Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis which affects some men and women who have psoriasis. Joint pain, swelling and inflammation, along with the symptoms of psoriasis, are characteristic of the condition that has a propensity to show alternating periods of exacerbation and remissions. Both diseases are auto immune disorders, where the immune system of the body turns on itself and begins affecting healthy tissue. Genetics, environment and a tumor necrosis factor seem to play a positive role in preventing arthritis. This condition is seen more frequently in the age from 30 to 50.
The Ayurvedic treatment of psoriatic arthritis is directed at treating the symptoms of both diseases and adjusting the immune dysfunction in the body. For pain and swelling in the joints, medications like Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Dashmoolarishta and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) are utilized.
Local treatment consists of local application of medicines and medicated steam fomentation. Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahasaindhav oil are used for local application on the affected joints. This is accompanied by a process called’Naadi-Sweda’, where the vapor of decoctions of Nirgundi-Qadha and Dashmool-Qadha is directed in the swollen and painful joints.
Once swelling and pain in the joints has been commanded, additional treatment is directed towards controlling both the arthritis in addition to psoriasis. Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu and Kaishor-Guggulu are medications that are equally successful in both arthritis in addition to skin conditions like psoriasis. In addition, other medications are used in the treatment of psoriasis for example Arogya-Vardhini, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivasav, Khadeerarishta, Gandhak-Rasayan, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa).
Both psoriasis and arthritis are precipitated by stress. In order to control this, drugs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are utilized.
In addition, both diseases are brought on by a disturbed immune system. To enhance the immune status of the human body, medications like Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) and Bala (Sida cordifolia) are utilized.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle so as to adapt to the condition. Regular exercise and stress management are also quite important. Yogic asanas and pranayam can help keep the body and mind fit and healthy. Some ‘Panchkarma’ processes like blood-letting may also assist in the management of the condition.
