HELLO MONIKA,
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes- cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, this results in white patches on the skin
COMMON CAUSES -genetics- family history - nutritional deficiencies-especially vitamin b12, D, copper, zinc - autoimmune disorders-thyroid issues - stress-emotional or physical trauma - skin injury or sunburn -chemical exposure
In Ayurveda vitiligo is referred to as shwitra(a type of kushta roga- skin disease), mainly caused by imbalance of the pitta dosha, combined with kapha and vata involvement.
PATHOGENESIS- viruddha ahara(incompatible food), excessive consumption of sour, salty, fermented food, or mental stress leads to accumulation of toxins(ama) and vitiation of blood and skin tissues.
INTERNALLY START WITH
1) SOMARAJI GHRITA- 2 tsp o emoty stomach with warm water/mik =detoxifies liver, promotes melanocyte regeneration , very effective in chronic cases.
2) RAS MANIKYA WITH GUDUCHI SATVA- 60mg + 1/2 tsp with honey =controls autoimmune response, improves skin tone
3) SWARNA MAKSHIK BHASMA- 125 mg with honey at night = helps improve liver function and immunity
4) CHITRAKADI VATI- 2 tabs after meals =improves digestion, reduces toxins, balances pitta
5) SHVITRAHARA LEHYA(FROM ARYA VAIDYA SALA, KOTTAKAL)- 1 tsp daily In morning = specific for vitiligo and leukoderma
6) MAHAMANJISTHADI KASHAYA- 20 ml with water twice daily after meals =useful in skin disease including eczema, vitiligo
can also go for panchakrma = virechana and raktamokshana at panchakarma clinic
EXTERNAL APPLICATION
1) BAKUCHI OIL- apply on affected area once a day -after applying expose to mild early morning sunlight 15 mins
2) KUMKUMADI TAILA- safe facial oil to improve skin tone =apply at night
DIET -eat black gram, green leafy veggies -amla, pomegrante, beetroot, carrot - whole grains, ghee
AVOID -curd, fish with milk, fermented foods, citrus fruits in excess -non vegetarian food, alcohol, smoking, processed foods -cold water bath and harsh cosmetics
STRESS MANAGEMENT -practice pranayam daily- anulom vilom, brahmari - meditation reduces cortisol and may help prevent progression - Can take brahmi vati- 1 tab at night for anxiety reduction
Vitiligo treatments take time. Ayurvedic therapies take 3-6 months or more to show visible improvement
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA
Avoid sour, fermented food and bakery products. Regular exercise and meditation. Leukoskin 20drops in a glass of water twice a day. Take morning sunlight after applying Leukoskin oint. Tab. Oxitard 2-0-2
When it comes to vitiligo, coupled with hypothyroidism, an integrated Ayurvedic approach focusing on managing your doshas, particularly balancing Pitta and Vata, can be beneficial. First, consider dietary changes that aim to pacify Pitta, as it is often involved in skin disorders. Avoid foods that are sour, spicy, or fermented, as these can aggravate Pitta. Opt for a diet rich in cool, mild, and slightly sweet foods, like gourds, cucumber, and leafy greens. Also, limit your intake of alcohol, pickles, and excess salt.
For hypothyroidism, include foods high in natural iodine, like seaweed or iodized salt, in moderation. Consider adding Ashwagandha to your regimen. It’s known for supporting thyroid function. Taking about 500 mg daily can support hypothyroid management. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new herbs.
Practicing Pranayama and meditation reduces stress, which can worsen both vitiligo and thyroid imbalances. Daily, engage in 10-15 minutes of these practices. Yoga asanas such as Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) can be beneficial for thyroid health but should be done under supervision.
External applications like Babchi oil for vitiligo may be considered but should be applied cautiously, as it can cause burn if exposed to sunlight; use in the evening and wash off in the morning. Regular application can aid repigmentation.
Keep regular check-ups with your health professional, ensuring your thyroid function is monitored; TSH levels at 8 should be more closely managed to prevent worsening.
In Ayurveda, patience and persistence are key, given that therapies work to address the root cause over time. Remember to maintain a consistent routine and check any new approach with an authorized healthcare provider.
HELLO MONIKA,
In Ayurveda, vitiligo is categorised as “SWITRA” or “KILASA” , which refers to skin discolouration caused by an imbalance of doshas, particularly pitta( governs heat, metabolism, and pigmentation ) and sometimes kapha(governs stability and moisture). The disease is considered tridoshaja ( involving all three doshas), but with pitta dominance because pitta controls melanin or pigmentation in the skin.
