Ayurvedic beauty therapy Archives - PIOR Living https://piorliving.com Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:14:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.1 https://piorliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-icon-full-32x32.png Ayurvedic beauty therapy Archives - PIOR Living https://piorliving.com 32 32 145409425 Best Oil for Abhyanga https://piorliving.com/ayurveda/best-oil-for-abhyanga https://piorliving.com/ayurveda/best-oil-for-abhyanga#respond Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:55:55 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=15178 Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of oil massage. This can be experienced as self-massage with oil or you can visit an Ayurvedic clinic or spa to receive a professional abhyanga from a trained practitioner. Abhyanga is one way that we show ourselves love and that we receive nourishment from the outside in. When you massage […]

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Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of oil massage. This can be experienced as self-massage with oil or you can visit an Ayurvedic clinic or spa to receive a professional abhyanga from a trained practitioner. Abhyanga is one way that we show ourselves love and that we receive nourishment from the outside in. When you massage good quality oils into your skin, you calm your nervous system and Vata dosha, and protect your ojas (vigor and vitality). You may be wondering, what is the best oil for abhyanga? Let’s explore a few options!

Abhyanga: When, Why, and How

First of all, if you are new to Ayurveda, you may have some questions about abhyanga: when, why, and how. Though receiving a special abhyanga from a professional may be an occasional treat, self-abhyanga is a practice you can do daily. Traditionally, first, warm the abhyanga oil and then apply from head to toe, massaging into the skin. It is best to warm the oil using the double boiler method or you can simply fill a bowl with hot water and then place your bottle of massage oil in the bowl of hot water until it is gently warmed. The abhyanga oil should feel warm to the touch but not hot.

Take as much or as little time as you like to self-massage. Perhaps it’s a lazy Sunday morning and you can take 20-30 minutes to do abhyanga. Or, if it’s a rushed Monday morning, 5 minutes is great.

Ayurveda generally recommends that after you do abhyanga, give a little time for the oils to seep in, and then bathe or shower to rinse off the excess oil. However, some people do their abhyanga in the shower and others do directly after bathing.

Oil Nourishes

Regardless of your exact abhyanga process, quality oils are held in high regard in Ayurveda. Ayurveda teaches that the internal intake of oil and external application of oil nourishes the rasa (fluids of the body) and ultimately helps build and maintain ojas, our vigor and vitality. In addition, the oils that you choose make a difference.

The Best Abhyanga Oil For You

When considering the best abhyanga oil for you, you will want to consider your dosha(s) as well as the season and the climate. Here are a few guidelines.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is warming and nourishing. It calms and balances the cool, dry, rough nature of Vata dosha but will tend to increase Pitta and Kapha doshas. Therefore, sesame oil is a good choice for those with a predominant Vata constitution. In addition, this is a good oil choice for the fall and early winter, the Vata time of year.

Ghee and Ghruta

We know that ghee (or better yet, ghruta) are delicious and that they make fabulous cooking oils, but did you know that you can apply ghee externally too? Ghee is actually used in many Ayurvedic body therapies. Ghee is tridoshic, mildly cooling, and nourishing. It protects ojas and encourages agni, the digestive fire. Our bodies easily absorb ghee, whether we take it internally or externally.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is lighter and cooler than sesame oil. It is not as dense and heavy as ghee and sesame oil. This can be a good choice for Pitta dosha or for summer abhyanga, especially if you live in a hot and humid climate.

Mix It Up!

You may be wondering if you can mix oils to achieve the best oil for abhyanga. The answer is yes! You can combine any of the above oils to get the best oil for abhyanga for you. Also, you may want to add a few drops of an essential oil of choice or an herbal infused oil to further boost the effects of your oil for abhyanga.

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Can Ghee Help Your Eyes? https://piorliving.com/pior-ghruta/ghee-for-your-eyes Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:21:40 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=14145 Ghee and ghruta are remarkably nourishing oils. Highly revered with versatile uses, Ayurveda teaches that ghee nourishes all the seven dhatus (tissues), the brain, as well as ojas. Its lipid-rich nature is balancing for Vata dosha; it’s slightly cool nature makes it a great oil for Pitta dosha, and ghee is even suitable for Kapha […]

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Ghee and ghruta are remarkably nourishing oils. Highly revered with versatile uses, Ayurveda teaches that ghee nourishes all the seven dhatus (tissues), the brain, as well as ojas. Its lipid-rich nature is balancing for Vata dosha; it’s slightly cool nature makes it a great oil for Pitta dosha, and ghee is even suitable for Kapha dosha—when taken in modest amounts. You may have heard of ghee on your toast or ghee in your tea, but what about ghee for eyes? There are ways in which ghee can benefit your eyes—both internally and topically.

Eyes, Fire, and Vision

The eyes are most closely connected to Pitta dosha and vision relates to the fire element—the chief element that composes Pitta dosha. Therefore, with some exceptions, dry and irritated eyes tend to indicate a Pitta imbalance. Chronic dryness, especially during the fall and early winter (Vata time of year) may also point to a Vata disturbance. However, when it comes to many issues with the eyes, it is helpful to examine one’s vikruti (current constitutional state) to assess whether there may be a Pitta imbalance.

Signs of Pitta imbalance include but are not limited to:

  • Intense anger, rage, and/or judgement
  • Feeling hot
  • Rashes
  • Bloodshot, red, or irritated eyes
  • Burning indigestion, loose stools
  • Early graying of hair
  • Inflammation, particularly with redness and heat

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is likely that your Pitta may be increased, causing an energetic and constitutional imbalance.

