Skincare

All treatments in Ayurveda are prescribed only after a careful diagnosis of the patient’s body constitution, family history, sex, age, stage of the disease etc

Ayurvedic approach to skin care will be to first find out the skin type of every individual. All ayurveda skin care treatments will be undertaken only after the doctor has diagnosed the type of skin of that particular individual. Once the skin type has been found out, the most appropriate skin care treatments are suggested and undertaken. It is then that not only the skin but the whole body of the person becomes much younger and full of vitality.

The first consultation with an Ayurveda doctor, including the diagnosis will last for more than an hour. The basic step in the diagnosis will be to find the person’s body humour (Dosha) ––Vata, Pita or Kapha, because it is the imbalance of these body humours that create every disease

The dominance of dosha in a person is found by asking several questions on his behaviour, food habits, sleeping patterns, personal details like age, height & weight, place of life, profession, health problems and medical reports etc. Ayurveda diagnosis comprises of clinical and laboratory tests also. The doctor can decide if an Ayurveda treatment is helpful on providing these details.

Pulse, tongue, nail, and eye examinations are important diagnosis methods used to reveal a person’s body humour and its imbalance. This will help the doctor in treating the disease.

Pulsedi agnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the dosha imbalance and the health of the various body organs.

In tongue diagnosis, the doctor checks the general appearance, colour and coating of the tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs of the body, the Ayurvedic practitioner can determine which organs of the body are out of balance by having a detailed tongue examination.

Nail examination is done to check the type, colour and shape of the person’s nail. Imbalances of doshas are easily detected on close examination.

In the eye diagnosis, the colour, size and even the shape of the eyes are important in determining the dosha dominance of a person. His mental status , nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be learned through eye diagnosis.

As per the ayurvedic system of medicine each dosha type will have a particular type of skin and will exhit peculiar characteristics. These are taken in to consideration by the ayurveda doctor at the time of the diagnosis

Vata skin may age faster, and tends to be dry, rough and flaky when out of balance. It is in general dry, thin, delicate and cool to the touch, gets easily dehydrated, and is very vulnerable to the influence of dry windy weather.

Pitta types need special skin care as they tend to be more prone to freckles and moles than the other skin types. When out of balance, Pitta skin can flare up in rashes, acne or sunspots. It tends to be fair, sensitive, soft, warm, and of medium thickness, less tolerance to hot foods and less tolerance to fieriness in temperament.

Kapha skin types may struggle with dull complexion, enlarged pores, excessive oil, blackheads, pimples, moist types of eczema and water retention. Skin care treatments for kapha dosha types would aim to rectify these drawbacks. These types are known to possess all the qualities of water and earth -- it can be oily, thick, pale, soft, cool and more tolerant of the sun.

Kapha skin tends to age slower and form less wrinkles than the other two types; Vata-Pitta skin is both dry and sensitive, Kapha-Pitta-skin is oily and sensitive and Vata-Kapha- skin is dry with some oily zones.

A preliminary consultation with Ayurveda doctors online is also possible nowadays for guests worldwide.

After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and Rasayana therapies .

The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, They are classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.

The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.These comprise diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda doctors will advise you how to lead a healthy life. The beneifts and results of the treatment are shown only after the Rasyana Treatment is over and docotrs advise is strictly followed. The results will manifest itself normally after 3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate itself.

For panchakarma skin care treatments, ayurveda, apart from considering the physical aspects, also considers both the emotional and mental factors. And, as per ayurveda, there are three types of stresses and all these three have an impact on skin care treatments in various ways. Mental stress starts a chain reaction that ends in a drying out the moisture in the skin. It is manifested in the form of thinning, dryness and the shrinking of the 'shrotasa' (micro channels) that carry nutritive fluid to the skin and result in wrinkles and stress lines.

Emotional stress also affects the skin: just notice how anger or embarrassment can turn your face red. This shows the connection between emotions and the skin. If emotional stress becomes chronic, the result is acne, sun sensitivity, and other Pitta-based problems.

