Scabies (Pama)

An Ayurvedic Perspective and Management at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital


🩺 Introduction

Scabies, or Pama in Ayurveda, is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is marked by intense itching, especially at night, and a rash often accompanied by burrows and inflammation. At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we offer a holistic Ayurvedic approach to manage scabies by addressing internal imbalances, purifying the body, and eliminating the infestation through safe, natural treatments.


🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

Scabies is primarily associated with Kapha dosha imbalance, alongside disturbances in Pitta and Vata. It also involves Rakta (blood) and Twak (skin) dhatu dushti and Ama accumulation.

🌊 Aggravated Kapha:

  • Causes itching, papules, vesicles, and sticky secretions

  • Promotes obstruction of skin channels

  • Favors mite survival due to moist, congested skin

🔥 Aggravated Pitta:

  • Causes redness, burning, inflammation, and secondary infections

  • Increases hypersensitivity of the skin

💨 Aggravated Vata:

  • Leads to dryness, scaling, cracks, and pain

  • Weakens skin’s protective barrier

⚠️ Other Contributing Factors:

  • Rakta Dhatu Dushti – Poor blood tissue metabolism

  • Twak Dhatu Dushti – Weak skin tissue leading to poor defense

  • Ama Accumulation – Toxins block channels and feed infestations

  • Agni Mandya – Weak digestion and poor detoxification

  • Manasika Karana – Stress weakens immune resilience


🦠 Common Causes of Scabies

  • Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei mite

  • Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals

  • Sharing personal items like bedding, towels, or clothes

  • Overcrowded living conditions

  • Weak immunity, poor hygiene, or chronic illnesses


🔍 Signs and Symptoms of Pama

  • Severe itching, especially at night

  • Red, bumpy rash or blisters

  • Burrows – thin, wavy lines formed by the mites

  • Commonly affected areas:

    • Between fingers, wrists, elbows

    • Armpits, waist, buttocks, genitals

  • Secondary infections due to persistent scratching


🌱 Ayurvedic Management of Pama

Our approach aims to eliminate the mites while restoring the body’s internal balance.

🔄 Doshic Balancing:

  • Targeting Kapha, Pitta, and Vata imbalances using specific herbs and therapies

🩸 Rakta and Twak Shodhana:

  • Blood and skin tissue purification to restore healthy skin function

🛡️ Antiparasitic Action:

  • Natural herbs and oils used to kill mites, soothe the skin, and prevent recurrence

🔥 Agni Deepana & Ama Pachana:

  • Strengthening digestive fire and removing toxins

🌿 Local Applications:

  • Herbal pastes and oils to reduce symptoms and aid mite eradication


🧘 Key Ayurvedic Therapeutic Interventions

Panchakarma Therapies:

  • Virechana (Purgation): Clears toxins and reduces Pitta-Kapha accumulation

  • Abhyanga (Oil massage): Nourishes skin, reduces itching and dryness

  • Lepana (Herbal paste application): Direct mite-killing and anti-inflammatory action

Herbal Medicines:

  • Neem (Azadirachta indica): Antifungal, antiparasitic, and purifying

  • Haridra (Curcuma longa): Turmeric, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

  • Gandhak Rasayan: Classical formulation with sulfur – detoxifies and supports skin healing

  • Khadira Tailam: Medicated oil for topical treatment of skin conditions

  • Karanja Tailam: Effective antiparasitic and skin-soothing oil

  • Triphala: Detoxification and gut-cleansing agent


🍽️ Dietary & Lifestyle Modifications

  • Light, digestible meals: Include soups, cooked vegetables, and whole grains

  • Avoid Kapha-aggravating foods: Dairy, sweets, fried, or heavy meals

  • Hygiene maintenance: Bathe daily, clean nails, trim hair near lesions

  • Launder clothes and bedding: In hot water and dry in sunlight

  • Avoid skin contact with infected persons and personal item sharing

  • Stress relief: Through yoga, pranayama, and guided meditation

  • Boost immunity: With fruits, herbs, and Rasayana supplements


🧘‍♀️ Recommended Yogasanas and Pranayama

  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

  • Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Balasana (Child’s Pose)

  • Anulom Vilom & Sheetali Pranayama


👨‍⚕️ Customized Ayurvedic Care at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

Each case of Pama (Scabies) is evaluated individually by our experienced Ayurvedic physicians to design a personalized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and root imbalances.

Includes:

  • Dosha analysis

  • Skin assessment

  • Parasite control strategy

  • Customized internal and external therapy


Advantages of the Ayurvedic Approach

  • Root-cause correction through dosha and dhatu management

  • Natural mite eradication with minimal side effects

  • Skin restoration and repair

  • Strengthened immunity for long-term protection

  • Safe and gentle therapies tailored to individual needs


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

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we provide comprehensive and compassionate care for scabies and other skin disorders using time-tested Ayurvedic principles. Our experienced team ensures effective relief, lasting recovery, and a renewed sense of skin health and well-being.