Abstract:
Ayurveda and Buddhist philosophy have strongly described the relationship between skin diseases
and mental health. Correspondingly, modern research highlighted the similar interconnection
between psychological well-being and dermatological conditions. According to the secondary
data, approximately 39.4% of individuals suffering from dermatological issues worldwide
experience mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. As Ayurveda
is the science that intricately explains the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, discovering
the potential for implementing the ancient science in modern society is important. The
objective of this survey study is to explore the impact of mental states (Manasika guna) described
in Ayurveda on the prevalence of recurrent dermatological disorders (Kushta roga), to
develop a comprehensive management and rehabilitation system for patients with recurrent skin
diseases based on Ayurvedic theories. Emotional factors, behavioural factors, and three types
of Manasika guna (Mental qualities) mentioned in Ayurveda (Sathva, Rajas, Thamas) were
considered as independent variables, and factor analysis was employed to identify the interrelationship
with skin disease based on prominent Dosha of Vatha, Pittha, and Kapha of the Kushta
Roga (three main types of skin disease) as three dependent variables. Mixed types of data were
collected through direct observational non-interventional interviewing, through an intervieweradministered
questionnaire from randomly selected 250 individuals out of 1126 patients diagnosed
as Kushta roga (dermatological disorders) at the Dermatology Clinic of Borella Ayurveda
National Hospital, in 2019. As per the SPSS analysis, the data were reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha
≥ 0.6) and normally distributed. Multiple regression analysis has revealed a significant positive
relationship (P ≤ 0.05) between each type of Kushta roga and emotional factors, behavioural
factors, rajas, and thamas mental qualities. Conversely, sathva mentality exhibited a significant
negative relationship. Moreover, 72.8% of the patients exhibited misbehaviour and a low emotional
status (78%). Rajas Guna was higher than 68.8% and Thamas Guna showed 65.6% of
them. Sattva Guna was less than 61.2%. Accordingly, it is concluded that frustrated emotional
factors, aggressive behaviours, and low psychological conditions are responsible for chronic
skin disease and recurrent occurrences. Further clinical research is suggested, including biochemical
analysis, to introduce a new psycho-dermatological treatment protocol.