ROOT CAUSES -improper diet- e.g; milk with fish, sour+ milk- viruddha ahara - poor digestion- leads to toxin buildup - emotional stress- aggravates doshas and autoimmune response -long term use of harsh medicines - vitamin and mineral deficiencies(especially B12, D, COPPER)
TREATMENT GOAL -stop the spread -detox the body -stimulate pigmentation - support long term skin healing -prevent recurrence - stop new spots, re-pigment exist ones, restore confidence and skin health naturally
START INTERNALLY WITH
1) BAKUCHI CHURNA- 125 mg once daily slowly increase to 250 mg with honey or ghee in morning = stimulates melanocytes
2) KHADIRARISHTA- 20 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner = detoxifies blood, clears skin
3) AROGYAVARDHINI VATI- 1 tab twice daily after meals = improves liver and metabolism
4) MAHAMANJISTHADI KASHAYA- 15ml with water twice daily before meals = anti-inflammatory, blood cleanser
5) GUDUCHI TABELTS- 1 tab twice a day in morning and night = builds immunity, reduces autoimmune reaction
6) RASAMANIKYA- 65 mg with honey in morning = stimulate pigmentation(best one )
LOCAL APPLICATIONS
1) BAKUCHI TAILA+ GOMUTRA - apply directly on spots , sit in early morning sun-10 mins, then wash
2) MANJISTHA+ NEEM+ TURMERIC+ BAKUCHI CHURNA PASTE - make a paste with rose water or aloevera gel apply for 20 mins then rinse = helps purify skin and reduce spread
3) NEEM OIL + COCONUT OIL(50:50)- apply at night = soothes skin, reduces inflammation
DIETARY GUIDLINESS TO FOLLOW STRICTLY
AVOID -milk+ sour fruits like orange, lemon - milk+ salt or salty snacks - fish + milk -curd, panner- especially at night - fermented foods- bread, vinegar, pickles -junk food, chocolates, cola, chips
INCLUDE -FRUITS=apple, papaya, pomegranate, jamun, figs -VEGETABLES= pumpkin, ash gourd, spinach,carrots -PROTEINS= moong dal , tofu, soaked almonds, ghee -SUPERFOODS= amla, turmeric, black pepper, sesame seeds -BUTTERMILK
DRINK warm water, avoid ice cold drinks. cook fresh food. try to eat at the same time daily.
LIFESTYLE AND MIND MANAGEMENT
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= balances all doshas, calms stress -SHEETALI/ SHEETKARI- cools pitta, soothes mind -Bhramari- calms nervous system and skin
OTHER -sleep by 10 pm -morning sun exposure for 10-15 min - avoid exposure to chemical creams, fairness products - try trakata(candle gazing) to stabilise mind and reduce emotional triggers
HEALING TIMELINES
1-2 MONTHS= skin health improves, new spots stop 3-6 MONTHS= light re-pigmentation starts 6-12 MONTHS= visible color returns in patches
FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM -KANCHANAR GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after meals (kindly start allopathic medicine side by side as it is necessary don’t ignore)
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY TO GET RESULT
HOPE THIS MIGHT HELP YOU
WISH YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY
THANK YOU
When managing vitiligo with hypothyroidism, especially without conventional medicine, it’s crucial to integrate a balanced Ayurvedic approach focusing on both conditions. Vitiligo, in Ayurveda, is viewed as a condition related to imbalances in the doshas, particularly pitta and vata. Your thyroid issues suggest a potential kapha imbalance too, affecting metabolism.
Firstly, focus on a diet that pacifies these doshas. Avoid foods that aggravate pitta like spicy, oily, and salty items, and limit consumption of incompatible foods like milk with sour fruits. Hypothyroidism calls for minimizing kaphogenic items such as dairy, wheat, and sweets. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, particularly leafy greens, and whole grains that support all doshas, ensuring they are primarily cooked and warm, rather than raw and cold.
Herbal supplements could be a supportive adjunct. Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) is commonly used for vitiligo management in the Siddha-Ayurvedic tradition, but it’s essential to use it under professional guidance, as it can be quite potent and must be tailored to your body’s constitution. Thyroid balancing herbs like Kanchanar Guggulu or Ashwagandha may also assist in regulating thyroid hormones, under supervision.