Physical stress: exercising too much, working too much or straining the body over a period of time causes physical stress. This causes the drying out of skin moisture and the appearance of rough and aged skin.

Thus, for all skin care treatments to be effective there is a need to balance the mental, physical and emotional stresses. This can be achieved by maintaining a Vata-pacifying diet and daily routine for mental stress. For balancing emotional stress, follow a Pitta-pacifying diet and routine. For physical stress, try to limit exercise or work to fifty percent of your physical stamina.

It is to be realized that Panchakarma treatments will be undertaken taking in to consideration the physical, mental and emotional aspects.

Pre-purification therapies for skin care

back to top

These are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind

A few of the following pre-purification methods are usually adopted in the treatment of Skin Care

Abhyangam treatment ( whole body massage with special herbal oils ) is given to the patient It improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the whole body, delays aging, induces sound sleep, promotes vitality, reduces stress and removes toxins. Guuchi, Guggul and Indian gooseberry are some of the medicinal herbs used in Abhyangam.

Pizhichil is a special, rhythmic way of applying medicated oil on the whole body. The oil stimulates the vital points of the body and reduces the stiffness of muscles. The lost harmony of the body is restored. The oil used is made by boiling herbs such as sida, deodar, liquorice, calotropis etc in sesame oil, castor and milk.

In Njavarakizhi the whole body or any specific part of it is made to perspire by applying herb filled boluses on the body. Sida, winter cherry and asparagus are some of the medicinal herbs used in njavarakizhi. The treatment may last from one hour to one and a half hours

Udvarthanam is body massage with herbal powder lasting for nearly thirty minutes. The most commonly used powder is thriphala, a mixture of gooseberry, belerica and myrobalan

Ksheeradhara is continuous pouring of herbal milk in rhythmic ways over the fore head or over the entire body for about 30 to 40 minutes. Medicinal herbs and spices such as gooseberry, nut grass tuber, winter cherry, bael, sandalwood etc are used in this medicated milk

Main Purification Therapies for Skin Care

back to top

This is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors. The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for Skin Care are: Nasyam, Virechanam and Vasthi.

Nasyam involves the pouring of herbal oil into the nostrils. This opens up the head channels and enables the herb extracts to act directly on the central nervous system. Treatment lasts for twenty to thirty minutes. The commonly used herbal oil is a mixture of sesame oil and herbs such as sida plants, bael and vitex .

Virechanam is the purgation using oral intake of safe herbal medicines. This eliminates poisonous wastes through the anal route. Generally, the herbs used are turpith, embellia fruits, dry ginger,cardamom, long pepper, cinnamon etc.

Vasthi is enema therapy; the ace colon cleaning Panchakarma treatment. Special medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. Commonly used ingredients are dill seeds, honey, rock salt, herbal pastes, oils and decoctions.

These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course. Rasayana treatments for Skin Care consist of oral medicines and diet regulation.

Oral medicines for Skin Care

back to top

Herbal medicines form an important part of any ayurvedic treatment. Oral medicines for Skin Care will be extracts of pure medicinal herbs, leaves, spices etc. These are prepared specifically to restore the lost balance and to provide for Skin Care. Kashayam and Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams – semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed.

Neem, ginger, amaltas, nutmeg, liquorices, gooseberry, bael etc are some of the medicinal herbs used in the preparation of kashayams , lehyams and arishtams for use in Skin Care treatments.

The type and quantity of the medicines to be taken are decided by the doctor after a detailed consultation and examination. The patient’s body type, age etc are also important factors to be considered.

Diet regulation will be suggested at the time of Skin Care treatments. A Proper diet will assure a healthy and glowing skin. Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest for the needed organs.

One should consume large amounts of water through out the day as this will help to flush out the waste matter through the urine.

