Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a commonly occurring, multi-factorial, non-contagious, autoimmune skin disease. It affects adults and children alike. Its recurring nature tends to take a toll on your emotions, self-esteem and social life.

Psoriasis occurs when your immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells and they replicate at an extremely rapid rate. Psoriasis lesions (psoriatic plaques) are characterized by the development of chronic, well-defined, scaly, reddish lesions on the extensor surface of the extremities, especially elbows, knees, trunk, back and scalp. Nail involvement is not uncommon and is with pitting changes. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of your joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis.

This disorder is chronic in nature, and lesions can vary from a minor localized patch to lesions that spread all over your body. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

According to the National Institute of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans are affected by psoriasis.

Causes Of Psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. There is evidence of genetic predisposition. Psoriasis, being an autoimmune disorder has an autosomal dominant inheritance. People with dry skin are more likely to develop psoriasis than those with oily or well-moisturized skin.

There are many precipitating and aggravating factors. The following are some common causes of psoriasis:

• Stress – Stress (mental and physical) can cause psoriasis to commence for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis.
• Injury – Psoriasis can appear at the sight of injury (scratches, sunburns, etc.) to skin; this is known as Koebner effect.
• Medications – Drugs like Beta-blockers, Antimalarials, NSAIDs, Lithium, Indomethacin, etc.
• Infections – It is common after a streptococcal infection.
• Hormonal fluctuations like menses, puberty and pregnancy.
• Endocrine imbalances.

Diagnosis of Psoriasis

Diagnosis of psoriasis is often based on the external appearance of the skin. A classical skin clinical sign (Auspitz’s sign) of psoriasis is that when the plaques are scraped, one can see pinpoint bleeding from the skin below. A skin biopsy, or scraping, may be done to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other disorders. A positive biopsy for psoriasis will show the presence of clubbed Rete pegs.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Lesions of Psoriasis (Psoriasis, Plaque) typically appear as red or pink areas of thickened, raised and dry skin.

They may vary in appearance, from small flattened bumps to large, thick plaques of raised skin, or red patches, pink mildly dry skin or big flakes of dry skin that flake off.

The affected nails show irregular small pits and separation of the nail plate at distal end, ultimately leading to nail dystrophy.

Sites of predilection are extensor body surfaces, scalp, and areas of trauma, like elbows, knees, palms and soles.

Types Of Plaque Psoriasis

• Psoriasis Vulgaris – The most common type, skin lesions seen in psoriasis vulgaris are sharply marginated erythematous plaques, covered with copious silvery-white non-adherent scales. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
• Inverse Psoriasis – This is a condition affecting areas where there is flexural involvement e.g. armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds around the genitals and buttocks.
• Guttate psoriasis – It is common in youngsters and is devoid of typical scaling and appears like small drops (gutta = drop) like spots. Lesions are more common on the trunk and limbs.
• Pustular Psoriasis – Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white blisters of non-infectious pus surrounded by red skin. This is found to be prevalent in adults.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis – An inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body’s surface. Skin lesions in erythrodermic psoriasis are often accompanied by severe itching and pain, increased heart rate and fever. It causes protein and fluid loss that can lead to severe illness.
• Sebo Psoriasis – A scalp psoriasis, where seborrhoeic dermatitis co-exists with psoriasis.
• Palmoplantar Psoriasis – Psoriatic affection of palms and soles.
• Exfoliative Psoriasis – A very violent form of psoriasis, usually due to abrupt discontinuation of systemic steroids, aggressive coal tar or PUVA therapy and administration of antimalarials.
• Psoriatic Arthropathy – A type of psoriasis in which the joints are affected with inflammation and stiffness.

Daily Tips For Psoriasis Care

Along with your psoriasis medication, we recommend the following psoriasis care tips to help ease your symptoms and keep inflammation, patches, and itchy skin in check. These self-care tips for psoriasis are especially helpful during winter, when psoriasis are often aggravated.

• Shower or bathe with lukewarm water and use a moisturizing body wash. This improves psoriasis lesions by softening and hydrating the thick, scaly patches. Limit baths to 10 minutes to avoid aggravation.
• Avoid scrubbing.
• Apply moisturizer after a shower or bath, as this helps to lock in hydration and minimizes flaking of psoriatic scales.
• Use lightweight clothes made from cotton or linen – they do not trap heat and are not rough on your skin.
• Practice meditation and yoga – they are effective stress busters.
• Avoid or overcome precipitating or triggering factors.
• A warm climate may help to control relapses.
• Avoid smoking.
• There is some evidence to link alcohol with psoriasis. So, alcohol must be avoided altogether.
• Raising your general immunity with a good nutritious diet and regular exercise is also helpful.

Conventional Treatment Of Psoriasis

Conventional treatments for Psoriasis include Salicylic acid, Steroid-based creams, Calcipotriene, Coal-tar ointments and Shampoos, Prescription Retinoids, Immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine) and Light therapy.

These medicines may soothe the condition while they are taken, none of them are known to cure Psoriasis. Not only do they look at Psoriasis from a superficial, symptomatic perspective, they also carry with them a host of side-effects.

