Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine is a 5000-year-old practice that has been derived from the Sanskrit words “Ayur”(life), and “Veda”(knowledge).
Central to this divine science, is the concept of the five elements known as the Panch Mahabhuatas:
● Earth(Prithvi)
● Water(Jal)
● Fire(Tejas)
● Air(Vayu)
● Ether(Akasha)
These five elements combined in different proportions form the three primary doshas that define each individual’s physical and mental processes.
The three primary doshas are:
● Vata
● Pitta
● Kapha
Having an understanding of your core principles and doshas can help you create a personalized diet plan, lifestyle, and treatments in Ayurveda, aiding in the achievement of balance.
Beyond the Surface With Ayurveda: Mind-Body-Skin Connection
Our skin isn’t just a protective barrier, it’s a live mirror of what’s inside, a reflection of our emotional state, internal health, and the balance ( or imbalance) within. In today’s fast-paced and chaotic environment, it’s no surprise that our mental stress, anxiety, and grief often leave visible tell-tales on our skin.
It doesn’t end just here: your gut health also plays a crucial role in your skin’s health. Studies show how the gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms, influences our immune system and skin health.
Deeply embedded in the simple practices of Ayurveda lies the magic that offers a holistic approach to restoring much-needed balance. Mindful eating tailored to your predominant dosha, and stress-relieving practices of Ayurveda are just a few of the tried and tested practices. These age-old remedies address not just the skin, but the mind and the soul.
As Ayurveda’s [1] ancient wisdom states, “Sarve roga kalam prabhava”—all diseases stem from the mind, underscoring how mental health directly impacts your skin’s radiance. This establishes the connection that exists between your body, mind, and skin.
Ayurveda’s Secrets for Diet and Skincare
● Be Conscious of What’s on Your Plate
The “one-size-fits-all” diet that we often come across doesn’t work for everybody as per Ayurveda. The science believes in a much more personalized way of creating harmony between your mind, body, and spirit by creating a diet that aligns with your Prakriti and creates a balance between the three doshas.
Ayurveda also categorizes the different food items based on their taste(Rasa), potency(Virya), and post-digestive effect(Vipaka).
● Tap Into Your Inner Beauty with Yoga and Meditation
As wisely quoted by Patanjali, the father of Yoga, “Yoga citta vritti nirodhah”, which translates to Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of mind. This Sutra stresses how with consistent practice you can be in absolute control of your actions and reactions, thus achieving a calm state of being.
As B.K.S Iyengar, a well-known yoga-guru beautifully said, “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit.” This holistic approach aligns perfectly well with the principles of Ayurveda, stressing strongly on the belief that true beauty exudes from inner well-being.
Basic yet effective practices like Pranayama can help by boosting the oxygen supply to your skin, further reducing inflammation and puffiness. Yoga poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) and Shirshasana (Headstand) are also extremely beneficial. Meditation, on the other hand, lowers cortisol levels, enhancing a more balanced mind-body connection.
By embracing yoga and meditation in daily practices, you aren’t just going to treat your skin at surface level, but are going to heal it from within, addressing the root cause of all the imbalance.
Personalized Skin-Care Tips With Ayurveda
● Embrace Natural Ingredients: Basic Ingredients such as Turmeric, sandalwood, neem honey, aloe vera, etc are some of these that can give that oh-so-gorgeous glow to your skin and are a perfect choice for DIY recipes.
● Tailor Your Skincare Routine as per Your Dosha: Vata dominant dosha should opt for creamy moisturizers and almond oil as they have dry skin. Those with Pitta dosha have sensitive skin and must avoid going out in harsh sunlight.Opting for lightweight cosmetic products is essential for Kapha dosha.
● Adapt with Seasons: Adapt your skin to the seasons. For instance, cooling ingredients such as rose water and coconut oil are your ally in the summer season. Nourishing oils are what your skin needs during the winter season.
● Yoga and Mediation for Stress: Make a habit of starting your day with yoga and meditation to reduce the stress levels and pangs of anxiety.
Conclusion
So, yes, it’s time to glow from the inside out and embark on your own journey of holistic beauty with Ayurveda. Imagine a healthier, happier you—nourishing your body, calming your mind, and radiating a natural, inner beauty like never before.
Your body is more than just a vessel; it’s a living story, a deep connection between your mind, body, and skin. By making small, intentional changes to your daily habits, diet, sleep patterns, and skincare routine, you can turn your story into a masterpiece worth cherishing.
Why wait? Take that first step today. Start embracing Ayurveda’s simple yet powerful principles and discover the magic of living in balance and harmony.