Vyanga (Melasma) in Ayurveda: Causes, Symptoms & Holistic Treatment

Vyanga is an Ayurvedic skin disorder characterized by dark facial pigmentation, most commonly affecting the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip. It closely resembles melasma in modern dermatology and is primarily caused by the vitiation of Pitta and Vata doshas, along with Rakta dushti (blood vitiation).

Ayurveda offers a comprehensive internal and external treatment approach, focusing on detoxification, dosha balance, and restoration of natural complexion.

What is Vyanga in Ayurveda?

Vyanga is described as:

·  Thin

·  Circular

·  Painless

·  Brownish or blackish patches

·  Confined mainly to the facial region

Classical Reference

क्रोधायासप्रकुपितोवायुःपित्तेनसंयुतः।
सहसामुखमागत्यमण्डलंविसृजत्यतः॥
नीरुजंतनुकंश्यावंमुखेव्यङ्गंतमादिशेत्॥

Aggravated Vata due to anger and exertion, combined with Pitta, suddenly localizes on the face producing painless, thin, brown discoloration, known as Vyanga.

Causes of Vyanga (Melasma)

Major Nidanas (Causative Factors)

·  Excessive anger, stress, grief

·  Overexertion and fatigue

·  Excessive sun exposure

·  Suppression of natural urges (especially vomiting)

·  Loud speaking, singing, or facial strain immediately after meals

·  Improperly administered Panchakarma

·  Day sleep

·  Excessively spicy, sour, incompatible foods

·  Hormonal imbalance (correlated with modern melasma)

Symptoms of Vyanga

General Symptoms

·  Thin, painless, circular dark patches

·  Involvement of forehead, nose, cheeks, chin

Dosha-wise Presentation

Ayurvedic Treatment for Vyanga

Ayurvedic management focuses on:

·  Rakta shodhana (blood purification)

·  Pitta-Vata shamana

·  Local complexion-enhancing therapies

Shodhana (Detoxification)

·  Siravyadha (bloodletting)

·  Jaloukavacharana (leech therapy)

·  Virechana in chronic cases

Classical Lepas (External Applications)

द्वेजीरकेकृष्णतिलाःसर्षपापयसासह।
पिष्टाःकुर्वन्तिवक्त्रेन्दुमपास्तव्यङ्गलान्छनम्॥१८॥
क्षीरपिष्टाघृतक्षौद्रयुक्तावाभृष्टनिस्तुषाः।
मसूरःक्षीरपिष्टावातीक्ष्णाःशाल्मलीकण्टकाः॥१९॥
सगुडःकोलमज्जावाशशासृक्क्षौद्रकल्कितः।
सप्ताहंमातुलुङ्गस्थंकुष्ठंवामधुनान्वितम्॥२०॥
पिष्टावाछागपयसासक्षौद्रामौशलीजटा।
गोरस्थिमुशलीमूलयुक्तंवासाज्यमाक्षिकम्॥२१॥

A paste prepared from two varieties of cumin seeds—Krishna Jeera (black cumin) and Shweta Jeera (white cumin)—along with black sesame seeds (Krishna Tila) and mustard seeds (Sarshapa), mixed with milk, is applied to the face. This formulation imparts a moon-like radiance (Chandra-prabha) to the skin and is highly effective in the management of Vyanga and Lanchana.

Paste of red lentils (Masura) macerated with a combination of milk and honey, and further enriched with ghee, is applied externally to improve complexion and reduce facial discoloration.

Masura lentils, after being fried, de-husked, and macerated with milk, are prepared into a paste and applied over the affected area for pigmentation disorders.

Kushta (Saussurea lappa) kept inside the fruit of Matulunga (Citrus medica) for seven days, then macerated with milk and mixed with honey, is applied locally over the affected area to reduce Vyanga.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) macerated with goat’s milk and mixed with honey is applied externally for its Rakta-shodhana and complexion-enhancing properties.

रक्तचन्दनमञ्जिष्ठाकुष्ठारोधप्रियङ्गवःवटाङ्कुरामसूराश्चव्यङ्गघ्नामुखकान्तिदाः॥१७॥

The application of a paste prepared from Rakta Chandana, Manjistha, Kushta, Lodhra, Priyangu, Vatankura, and Masura is effective in the management of Vyanga and helps enhance the facial complexion.

These lepams help in:

·  Reducing pigmentation

·  Improving skin tone

·  Enhancing facial glow (Mukha Kanti)

Nasya Therapy for Vyanga

A specially prepared medicated oil containing:

·  Kumkuma

·  Manjista

·  Yashtimadhu

·  Padmaka

·  Nilotpala

Regular Nasya is effective in:

·  Vyanga

·  Nilika

·  Palita

·  Mukhadushika

·  Facial rejuvenation

Common Ayurvedic Medicines Used

Internal Medicines

·  Arogyavardhini Vati

·  Mahamanjistadi Kwatha

·  Avipattikara Churna

·  Chandanasava

·  Sarivadyasava

·  Kaishora Guggulu

·  Gandhaka Rasayana

·  Pravala & Godanti Bhasma

External Applications

·  Kumkumadi Taila

·  Nalapramadi Taila

·  Kanaka Taila

·  Lodradi Lepa

·  Matulungadi Lepa

Panchakarma in Chronic Melasma

·  Siravyadha

·  Jaloukavacharana

·  Mukha Lepa

·  Nasya

These therapies detoxify the system and correct deep-rooted dosha imbalance.

Home Remedies for Melasma

·  Sandalwood & saffron paste

·  Turmeric paste

·  Kumkumadi taila + Aloe vera + turmeric face pack

Contraindications & Precautions

·  Avoid strong lepams on sensitive or inflamed skin without supervision

·  Panchakarma therapies should not be done during pregnancy

·  Nasya is contraindicated during acute cold, fever, sinus infection

·  Avoid excessive sun exposure during treatment

·  Do not mix multiple external applications simultaneously

Drug Interactions & Safety Considerations

·  Ayurvedic formulations containing Guggulu, Gandhaka, Bhasmas should be used cautiously in patients on:

o  Long-term steroids

o  Hormonal therapy

o  Anticoagulants

·  Bhasmas should only be taken under qualified Ayurvedic supervision

·  Inform your physician if you are using:

Conclusion

Vyanga (Melasma) is not merely a cosmetic issue but a systemic dosha imbalance. Ayurveda treats it holistically through detoxification, internal medicines, external applications, Panchakarma, and lifestyle correction. With consistent treatment and proper supervision, long-term results and skin rejuvenation are achievable naturally.