Salicylic acid may lead to skin irritation and weaken hair shafts, which may cause breakage and temporary hair loss. Steroid-based creams may cause burning, dryness, irritation, and thinning of the skin. Coal-tar ointments and Shampoos may lead to a pimple-like rash affecting the hair follicles. Light therapy too, is a far less popular method to treat Psoriasis today, owing to its carcinogenic propensities. Immunosuppressants may also put you at a higher risk for Cancer because the immune system also protects you from this disease.

Systemic Therapy Research into the causes of Psoriasis has led to the development of drugs that usually follow two strategies: anti-T cell strategies (efalizumab and alefacept) and anticytokine strategies (monoclonal antibodies – MABs). Medications with the least potential for adverse reactions are preferentially employed.

Recurrence of Psoriasis is common after the systemic treatment is discontinued.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is used in addition to traditional therapies for the management of psoriasis. It is helpful for psychological rehabilitation of the person suffering from psoriasis.

Topical Applications- The mainstay of therapy is topical medication, although it tends to be cumbersome and time-consuming.Moisturizers, mineral oils, petroleum jelly, baths, etc, are used to reduce the dryness of the skin. Medicated creams and ointments are used to reduce inflammation and reduce plaques. Psoriasis ointments usually contain – coal tar, anthralin, corticosteroids, argan oil, etc. They often irritate the normal skin and some have adverse reactions with long-term use.

Photo therapy- The topically effective anti-psoriatic medication consists of sunlight (Ultra violet). In hospitals, often UV light is used in combination with various other topical applications such as coal tar, retinoids, antralin, etc. This treatment, however, needs to be monitored carefully for possible carcinogenic effect.

Photo chemotherapy- Photo therapy (PUVA) is a combination of oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This therapy too has possible carcinogenic effect and needs to be monitored professionally.

Natural Remedies For Psoriasis

Natural herbs for psoriasis are believed to empower the immune system & address the root cause of Psoriasis, which is imperative for lasting relief and freedom. Biogetica’s natural herbal extracts are traditionally believed to work by reducing inflammation & itching and improving overall dermal health.

Not sure if you believe in our natural products? We do, and are willing to back this up with a satisfaction or 100% money-back guarantee. So, you have nothing to lose by giving our products a try. If you are not satisfied you may return the products for a full refund!*

Biogetica Money Back Guarantee We have a 100% money-back guarantee, to support our firm belief in our products, and to build trust in customers who have been facing battles they thought would be lifelong! You may return the products within 90 days of your order date for a full refund of the purchase price. You may alternatively request a free consultation and additional remedies if you are not 100% better. Our mission is fulfilled only when you are better. Hence, we stand by our customers and do what it takes to make you feel great! We can afford to do this, because the customers who re-order or refer us to friends and family, are 20 times more than those who ask for a return. So, go ahead and give us a try. You’ll be glad you did.

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

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Guided Healing Meditation with our founder, Apurve Mehra

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apurve”I AM THAT I AM”meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

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Meditation 5

Heart Chakra Tone (Music composed by Satya Hinduja)

Guided meditation with our founder Apurve

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Prana’ stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. ‘Pranayama’ is the process that helps us control ‘Prana’, and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

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1. Tandem Breathing (‘Sahita Kumbhaka’)

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise.

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra ‘OM AARAH’, if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time.
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance: It’s a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits: It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath (‘Surya Bheda’)

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.
2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.
3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.
4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.
5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again.

Time limit: Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased.

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens ‘Kundalini Shakti’

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath (‘Ujjayi’)

Steps:

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth.
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be ‘twisted’.
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit: 3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch’s
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

4. Serpent’s Breath (Sheetali)

It is an imitation of the respiration of a serpent.

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana/Swastika-asana/ Siddhasana/Vajrasana.
2. Rest the hands on the knees.
3. Fold the edges of an outward-extended tongue to resemble a round hollow tube.
4. Draw in the air through the mouth with a hissing sound ‘Si’ and feel the air touching the tongue while inhaling.
5. Retain the breath as long as you can till there is any discomfort.
6. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 1 – 5 minutes. Practice regularly in the morning, 15 to 30 times.

Advantages:

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

Indications:

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari)

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound ‘Si’/ ‘C’.
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi.

Steps:

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth.
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced.
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation.
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort.
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round.
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round.

Time limit: Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening.

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies ‘Nadi’ and awakens the ‘Kundalini’ quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on ‘Khichdi’, and take an Enema (‘Bhasti’) in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of ‘humming of bees’ is produced when it is practiced.

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee (‘Bhramara’). Concomitantly chant ‘Om’.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely.
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort.
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils.

Time limit: Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace (‘Samadhi’)

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications:

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath (‘Murcha Pranayama’)

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows (‘Trikuti’).
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint.
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly.

Time limit:

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath (‘Kevala Kumbhaka’)

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe.

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.
2. First half round:
   1. Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
   2. Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
   3. Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
   4. Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
   5. Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
   6. This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
   7. This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
   8. Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
   9. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
   10. Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
   11. This completes the other half of one round.
3. Second half round:
   1. Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
   2. Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
   3. Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
   4. This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds. This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications: Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.