The first known recorded cases of psoriasis date back to 35 AD. These could also be considered the oldest recorded cases of skin disorders. Yet, most of the information on psoriasis is a matter of recent discovery.

While we have made significant progress in our understanding of the disease, the causes of the condition still remain unknown.

There have been flashes here and there, however. One such important milestone in the quest for information on psoriasis has been the discovery of the effect of cyclosporine on psoriasis.

It has been discovered that kidney-transplant recipients suffering from psoriasis experienced marked improvement in their condition when taking cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant prescribed to such patients after a transplant.

The positive response to the immunosuppressant establishes that the disease has its basis in the immune system.

Genetics may play a role

Medical researchers have discovered genes that affect the immune system leading to psoriasis. This discovery indicates that genetics could play an important role in determining the origin of the disease.

The fact that a patient’s family history plays an important role in the incidence of psoriasis reinforces the theory about the genetic origin of the disease. In one out every three cases of psoriasis, the patient has been found to have at least one family member, living or dead, suffering from the condition.

Children with both parents suffering from psoriasis are likely to have a 50% chance of developing the disease.

Yoga and Psoriasis

Although psoriasis can strike at any age, it is seen mostly in people in the age group of 15-35 years. Psoriatic arthritis, however, has its highest incidence in the age group of 30-50 years.

With modern medical science unable to find a permanent cure, millions are forced to suffer from psoriasis during the most active and productive parts of their lives.

On the other hand, experiments conducted under the system of yoga and ayurveda recently have shown promising results in the amelioration of the otherwise chronic condition marked with lifelong episodes of aggravations and remissions.

Psoriasis patients respond favourably to Yoga

Groups of patients suffering from varying degrees and types of psoriasis were found to respond positively to the yogic regime of breathing exercises called pranayama, supplemented with ayurvedic formulations.

It is important to mention here that among all the diseases that respond to the systems of yoga and ayurveda, skin problems take the most time to show effective results.

Depending upon the severity of psoriasis, it may take anywhere between six months to a couple of years for a significant improvement in the condition to be seen. However, patients have reported feeling noticeable relief in their condition within a period ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks after the onset of the treatment routine.

Natural Cures for Psoriasis >>