VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a condition in which circumscribed depigmented patches develop. In vitiligo there is focal loss of cells which produce the pigment “melanin” (melanocytes). It may be found in disorders like diabetes, thyroid and adrenal disorders and pernicious anemia. Trauma and sun burn may precipitate this. Although the exact cause is unknown, vitiligo is sometimes set off by severe stress. It sometimes runs in families, meaning that a genetic factor may be involved. A strong autoimmune association is noticed. As explained in previous articles autoimmunity is a condition where the cells of the body are attacked by the body’s own defence. The skin is made up of two main types of cells or building blocks: keratinocytes and melanocytes. The keratinocytes make up the bulk of the skin. The melanocytes are the cells that make the skin color. In people with vitiligo, the immune cells (cells which fight infection) attack the melanocytes and kill them. When the melanocytes in a certain area die the skin turns white. No one knows why the immune cells attack the melanocytes in people with vitiligo. It commonly involves skin of hands, wrists, knees and neck. The hair of the scalp and beard may also be depigmented. Sensation in this area is normal.

As discussed in previous articles, yoga addresses this problem at it’s root level. Yoga brings about deep relaxation and rest to the system there by bringing about harmony to the immune system and nervous system which mediate the autoimmune reaction thereby arresting the progression of the leison. Various techniques in yoga act on the mind body complex thereby bringing the body to it’s physiological base line. Asanas helps in relaxing the muscles, relaxation techniques like shavasana, bring about a deep sense of rest to the over stimulated system. Pranayama especially nadisuddhi pranayama and Chandra anuloma viloma help in calming down the body’s defence. Mediation brings about inner peace and poise which are essential for maintaining the homeostasis(internal environment). Notional correction trains a person to handle the situation with equipoise. Vitiligo can cause a lot of distress psychologically. Yoga teaches a person to handle the psychological disturbance by concentrating on the true inner self which is limitless.  

UTTHANA PRISHTHASTASANA
Practice