Clinical Evaluation of Virechana Karma in Ekakushta with Special Reference to Psoriasis: A Single Case Study
Author : Dr. Vishal Prabhakar Garghate
Abstract :
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques with recurrent exacerbations. In Ayurveda, psoriasis closely resembles Ekakushta, one of the Kshudra Kushta, predominantly involving vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha with Rakta and Twak Dushti. Virechana Karma, one of the Panchakarma procedures, is considered the principal treatment for Pitta-Rakta predominant disorders and Kushta.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Virechana Karma in the management of Ekakushta (Psoriasis).
Methods: A 35-year-old male diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis was treated with classical Virechana Karma following Poorva Karma including Deepana-Pachana, Snehapana, and Abhyanga-Swedana. Assessment was carried out before and after treatment using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), itching score, scaling score, erythema score, and Ayurvedic clinical features.
Results: Significant improvement was observed in erythema, scaling, itching, plaque thickness, and PASI score after Virechana Karma. No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion: Virechana Karma proved effective in reducing the clinical manifestations of psoriasis (Ekakushta) and improving the patient's quality of life. Larger clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Keywords :
Ekakushta, Psoriasis, Virechana Karma, Panchakarma, Ayurveda, Kushta.
