Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the skin and joints.  What is usually observed are red scaly patches on the skin which are areas of inflammation.  Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance that flakes off. These plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows, chest and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Many scholars believe that psoriasis was one of the many forms of leprosy in the Bible.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected as well. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. The rashes can actually subside after exposure to sunlight. Psoriasis is seen worldwide, in all races, and both sexes. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, people are commonly first diagnosed in their early adult years.

How Can Essential Oils Help those who Suffer from Psoriasis?

Many oils have soothing and healing qualities for the skin. Roman Chamomile, tea tree, patchouli, helichrysum, rose, German chamomile and lavender are great single oils that may bring comfort and healing to the scaly patches of psoriasis.

The essential oil can be applied neat, that is, undiluted. Use 2-4 drops to the affected area twice daily. 6-10 drops can be added to one teaspoon of regular skin lotion and applied daily or as needed.

One more thought-those who suffer from psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dry skin, allergies, and similar problems indicate an excessive acidic pH in the body. The more acid in the blood and skin, the less therapeutic effect the oils will have. Therefore I recommend doing a cleanse and going on an alkaline diet.

Want to know more about essential oils for physical health? The Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States on both aromatherapy and energy (spiritual) healing.

I’d like to invite you to explore our educational offerings. When you go to my site I will have a BONUS GIFT for you–a sample of our work.

You will receive free instant access to a Special Report on Five Biblical Oils when you subscribe to my free short ezine newsletter on energy healing and aromatherapy. You can get your free access immediately by clicking on http://www.ISHAhealing.com

From Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, a national program in Christian healing.

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The practice of using doctor fish to treat itchy skin was first used in the small towns of Kangal and Sivas in Turkey, where the fish are endemic. The spa in Kangal has been a psoriasis treatment centre since 1988. With no apparent cure for this disabling skin disorder, people from all parts of the world flock here for psoriasis treatment. Here, they get their first experience with the doctor fish nibbling away at their skin. Although psoriasis is the most widely known skin disorder treated here, dermatitis, eczema and most other itchy skin conditions also benefit well from the treatment.

The doctor fish have large appetites, as the high 36°C water temperature cannot produce enough nutrients for them.  So they would get into a feeding frenzy when they come across scabby skin.  The older and thicker your affected skin is, the more delicious it is to them.

However, not to worry.  The fish apparently only loves dead skin.  They will leave your healthy skin alone. The result? Those who experience having doctor fish to treat itchy skin emerge from the water with healthy, glowing, fully buffed skin.

If you would like to give it a go, then this is what you need to do at the spa: immerse yourself in the pool eight hours a day for 21 days.  Before having breakfast each day, you are supposed to drink a minimum of three glasses of healing water on an empty stomach.  You are also not allowed to take other medicine or medication during the period.

It is said that their mouths are made for licking and nibbling away the psoriatic plaques and scaly skin. The saliva in the mouths of doctor fish is the vital element in the treatment; others also credit the selenium-rich waters (1 gram per liter concentration) of the spa plus the high altitude Turkish sunshine (ultraviolet is beneficial for psoriasis treatment). The effects are temporary; psoriasis treatment using doctor fish to help is by no means a cure.  However, the results of having doctor fish to treat itchy skin can last for a few months.

Some of those who have experienced this unconventional psoriasis treatment  have gone on to
set up their own doctor fish spas in other countries. You can now find spas with doctor fish to
treat itchy skin in Germany, Ireland, and Austria. There are doctor fish spas in Asia such as
Japan. One other benefit when you go to these spas for psoriasis treatment is the chance to
interact and bond with other psoriasis sufferers.  Having psoriasis can be a depressing affair
but it sure helps to know that you are not alone.

Evelyn Lim publishes a newsletter on   Eczema Natural Treatment.  Thousands have read her articles and her story from ailing to healing skin. Gain access to free tips, her story and reviews on natural skin care products here at http://www.eczematreatmentsecrets.com

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Among the many unfounded claims of fish oil supplements is that they can cure psoriasis. This myth was sparked by a double-blind study which showed that patients who took 1.8 grams daily of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid), one of the two omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils, were better off than those who didn’t take fish oil at all.

While all that may sound promising, a single study is not enough to prove the use of fish oils in psoriasis. The FDA has reviewed scores of materials regarding the possible uses of fish oils and found that none of them hold water. Public health officials recommend eating more fish instead.

“The best way to get your fish oils is the way nature packaged them in fish,” according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in “The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia.” That means eating a lot of herring, salmon, tuna and shrimps daily which can cut your risk of a heart attack by as much as 50 percent.

Those who continue to swallow fish oil supplements – whether for psoriasis or other reasons – may actually increase their blood cholesterol level. But that’s not all: pill poppers can also suffer from loose stools, belching and abdominal discomfort as well.

“Other potential risks of taking fish oil pills: blood that becomes too ‘thin’ to clot in the case of an accident, and higher blood sugar levels for people with diabetes,” warned Lawrence Lindner in American Health magazine.

Psoriasis sufferers may turn to lecithin for relief. What’s the verdict on this fatty substance found in marga¬rine, ice cream, chocolate and mayonnaise? Again, there is no evidence that it works.

What we do know about lecithin is that too much can cause certain problems. The psoriatic patient who wastes money on lecithin supplements may end up fat – a condition that may trigger flare-ups. This is because lecithin has as many calories like other fats and contributes to obesity.

“Our bodies make as much lecithin as we need and any extra simply serves as a source of calories – and rather expensive ones at that. Extra lecithin is of no benefit whatsoever,” said Arnold Bender, vice president of the International Union of Food Science and Technology in “Health or Hoax?”

“An intake of over 10 grams a day will cause severe stomachache, sweating, drooling and loss of appetite,” added dietitians Annette Natow and Jo-Ann Heslin in “Megadoses: Vitamins as Drugs.”

What about zinc supplements? Can they treat psoriasis? A zinc deficiency (which usually occurs during pregnancy) can result in dermatitis (skin inflammation) of the face and limbs which may resemble psoriasis. Gorging on zinc tablets, however, has no effect on the disease itself.

Taking as much as 500 milligrams can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other side effects are dehydration, stomach pain, poor muscle coordination, tiredness and kidney failure, according to Drs. Harold M. Silverman, Joseph A. Romano, and Gary Elmer in “The Vitamin Book: A No-Nonsense Consumer Guide.”

“One group reported that in young men large doses of zinc (150 milligrams of zinc daily) depress high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. This is undesirable, because high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is thought to protect against coronary heart disease,” Hendler said. (Next: Treating psoriasis.)

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril – your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

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