Ayurveda is a lifestyle practice and medical system that is over 5,000 years old. It teaches that external beauty is a natural byproduct of internal health. And, it offers beautifying rituals that align the self with nature. Beautiful glowing and radiant body is desirable by every woman. our skin tends to become rough, dry, and irritated during certain seasons and with age. According to Ayurveda, it happens due to the accumulation of Vata in the body. Vata predominates in the fall and early winter and in people over the age of 50. When there is excess Vata, we are prone to dry skin, cracking joints, thinning dry hair, and brittle nails. Vata can also show up in the body earlier if you’re really stressed.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips that will slow down Vata accumulation in the body and will help you achieve a radiant body with glowing skin:
GIVE YOUR SKIN THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS
Vata Skin tends to be dry and undernourished. It needs heavy moisture. Seed oils (CO2 expressed) from rosehip or pomegranate help to hydrate vata excess. Essential oils such as Jasmine, Frankincense and Carrot Seed minimize the appearance of premature aging and revitalize the skin.
GHEE
Ghee is clarified butter made from pasture fed dairy cow butter. Therapeutic grade ghee, called desi in ayurveda, is made from raw milk that has been soured in an earthen vessel to make dahi (fermented milk) which is then churned to obtain makkhan (butter), and very gently simmered over low heat until all the water has evaporated. Consumption of ghee destroys vata, softens the body, and removes retention of excrements. It has sukshma quality, which helps it to nourish deeper and deeper tissues.
MASSAGE
Ayurveda recommends self-massage both to nourish the skin and to calm the body as a whole. Daily massage can increase circulation, strengthen the immune system, and remove impurities from the skin. Soothing oils massaged into the skin provide a protective barrier that leaves us less vulnerable to being thrown off-kilter by the overstimulation of everyday life. Choose organic unrefined sesame or almond oil.
DON’T SKIP VEGGIES
Stick to high-water content vegetables that are easier to digest, such as lettuce, carrot, cucumber, daikon radish (which is revered by Ayurvedic healers for its purifying properties), fennel, and tender asparagus tips. These vegetables are tridoshic- they are good for all types of skin. Combine at least 3 and enjoy with a simple olive oil-lemon juice dressing.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM SUN
Sun is the worst enemy of skin. Apply a good sun block on exposed parts of body. Wear full armed light coloured cotton clothes when you move out in sun. Do not forget to wear a hat and cooling glasses. Mix sandal powder in a large glass of water and keep it in refrigerator to cool. Transfer this into a sprayer and keep on spraying this on your body whenever you feel your skin is irritated due to sun rays.
TURMERIC
A signature spice in Indian dishes and an important element in ayurvedic medicine- turmeric has a powerful, almost magical effect on the skin and body. Traditional ayurveda and modern research both agree this culinary root herb (related to ginger) has potent anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial effects; it also strengthens and supports liver function. Add it to your food or favourite recipes- a pinch of black pepper along with the turmeric helps enhance its effect or take two tablets before meals.
PRANAYAMA
Prana is the universal breath that gives respiration to all beings, and the individual breath that flows in and out of our lungs. Prana is the origin of all planetary life. It is the refined aspect of vata. It’s quality is revealed in our movement, ability to direct our energy, recollection of thought, circulation, communication, clarity, and sense of stability. Prana can be directed to inuce certain qualities of mind through meditation and breathing practices. Mastery of prana through pranayama (controlled breathing) extends life, youthenizes skin, and rids the body of free radicals. Prana is carried in red blood cells and infiltrates every cell, tissue and organ in the body.