Pruritus (Kandu)

An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🩺 Introduction

Pruritus, commonly referred to as itching, is known as Kandu in Ayurveda. It is a symptom seen in a wide range of skin and systemic disorders, often causing significant discomfort. At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we adopt a holistic approach to address pruritus by treating its root causes, balancing the doshas, purifying the blood, and enhancing skin health through personalized Ayurvedic therapies.

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

According to Ayurveda, pruritus arises from a disturbance in the Pitta, Vata, and Kapha doshas, along with vitiation of Rakta (blood) and Twak (skin) dhatus.

🔥 Aggravated Pitta:

  • Leads to intense itching, burning sensation, and redness

  • Increases skin sensitivity and inflammation

💨 Aggravated Vata:

  • Causes dryness, roughness, and thin skin

  • Intensifies itching, especially at night

  • Affects mental calmness and sleep

🌊 Aggravated Kapha:

  • Results in sticky discharge, swelling, and localized edema

  • Leads to Ama (toxin) accumulation and channel blockage

Other Contributing Factors:

  • Rakta Dhatu Dushti: Impaired blood tissue metabolism

  • Twak Dhatu Dushti: Weakened skin structure and function

  • Ama Accumulation: Build-up of metabolic toxins

  • Agni Mandya: Weak digestion, poor assimilation

  • Manasika Karana: Psychological triggers like stress or anxiety

⚠️ Common Causes of Pruritus

  • Skin diseases: Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, scabies, urticaria

  • Systemic conditions: Liver/kidney disorders, diabetes, hypothyroidism

  • Allergies: To food, medication, or environmental agents

  • Neurological issues: Diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis

  • Pregnancy-related hormonal changes

  • Stress, anxiety, or depression

  • Insect bites and environmental factors

🔍 Signs and Symptoms of Kandu

  • Mild to severe itching (localized or generalized)

  • Redness, inflammation, or rashes

  • Dryness, scaling, or discoloration

  • Scratch marks or skin damage

  • Sleep disturbances due to nocturnal itching

  • Restlessness, particularly in chronic cases

🌱 Ayurvedic Approach to Management

Ayurveda treats Kandu not just as a symptom but as a manifestation of deeper imbalances in the body.

  • Tridosha Balance: Herbs and therapies to pacify Pitta, Vata, and Kapha

  • Rakta and Twak Shodhana: Detoxification of blood and skin tissues

  • Agni Deepana: Enhancing digestion to prevent toxin buildup

  • Mano Shamana: Calming the mind to reduce stress-related triggers

  • Local Relief: External applications for immediate soothing and healing

🧘 Key Ayurvedic Therapeutic Interventions

Panchakarma Therapies:

  • Virechana – Purgation therapy to eliminate Pitta and toxins

  • Raktamokshana – Bloodletting (if indicated) for detoxification

  • Abhyanga – Oil massage to nourish and calm the skin

  • Lepana – Application of cooling herbal pastes

Herbal Medicines:

  • Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Antipruritic and detoxifying

  • Haridra (Turmeric) – Anti-inflammatory and healing

  • Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – Blood purifier and skin rejuvenator

  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory

  • Triphala – Supports digestion and toxin clearance

  • Chandana (Sandalwood) – Cooling and soothing

  • Aloe Vera (Kumari) – Moisturizes and calms irritated skin

🍽️ Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Adopt a cooling diet: Coconut water, cucumber, watermelon, leafy greens

  • Avoid Pitta-aggravating foods: Spicy, oily, fermented, and acidic items

  • Hydrate well: Drink water and cooling herbal teas regularly

  • Avoid scratching: Use mild, herbal anti-itch formulations

  • Wear breathable, natural-fiber clothing (like cotton)

  • Manage stress: Through meditation, deep breathing, and yoga

  • Identify and avoid triggers: Allergens, heat, stress, certain foods

🧘‍♀️ Recommended Yogasanas and Pranayama

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

  • Balasana (Child’s Pose)

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Gentle stretches and calming breathwork

👩‍⚕️ Customized Treatment at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, every patient is treated as unique. Our Ayurvedic doctors conduct a comprehensive assessment to design a personalized treatment plan.

  • Dosha Analysis: To determine the root doshic imbalance

  • Skin and Systemic Evaluation: To understand severity and spread

  • Holistic Protocols: Combining internal herbs, external applications, Panchakarma, and diet

🌟 Advantages of the Ayurvedic Approach

  • Holistic and root-cause-based management

  • Safe, natural, and minimally invasive therapies

  • Improved skin texture and immunity

  • Relief from persistent itching and inflammation

  • Enhanced sleep quality and mental calmness

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Trusted Partner in Natural Skin Care

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we provide compassionate, patient-centric care in a tranquil setting. Our expert team integrates classical Ayurveda with modern understanding to help you regain comfort, confidence, and long-term skin health—naturally.