Foods that have a bitter taste are good for the skin; however, consumption of fat and sour substances, difficult to digest foods, consuming foods that are allergic to the skin is all best avoided. A diet of natural foods and germinated wheat are recommended. Raw root vegetables, whole wheat bread and honey are recommended. Juice of fresh fruits and vegetables should also be consumed. An occasional fasting is also advisable.

Skin care would also call for consumption of foods that are skin enhancers such as: green leafy vegetables; easily digested proteins such as paneer, milk, tofu, sunflower seeds; foods high in zinc such as quinoa; and beta-carotene-rich foods such as carrots and sweet cherries. Almonds and walnuts support proper skin care with their protein and lubricating fat content. Some skin-friendly spices include turmeric to nourish the first four layers of the skin; cumin to rid the body of ama; black pepper to cleanse the channels and fennel to balance the transformational ability of the skin. All antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as pomegranate, apple, pear, and bitter, green leafy vegetables are also excellent for all skin care treatments. One should eat only fresh, whole and organic foods and should stay away from packaged, canned, frozen, processed, and packaged foods.

Diet for Vata Type

For the proper skin care treatment of Vata type persons, it would be ideal to eat warm, sweet, sour and salty foods to balance the dry, rough moving Vata dosha. Such people should include organic milk, whole grains and green leafy vegetables in the diet. They should drink lots of lukewarm water everyday for internal hydration. Eat plenty of sweet juicy fruits to cleanse the body from within and provide hydration as well. Include a little healthy fat such as Ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in the diet for added lubrication. Abhayanga therapy done at home and deep support with facial oil would be excellent skin care treatments. It is to be realized that both mental and physical rest that help the body to recharge are of utmost importance in any skin care treatment. Use a gentle, moisture-balancing cleanser and splash your face with water several times when you cleanse.

Diet Pita type

If you have a Pitta skin type you will thrive on sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, as found in sweet, juicy fruits, rose petal preserve and cooked greens. However, they should avoid hot and spicy foods. It must be kept in mind that for a proper skin care, pita types should stay away from harsh, synthetic cosmetics as these can damage the sensitive skin and cause breakouts. They should besides, avoid hot spicy foods and an excess of deep-fried foods as they add heat to an already fiery constitution and will be drag on proper skin care. Ayurveda doctors suggest intake of lots of sweet juicy fruits and drinking of rose petal jam in cool milk every day as an ideal method of proper skin care. The rose is considered cooling for mind, body and emotions. A daily massage with coconut oil has been found to be highly beneficial in skin care treatments. Cook with cooling spices such as fennel and licorice. Take extra care to protect your skin when you go out in the sun. Use gentle, natural skin care products for cleansing and moisturizing. Provide added lipid support, such as facial skin oil, every other day

The ayurvedic herb “Flame of Forest” can help protect Pitta skin from photosensitivity and is an excellent skin care option. But like other ayurvedic herbs, it needs to be used in combination with other herbs for a balanced effect on the skin.

Diet for Kapha type

Kapha types with their oily skin need to take utmost caution in the diet as proper skin care would call for a selective diet. Their diet should be warmer, lighter, less oily, and free from heavy and hard to digest foods. Eating more bitter, astringent and pungent tastes help stimulate digestion and balance Kapha skin. Avoid too many sweet foods or deep-fried foods, they add to the oiliness in the skin. Apart from diet, mild exercises and warm oil massage done every day helps to improve blood circulation and would be highly beneficial for the proper skin care. Consumption of organic vegetables and fruits, exfoliating with a mud mask at least once a week, cooking with warm spices such as ginger and black pepper are all beneficial and go a long way in proper skin care. Ginger and black pepper help to stoke the digestive fire and inhibit the accumulation of ama inside the body.

You can find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself

Yoga and Life Style for skin care

back to top

Yoga and Meditation are proven and effective way to develop and maintain perfect harmony and balance in our body systems. It provides us with immunity against all diseases. It alters brain wave activities reflecting in increased relaxation and a better focused mind. The commonly suggested yoga exercises for a healthy and glowing skin are Sarvang Asana (Shoulder stand) and Pranayama (Basic breathing).