Psoriatic Arthritis Ayurveda: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis — it combines joint inflammation (swelling, pain, stiffness) with skin lesions (red, scaly patches). Onset may be before or after skin disease. PsA is an immune-mediated condition that can range from mild joint pain to destructive arthritis.

Ayurvedic Approach to PsA

Our clinic uses a stepwise, individualized plan combining systemic detox, targeted local therapies, herbal medicines (for skin and joints), diet and rehabilitation. Important: severe PsA cases require coordination with a rheumatologist and dermatologist.

• Shodhana (detox): Virechana (purgation) is often used to remove Pitta and Rakta toxins; Basti (enema) to pacify Vata in joint-dominant disease.
• Shamana (pacifying): Anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying herbs (Guduchi, Manjistha, Turmeric) and Rasayanas selected by physician.
• Local & supportive therapies: Abhyanga, Lepam, Patra/Churn potli, Njavara Kizhi, Navara facial for skin, and Shirodhara for stress modulation.
• Lifestyle & diet: Anti-inflammatory diet, stress reduction, and skin care routines to reduce triggers and flares.

Therapies We Provide — Useful for Psoriatic Arthritis (with photos)

Therapies below are commonly used in PsA management at our clinic — each entry explains how it supports both skin and joint symptoms. Images are shown for reference.

Virechana (Purgation)

What it is: Medically supervised herbal purgation that clears Pitta and blood impurities.

• Helps reduce systemic skin inflammation and psoriatic plaques by eliminating deep-seated Pitta/Rakta toxins.
• Can reduce frequency and severity of flares when indicated and performed correctly.
• Performed after preparatory therapies and under physician supervision; requires monitoring.

Lepam (Topical Herbal Paste)

What it is: Herbal poultices/pastes applied to skin plaques and painful joints.

• Topically soothes inflamed skin, reduces scaling and local redness with anti-inflammatory herbs.
• When applied over joints, reduces local inflammation and provides symptomatic relief.
• Used as part of an overall regimen — selection of paste depends on skin sensitivity and disease stage.

Navara Facial / Local Skin Therapies

What it is: Gentle facial/skin therapy using Navara rice and soothing herbs designed to nourish and calm inflamed skin.

• Soothes inflammation, improves skin hydration and reduces scaling in mild plaques.
• Best used on non-broken, non-infected skin and as an adjunct to systemic therapy.

Herbal & Medical Support

We use evidence-informed Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to modulate inflammation, purify blood and support joints — always individualized:

Internal medicines and topical regimens are individualized. We coordinate with dermatology and rheumatology especially if the patient is on immunosuppressants or biologics.

Diet, Triggers & Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle are critical in PsA to reduce inflammation and avoid flare triggers.

• Avoid common trigger foods — excessive alcohol, very spicy fried foods, excessive nightshades if individual sensitivity exists.
• Favor anti-inflammatory foods — turmeric, ginger, green leafy vegetables, controlled healthy fats (ghee, olive oil), lean proteins.
• Maintain healthy weight — adiposity promotes systemic inflammation and worsens both psoriasis and arthritis.
• Stress management — meditation, pranayama and therapies like Shirodhara reduce stress-triggered flares.

Sample Clinic Plans (examples)

Plans are individualized. If systemic immunosuppressive therapy is being used, we coordinate care to ensure safe integration and avoid unintended interactions.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles

Evidence, Safety & Integration

Ayurvedic therapies can reduce symptoms for many patients with PsA, but PsA is an immune-mediated condition. Key safety points:

• Coordinate with rheumatology/dermatology if on DMARDs, steroids or biologics — we jointly plan timing of Panchakarma and herbs.
• Certain detox procedures may be contraindicated if infection, uncontrolled systemic disease, or immunosuppression exists.
• Topical therapies should not be used on secondarily infected or ulcerated skin — clinical assessment is required.
• We perform necessary baseline labs and document progress; modification is made based on response and safety.