A Clinical study of Virechana Karma and Jaloukavacharana (Leech Therapy) in Ekakushtha w.s.r. to Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis is a papulosquamous disorder of the skin, characterized by sharply defined erythematousquamous lesions. They vary in size from pinpoint to large plaques. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaque.

Psoriasis is hypothesized to be immune-mediated and is not contagious. The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. Due to chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat. Ekakushtha (Psoriasis) is a kshudrakushtha, vata-kapha predominant disease, Aswedanam, Mahavastum, Matsya shakalopamam, Krishna Aruna Vrana is the typical sign and symptoms which described under Kushtha Rogas. The study is carried out as a comparative study of Virechana and Jaloukavacharana. In this Group (Group–A), Virechana was given to the patients. Total 60 patients were registered out of which 9 were Drop out. In this Group (Group–B),   patients were taken for Jaloukavacharna (Leech Therapy) four sitting in seven days interval for 28 days. Total 57 patients were registered out of which 7 were Drop out.

Keywords: Ekakushtha, Psoriasis, Virechana, Jaloukavacharana, Leech Therapy.