Yogi Baba Prem

Seborrheic Keratosis: An Ayurvedic and Yogic perspective

By Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal Vedavisharada.

Seborrheic keratosis manifests on the skin via keratin cells (keratinocytes). This is a benign growth that is colored light tan to a dark brown or black, (Due to the seriousness of melanoma, it is important to have a proper diagnosis.) These frequently appear on the back, arms, face and can be associated with sun exposure, but there also appears to be a genetic link with the manifestation of these growths. Sometimes they are confused as liver spots by laymen. They tend to manifest and appear as one ages, as well; though occasionally they can manifest in younger individuals. Currently, allopathic medicine offers no treatment except removal that can occasionally leave a small scar with no guarantee that the lesion will not appear again.

Generally they appear later in ones life, which is generally considered the vata stage of life. From an ayurvedic standpoint, these are most commonly associated with Vata imbalances reaching the third stage of disease manifestation, vata overflow into the blood stream. While ayurveda does not traditionally attempt to treat genetic disorders, I have observed that a reasonable percentage of people will benefit from a vata reducing lifestyle with this condition, though addition study is recommended. Reducing vata’s overflow into the blood has reduced the size of some these lesions, and at times has completely eliminated the growths in some individuals, suggesting additional study could be beneficial. For vata dosha: A vata reducing food plan is important for this condition. Ayurvedic practitioners may wish to have clients keep a daily food log to review actual trends vata aggravating foods. Additionally, using traditional herbs such as triphala to reduce and eliminate vata accumulation in the colon, as-well-as cleansing ama accumulation from the colon is an important first step. Alternative herbs reducing to vata in the blood is an important step. Then alternative balancing herbs such as Gotu Kola can be beneficial. Then application of the final rejuvenation step is important. One of my favorite herbs for rejuvenation is Shatavari, as it continues to cleanse vata from the rasa/rakta dhatu’s, and rejuvenates the rasa/rakta dhatu as well, Also, Shatavari is excellent for dual doshas such as vata/pitta. For herbs all contraindications should be followed.

It is important that dehydration is evaluated, as a lack of water consumption may contribute to aggravated vata and, reduces the body’s ability to carry prana. This has led me to suspect that in some instances seborrheic keratosis could also be a physical manifestation of high vata, but also debilitated prana or insufficient prana in the nadi’s. In such cases, increases in water consumption, if consumption was low, helps with tissue hydration and reduces vata accumulation, as-well-as improved ability to carry prana via the circulatory system. Water would be best if consumed at room temperature. Of course, it is important to keep water consumption moderator and not excessive. In these cases of debilitated prana with overflowing vata, a yoga sadhana and pranayama program can offer additional benefit. Practitioners should even consider breaths that can be vata aggravating, in some instances, such as bhastrika can be used due to its warming attributes and ability to oxygenate the blood. Bhastrika is especially beneficial after vata has been reduced in the rasa/rakta dhatus. It is suggested that bhastrika should be continued for 30 seconds 1-2 times daily, and carefully increased to a maximum of 3 minutes over time. A daily sadhana of light stretches will aid in the increased flow of prana throughout the nadis. The yoga sadhana can as little as 15-20 minutes, emphasis should be given to the nadi’s flowing around the spinal column, and major nadi’s associated with arms and legs, when creating a set. For pranayama and yoga sadhana, all contraindications should be followed.

Additional factors to consider would also include stress. Combating stress could involve the use of relaxants, but the yoga and pranayama program should address stress better. The addition of meditation would be beneficial. Vata reducing meditation and grounding meditation might help. Practitioners should also consider japa practice that an individual is doing; this may require a temporary reduction of mantra if vata aggravating or excessive, in some instances warming mantras could be beneficial as well. Analysis of stress issues can provide additional insight into which mantras would be most appropriate.

With individuals highly skilled in meditation, I have observed the ability to use meditative techniques to cause the lesions to go away. This is not common, as many do not posses the degree of concentration and meditation to cause the body to rebalance at a specific cellular level. Having said this, it is possible though. The effect seems to be similar to “thinking” warts away. Interestingly though, there is no association with seborrheic keratosis with a virus, as is the case with warts.

For individuals with seborrheic keratosis consult with your doctor and ayurvedic practitioner prior to attempting any treatment. If one is pregnant or nursing do not attempt this program. This program is not appropriate for children as well.

Note: this article is not to be used as a treatment plan or treatment for any disease. Always consult with your primary health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is for educational purposes only, pertaining to the Ayurvedic view of health and wellness.