A Narrative Review On Skin Biology In Ayurveda

Abstract

Exploration of the skin-related descriptions by Ayurveda scholars reveals that the physiology and anatomy of the skin, as well as its clinical and pathological features, have all been thoroughly investigated, nevertheless, the descriptions are dispersed throughout the Samhita under various parts. This article aims to compile all pertinent matters related to the development and physiological aspects of the skin along with pathological aspects in one frame and provide a probable scientific basis for it.

Based on Ayurvedic descriptions, the skin (Twacha), is the outermost layer that protects against the invasion of foreign substances, developed as cream formed over the heated milk. It is Updhatu of Mamsa Dhatu and Moola of Mamsavaha Shrotas, meaning that it gives the tissues below stability and nutrition. Skin is the primary site of Vata dosha, making it a sensory organ (Sparshanendriya Adhisthana) i.e., the seat of general sensations that processes all types of tactile senses including touch, pain, and pressure. The skin plays a significant part in the protection of the body, preserving metabolism and homeostasis, determining Prakriti (psychosomatic constitution) and Dhatu Sara (level of nourishment of bodily tissues) identifying illnesses, and deciding how best to administer medications through the skin for various conditions.

 Ayurveda has considered skin as a vital route for delivering medication and treating ailments by utilising topically applied ointments, gels, or other methods like external oleation (vahya snehan), massage (abhyanga), and fomentation (swedan). It explores the connections of skin with nervous, immune, cutaneous, and endocrine functions and various biological mechanisms and the rationale behind administering drugs through the skin.  This review will facilitate researchers and scholars of Ayurveda in better understanding of the biology of the skin, its involvement in different pathophysiological conditions, clinical examination, and the management of disorders in light of various recent biological mechanisms.