
Medicated Topical Application
Lepana
The application of freshly prepared herbal pastes directly onto affected skin regions. In Ayurvedic dermatology, Lepana forms an essential external component alongside internal therapies — targeting localised inflammation, scaling, discolouration, and infection at the skin surface through carefully formulated classical herbal combinations specific to each condition and patient.
Classical Indication
Localised skin conditions including psoriatic plaques, eczematous patches, hyperpigmentation (Vyanga), acne, fungal lesions, and inflammatory skin presentations.
Physician Note
Herbal formulation is individualised based on the specific skin condition, stage, and Dosha involvement. Lepana is always used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme.
Blood Purification Therapy
Rakta Moksha
Rakta Moksha — classical bloodletting therapy — directly addresses Rakta dushti, the vitiation of blood tissue considered the primary Samprapti (pathogenesis) in most chronic skin disorders. When indicated, it is one of Ayurveda's most targeted interventions for deep-seated, recalcitrant skin conditions including psoriasis, chronic urticaria, and persistent inflammatory skin diseases.
Classical Indication
Deep-seated Rakta vitiation, chronic Kushtha, recalcitrant psoriasis, and persistent inflammatory skin conditions that have not adequately responded to initial management.
Physician Note
Rakta Moksha is performed only when specifically indicated following physician assessment. Method and extent are individually determined based on the condition and patient suitability.
Medicated Oil Massage
Abhyanga
While Abhyanga is a foundational Ayurvedic therapy, its application in dermatological conditions is carefully prescribed — certain skin conditions contraindicate oil massage, while others specifically benefit from it. For dry, Vata-predominant skin conditions and conditions involving skin fragility or dryness, physician-prescribed medicated Abhyanga supports tissue nourishment, barrier restoration, and systemic Vata pacification.
Classical Indication
Vata-dominant dry skin conditions, ichthyosis-type presentations, skin fragility, and conditions where tissue nourishment is a primary therapeutic goal.
Physician Note
Oil selection and suitability are determined carefully — Abhyanga is contraindicated in acute inflammatory and certain Pitta-Kapha skin conditions and is only prescribed when clinically appropriate.
Common Questions
Skin & Dermatology
Treatment — FAQs
Answers to questions we hear most often from patients considering Ayurvedic skin care at Pranavam.
Ayurveda classifies skin diseases under Kushtha — a broad group of Twak Vikāra arising from Dosha imbalance, impaired Agni (digestive fire), and vitiation of Rakta (blood tissue). Treatment addresses the root cause through internal purification and targeted external therapies rather than managing surface symptoms alone.
Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis focuses on identifying the underlying Dosha imbalance and Rakta vitiation, then addressing it through a combination of internal Panchakarma purification — primarily Virechana — alongside herbal medicines, dietary guidance, and external therapies. Treatment outcomes vary by individual; physician assessment determines the appropriate protocol.
You should not stop any current medications without medical advice. At Pranavam, our physicians review your existing medications and treatment history during the initial consultation. Any changes to concurrent medications are discussed carefully and only recommended when clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
Ayurveda considers impaired Agni (digestive fire) and the consequent accumulation of Ama (undigested metabolic waste) as key contributing factors in most chronic skin conditions. Specific dietary guidelines are therefore an integral part of every skin treatment programme — not an optional add-on — and are prescribed alongside therapies and medicines.
Duration depends on the specific condition, its chronicity, the extent of Dosha and Rakta involvement, and your individual response. Chronic skin conditions generally require sustained treatment over weeks to months. Your treating physician will outline a realistic treatment timeline following your initial consultation and assessment.
For Panchakarma procedures such as Virechana, Vamana, or Rakta Moksha, in-person treatment at Pranavam is necessary. Herbal medicines and dietary guidance may support patients at a distance following an initial in-person physician consultation. Your physician will advise on what your specific condition requires.
Every treatment programme at Pranavam Ayurveda is personalised. No fixed packages — your therapies, Panchakarma procedures, herbal medicines, and dietary guidance are designed after physician consultation based on your specific skin condition, Dosha imbalance, and health history.
Begin Your Recovery
Speak With Our Physicians About Your Skin
Chronic skin conditions respond very differently in each patient. A consultation at Pranavam Ayurveda gives you an honest clinical picture — and a treatment plan that addresses the root cause, not just the surface.
- Physician-led Dosha & Rakta assessment
- Classical Panchakarma purification therapies
- Condition-specific herbal formulations
- Dietary & lifestyle guidance included
- Classical Ayurveda since 2005, Kozhikode
Authentic Kerala Ayurveda · Kozhikode