Skin Disorders Yogic Management | Exploring Stress-Skin Disorder Connection

Stress related skin disorders are on the rise in this modern time. Due to stress the body thinks that it is under attack, and hence stress aggravates skin disorders like Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Skin Rashes like Lichen Planus etc. Thus skin disorders are directly connected to our emotions. Due to the visibility of skin disorders, people who suffer from such skin conditions develop social anxiety, which may effect their self-confidence and self-esteem. It is important to understand that these skin disorders are not contagious.

Some of the signs of stress influence on your skin are:

1: Acne:

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing spots on face, shoulders,back,neck,chest and upper arms. Even though Acne is mostly developed during puberty, but it can also occur at any age. Anxiety and stress is one of the causes of Acne, for eg: anxiety about exam,a deadline in the office etc even though there are many other major causes of Acne like Genetics, Menstrual Cycle, Hormonal Imbalance, Climate etc.

2: Lichen Planus:

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, non-infectious rash on arms and legs. Though the exact cause of Lichen Planus is not known, but it is believed that it is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

3: Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition where patches of skin become inflamed,itchy, red,cracked and rough.This skin condition looks more like an allergy, which is seen in both children and adults. It is not contagious. The excat cause of Eczema is not known, but can be a combination of factors that include genetics, abnormal function of the immune system, environment,defects in skin barrier that allows moisture out and germs in.

4: Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. One of its major characteristics is that the skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal leading to red plaques covered with white scales. Psoriasis typically occurs on knees,elbows and scalp along with other parts like the torso,palms and soles of the feet. More than 80% of people face flare-ups following a recent emotional trauma for eg: losing a loved one, set back in a relationship, work related stress etc.

Skin Barrier and Stress

Skin, the largest organ, is composed of various cells, proteins, ceramides, lipids and among this skin barrier is one of the most vital components, also referred to as skin’s natural moisture barrier. Skin barrier plays a major role in keeping the good things within our body like retaining water, oil and protect from the harmful pathogens like pollutants, bacteria, UV radiation etc. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for the skin that looks and feels the best. Having a good skin barrier keeps the skin hydrated, smooth and elastic and also less prone to skin concerns like sensitivity, irritation etc. While having a defective skin barrier causes the skin to be dehydrated resulting in a dull and dry appearance, causing more prone to skin sensitivity, irritation etc.

Some of the major causes for a weak skin barrier are:

• Lifestyle factors like Stress & Inadequate sleep

• Chronic exposure to pollution

• UV Radiation

• Smoking

• Physical skin damage like excessive exfoliating etc

Symptoms of a Weak Skin Barrier are:

• Extreme Dryness

• Skin Discomfort

• Skin Sensitivity

Our internal emotions are directly reflected externally on our skin. In some skin disorders like Psoriasis, stress can cause psoriasis flare-ups and psoriasis flare-ups can cause stress. It is impossible to avoid stress in this modern world, but it is possible to manage the stress through the regular practice of yoga.

Yogic Management of Skin Disorders

Diet Changes for Skin Disorders:

• Wholesome balanced diet.

• Drinking enough water during the day to keep the body hydrated.

• Neem juice is antiinflammatory and helps to detox the system.

• Lots of fruits and fibrous food to avoid getting constipation.

• Avoid food items like bakery products, cakes, breads etc, causing constipation, leading to toxin accumulation and aggravating skin rashes.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking that trigger psoriasis.

Rest & Recreation for Skin Disorders

• Practice of relaxation techniques like Shavasana, Dradhasana, Makrasana, Pranayama breathing etc helps to bring the mind to a relaxed state.

• Cultivate a hobby and follow that for atleast one hour a day.

• Do physical exercises like walking, playing a sport etc.

• Proper sleep which promotes health, healing in the body and restoring hormonal balance is very important.

Yogic Lifestyle - Asanas & Pranayama (Breathing)

• Wear loose, soft and comfortable clothing that breathe

• Take care of skin by doing skin routine as per weather

• Use of mild soap

• Air dry or pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.

• Moisture the skin daily or twice a day as advised by doctor

• Identify the triggers that irritate the skin like sweat, stress, obesity, soap, detergents, dust pollen, other allergens etc

• All yoga asanas are good, when done with synchronized breathing, awareness and with a positive attitude. If any asanas are putting pressure on an affected skin area, then it should be avoided.

• Develop self confidence by practicing asanas like Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Ustrasana etc

• Pranayamas like Anulom Vilom, Brahmari, Long Exhalation, Sheetali are very good.

Yogic Thought Process

• People who suffer from skin disorders are often very sensitive and tend to suppress their emotions, hence it is very important to manage one’s thoughts and mental attitude.

• One should accept their condition and understand it is temporary and have faith in higher reality.

• Spend time with positive,supportive and like-minded and trustworthy people.

• Keep a gratitude journal by writing 10 positive points everyday by counting the blessings.

• Practice the habit of observing the situation without reacting to it.

• To overcome the insecurities, have the faith in higher reality.

It is extremely important to understand that certain skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema etc has no full cure yet, but its symptoms can be kept under control and live positively living with the disorder.