Daily practices such as Abhyanga, using oils like sesame or coconut, could help in maintaining skin health and balancing doshas by improving circulation. Also ensure you’re using sun protection, as areas affected by vitiligo can be sensitive to sunlight.
For both conditions, stress reduction is pivotal. Practices like yoga and pranayama can be effective in harmonizing your entire system, reducing stress-induced flare-ups, and enhancing overall immunity.
Despite preferring natural methods, it’s important to monitor your TSH levels regularly and collaborate with a healthcare provider. High TSH indicates it’s necessary to reevaluate and consider integrated treatment with both ayurvedic and potential allopathic interventions to avoid complications. Balancing both traditional and modern medicine with close guidance from experts is the most thorough way to manage your health effectively.
In Ayurveda, Vitiligo (Shwitra/Kilasa) and thyroid disorders are viewed from a holistic perspective, addressing the underlying imbalances rather than just the symptoms.
Here is an overview of the Ayurvedic opinion on these conditions and their connection.
Vitiligo (Shwitra/Kilasa) and Leukoderma
Ayurvedic View:
Ayurveda classifies vitiligo, referred to as Shwitra or Kilasa, as a skin disorder (Kushtha Roga). It is not considered contagious. The condition is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—with a particular emphasis on the vitiation of Pitta.
Vitiated Doshas and Dhatus: The imbalance is thought to affect several key tissues (dhatus) and energy pathways (srotas), including:
Rasa (plasma): Responsible for nourishment.
Rakta (blood): Related to skin color and health.
**Mamsa (muscle tissue): Affected by the disease process.
Medas (fat tissue): The final stage of the disease, according to some texts.
Causes: According to Ayurvedic texts, causes can be both physical and mental. They include:
Incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Ahara): For example, consuming milk with fish.
Mental stress: Chronic stress, anxiety, and grief are believed to vitiate the doshas, especially Pitta.
Poor digestion (Agni): This can lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body.
Suppression of natural urges.
Treatment Principles: The Ayurvedic approach to treating vitiligo is to address the root cause and restore balance. The treatment protocol typically includes:
Shodhana (Detoxification): Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Vamana (emesis) are used to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.
Shamana (Palliative Treatment): This involves oral medicines to pacify the vitiated doshas and support skin health.
Lepa & Taila (Topical Therapies): Application of herbal pastes and medicated oils to promote repigmentation.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: This includes avoiding foods that aggravate Pitta, such as sour and spicy foods, and incorporating a Pitta-Vata balancing diet.
Thyroid and Vitiligo: The Ayurvedic Connection
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the connection between vitiligo and thyroid disorders can be understood through the lens of shared dosha imbalances and underlying systemic issues.
Thyroid Disorders (Galaganda): While ancient Ayurvedic texts did not have a direct term for “thyroid gland” in the modern sense, thyroid-related symptoms, particularly goiter, are described under the term Galaganda. Thyroid disorders are generally seen as a result of a combination of Kapha and Vata vitiation, leading to an obstruction of channels. The accumulation of toxins and imbalances in Medas Dhatu (fat tissue) are also implicated.
Common Root Cause: The autoimmune nature of both vitiligo and many thyroid disorders (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is a key point of connection. Ayurveda views autoimmune conditions as a result of deep-seated imbalances where the body’s own defense mechanisms become misdirected, often due to a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices that lead to Ama (toxin) accumulation and Dhatu (tissue) impairment.
Ayurvedic Opinion on Co-occurrence: When vitiligo and thyroid issues co-exist, the Ayurvedic opinion is that the treatment must be comprehensive and address both conditions simultaneously. The practitioner would aim to:
Identify the dominant dosha imbalance: While vitiligo is primarily Pitta-related, hypothyroidism is linked to Kapha and Vata. The practitioner would need to assess the individual’s unique constitution and the specific pattern of imbalances.
Focus on detoxification: A thorough Panchakarma treatment to remove Ama and correct the flow in the srotas is considered crucial for both conditions.
Strengthen the digestive fire (Agni): Improving metabolism and digestion is a priority to prevent further toxin formation and enhance nutrient absorption.
Address mental and emotional factors: Since stress is considered a significant contributing factor to both conditions, yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana and Sheetali), and meditation are often recommended to calm the mind and balance the nervous system.
Treatment
1) Guduchi ghan vati - 1 tab after food 2 times
2) arogyavardhini vati -1 tab 3 times before food
3) kanchnar gugglu-1 tab before breakfast 4 bakuchi oil ext application
