Is Ayurvedic Treatment the Answer to Hereditary Transmission of Psoriasis? An In-depth Exploration

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, has perplexed medical practitioners for centuries. With modern science shedding light on its potential hereditary origins, many are left wondering if genetics have preordained their struggles with the condition. Yet, in the quest for sustainable solutions, an ancient medical practice emerges from the shadows: Ayurveda. Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, balancing the body’s energies or “doshas” to restore health. But can it provide answers to the hereditary transmission of psoriasis? In this article, we dive deep into Ayurveda’s perspective, seeking connections between genetic predispositions and ancient wisdom, and exploring whether Ayurvedic treatments can truly counteract or manage genetically linked psoriasis. Join us as we bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary understanding.

Hereditary Transmission of Psoriasis

Researchers are coming up with more evidence to prove that psoriasis is a hereditary disease. Recent studies say that a family history of psoriasis can increase about 10 percent chances of developing psoriasis in a child. We all carry hereditary factors from our parents and ancestors like colour, hair, skin type, etc…

If parents are suffering from psoriasis, during conception genes are passed and inherited by the child. However, all children may not have psoriasis but may be activated by triggering factors in the later stage.

What does Ayurveda say about the hereditary factor in skin disease?

While classifying diseases Acharya Sushruta mentions Adibala pravrutta diseases. Adibala pravrutta diseases are those which attributed to the defects of sperm or ovum. Which is again classified into two

1. Pitruja (inherited qualities from male)
2. Matruja (inherited qualities from females)

This clearly indicates that the male or female suffering from any disease(imbalance in data, Pitta and kappa) the sperm (Shukra) and egg (shonita) also gets contaminated. When someone conceives during the contaminated state of sperm and ovum the born child also gets affected by a similar disease.

Sushruta has mentioned a few diseases like Kushta (Skin diseases), Arshas, (hemorrhoids), Meha (diabetes), etc….

Acharya Charaka also mentions inherited diseases through the impairment in Shukra and shonita during conception itself.

Are you planning to conceive when you have psoriasis?

Psoriasis does not affect your chances of getting conceived. You can make the choice of discussing with your partner whether to conceive during psoriasis or not. If you are under treatment for psoriasis and planning to conceive then you must discuss your medication with the doctor. Certain medications have an impact on your fertility, sperm, ovum, or growing embryo. So it’s always best to talk to your doctor so that your medications are affect in any way by the health of your child.

Important factors responsible for the child’s health

To have a healthy child is the dream of every parent. When parents are suffering from a disease like psoriasis it creates a state of confusion in the minds of parents. As there are Studies show that high incidences of children prone to suffer from psoriasis. Advancement in genetics shows the evidence for genetical inheritance of psoriasis, it’s difficult to predict whether the child can be free from psoriasis.

Ayurveda also mentions that diseases like skin problems, diabetes, hemorrhoids, etc.. can be hereditary. As it said the health of sperm and ovum are the basic needs to have a healthy child. Ayurveda mentioned the following factors that decide the health of a child.

1. Shukra Sampath (healthy spermatozoa)

The spermatozoa which are responsible for carrying the pitruja (masculine structures ) elements to the newborn. The health of a kid depends upon the quality and quantity of the spermatozoa. The person who is suffering from ill health or the body containing the toxins will definitely impair the health of a newborn. So it is essential to have healthy spermatozoa for attaining a healthy kid.

2. Arthava Sampath (healthy ovum)

In the same manner, a newborn attains its matruja (feminine structures) elements from a healthy ovum. Consumption of toxic substances, indulging in the wrong lifestyle, and food habits are key factors responsible for the formation of a healthy ovum. A healthy ovum can only able to produce a healthy newborn baby.

3. Atma Sampath (good deeds of the soul)

 Though healthy spermatozoa and ovum are the basic needs in deciding the health of the newborn certain unexplainable changes happen due to the quality of Atma (soul). The Atma which is responsible for life will also carry its own qualities, which can be observed only after birth. Every living being on earth carries Atma which is responsible for life. All the activities of a living being result in either good or bad things, where the good or bad things will be carried by Atma when death occurs. The Atma which enters the garbha (womb) will also be responsible for the newborn’s health.

4. Ashaya Sampath (healthy uterus)

A healthy uterus is a place where the growth of a fetus occurs in a specific manner until birth. A mother who wishes to have a healthy kid should also have a healthy place for the fetus from the time of conception till delivery. An unhealthy uterus may cause many problems during pregnancy like repeated abortion, not being able to conceive, etc…So a healthy uterus also plays a vital role in deciding the health of the newborn.

5. Kala Sampath (proper time)

Seasons or the time which is also influenced by the predominance of the dosha and only during the ovulation period the conception takes place. So it’s essential to know the time to conceive.

All these factors are responsible for getting a healthy child along with proper ahara (food) and Vihara(lifestyle) of gharbhini (pregnant), will lead to birth of a healthy baby at the right time, with sarva bhava (all qualities), pushti (nourishment), paripoornayukta deha (completely formed body), sukhi (happy) and klesha rahita (without worries).

How can Ayurveda help psoriasis parents?

• Ayurvedic treatments help in correcting the imbalances and normalizing the impaired dosha using natural herbal medicines.
• Ayurveda treatments are aimed at cleansing the body so that toxins accumulated through food, medications, lifestyle, etc… can be eliminated.
• Rejuvenation therapies further strengthen body tissues to have optimum qualities, especially healthy sperm and ovum.
• Helps you to lead a healthy lifestyle by implementing a daily regimen into practice.
• In Ayurveda, skin diseases are also said to be caused by past deeds. As Atma Sampath is also an important factor in deciding the health of the child, spiritual remedial measures in addition to medicine.
• Ayurveda can help you to have healthy food habits can prevent the toxins formed by the incompatibility of the food.
• Panchakarma treatments help in detoxification.
• Ayurveda treatments in psoriasis parents can help in reducing the impact of genetic transmission of the disease to the child.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Genetics

The intricate dance between genetics and environment, especially when discussing conditions like psoriasis, necessitates a comprehensive approach to treatment. Ayurveda, with its millennia-old practices, offers a refreshing perspective that extends beyond the skin’s surface to encompass the entire being—mind, body, and spirit. While modern science decodes the genetic nuances of psoriasis, Ayurveda reminds us that holistic well-being can play a pivotal role in symptom management and overall health. By intertwining ancient Ayurvedic principles with our current understanding of hereditary transmission, we stand on the cusp of a more integrative approach to psoriasis care. The future of treatment, it seems, may very well lie in harmonizing the wisdom of the past with the discoveries of the present.