Understanding eczema through Ayurveda involves looking at your body’s constitution, or dosha. Eczema is often related to an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta doshas. These stem from stress, poor diet, or changes in the seasons. Rather than seeking a “permanent cure”, think of managing and reducing symptoms by addressing these imbalances and maintaining balance over time.
When it comes to diet, Ayurveda suggests eating grounding, cooling, and nourishing foods. You might want to try a few adjustments and see how your skin reacts. Begin with reducing or eliminating foods known to aggravate Pitta dosha, such as spicy foods - I know you love them, it’s hard, but maybe try moderation first. Or you switch to milder spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander which are less likely to provoke symptoms.
An elimination diet can be helpful but is tricky to execute effectively. Work gradually by eliminating common allergens like dairy, gluten, or nuts, for a few weeks, then reintroduce them one at a time and observe if symptoms worsen. Make sure your diet is balanced and avoid just cutting everything out at once - that can do more harm than good. In the meantime, keep up a regimen of hydrating foods, like cucumbers and zucchini, and good healthy fats - think ghee or coconut oil - which support skin health.
Boosting agni, the digestive fire, is also crucial. So, consuming small amounts of ginger with meals may help, as it aids digestion. Also, aged grains like rice and barley are considered easier on digestion.
Ayurveda also emphasizes regular lifestyle habits - that means trying to sleep and wake at consistent times, managing stress through yoga or pranayama, and keeping skin hydrated externally with something like a sesame oil based herbal moisturizer. Remember, consistency is key.
It’s not an overnight “fix”, but regularly incorporating these practices should balance your doshas and, in turn, help manage eczema over time. If changes don’t help or symptoms get severe, it’s always a good idea to consult with an Ayurveda professional or even a dermatologist.