Furthermore, if your eyes are bothering you, in addition to considering an overall Pitta-pacifying food plan and lifestyle, you may also want to consider ghee for your eyes. There are a few different ways in which you can use ghee to benefit eye health.

Firstly, according to Ayurvedic scholar, author, and practitioner Dr. David Frawley, “Ghee itself is the most important food for the eyes, and by taking 1-2 teaspoons twice a day, vision can be improved.” (1) Dr. Frawley goes on to mention that Chyawanprash is also a wonderful tonic for the eyes, as its chief ingredient is amalaki, which is beneficial for the eyes and pacifies Pitta dosha.

Ghee For Eyes: Lesser Known Practices

In addition to taking ghee internally to build ojas, calm Pitta, and benefit the eyes, there are topical eye treatments that use ghee for eyes. Netra tarpana or netra basti is a treatment in which the eyes are literally given a ghee bath. This can be a very beneficial practice. However, due to safety and sterilization practices, it is best to do this practice under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Or, enjoy this treatment at an Ayurvedic spa or clinic. You can read more about this practice here.

Ghee Gazing

Another Ayurvedic practice that uses ghee for the eyes is the practice of gazing at a ghee lamp. You can either purchase or make a ghee lamp (by placing a wick in a small glass jar filled with ghee) and then gazing at the flame for up to 20 minutes (1). Dr. Frawley comments that star-gazing is another wonderful way to cool and clear the visual field (1). Plus, lunar energy is extremely balancing for Pitta dosha!

Whether you eat ghee, gaze at a ghee lamp, or receive a special ghee bath for the eyes, it is clear that ghee nourishes more than just our bellies! But be sure to use a high quality ghee, like Ghruta for maximum benefits. PIOR Living Ghruta is authentically made according to Ayurveda traditions using free-range and grass-fed A2 Indian Gir cows.

References

(1) Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

 

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.

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Achieve Radiant, Clear Skin with These Ayurvedic Tips https://piorliving.com/ayurveda/ayurvedic-medicine-for-clear-skin Mon, 07 Dec 2020 15:15:49 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=10857 Do you experience acne, breakouts, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, burning, redness, and/or inflamed or aggravated skin? According to Ayurveda, your dominant dosha may be Pitta, or you may be experiencing a Pitta imbalance. That’s because the Pitta dosha can be hot and feverish when manifesting in the skin. If any of these skin conditions sound like […]

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Do you experience acne, breakouts, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, burning, redness, and/or inflamed or aggravated skin? According to Ayurveda, your dominant dosha may be Pitta, or you may be experiencing a Pitta imbalance. That’s because the Pitta dosha can be hot and feverish when manifesting in the skin.

If any of these skin conditions sound like something you’ve experienced, you’re likely in the right place! Keep reading to learn tips and treatments from Ayurvedic medicine for clear skin.

(If you have dry skin problems, be sure to read Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin with These Ayurvedic Tips or if you have oily skin, read How to Treat Oily Skin with Ayurvedic Medicine).

Ayurvedic Medicine for Clear Skin

To understand how to achieve clear skin, it’s important to understand what causes Pitta skin-related issues. The Pitta dosha can become aggravated and imbalanced from the simplest of habits:

  • Eating too much spicy food
  • Not incorporating calming activities
  • Overworking
  • Sleeping too sporadically
  • Consuming too much alcohol
  • Getting too much sun
  • Engaging in competitive sports and activities

As strong and hearty as Pitta dosha may be, their balance requires extra care. Think of how reactive a fire can be when you add alcohol, wood, or water. Pitta types can react similarly! On top of this, even Vata or Kapha individuals can just as easily find their Pitta dosha off balance.

When a Pitta imbalance occurs, it can show up on the skin in the form of acne, breakouts, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, burning, redness, and/or inflamed or aggravated skin.

So, how can you use Ayurvedic medicine for clear skin?

Clear Skin Starts on the Inside

No matter what skin condition may manifest as a Pitta skin disorder, it’s important to balance Pitta from the source. Incorporating cooling, calming routines into daily life is the first step in balancing skin disorders.

Keep it Cool

Keep the temperature down in the house, avoid overly hot showers, and skip the spicy sausage pizza. Cooling activities like swimming, Yin yoga, and walks outside in the cool morning or evening air (when the sun is set) will all help Pitta dosha stay calm and balanced.

Eat a Pitta Diet

A diet heavy in oily, spicy, acidic, hot foods will only increase Pitta disorders. This includes fried foods, alcohol, and excessive red meat. Instead opt for Pitta foods that are sweet, cooling, and mild. Incorporating things like watermelon, figs, celery, apple, cilantro, coconut, mung beans, avocado, kale, mint, bananas, cucumber, melon, and rice can all have a balancing effect on Pitta dosha.

Incorporate Balancing Herbs

Herbal teas, powders, and formulas can also help balance Pitta dosha and skin disorders. Most importantly, incorporating balancing Pitta teas and herbs like cardamom, Triphala, neem, Brahmi, kava kava, ashwagandha, Bala, coriander, sandalwood, gokshura, and burdock root will help pacify Pitta dosha and reduce the severity of skin disorders.

PIOR Living’s Chyawanprash contains many of these nourishing herbs and formulas which will help balance Pitta dosha. Taking 1 teaspoon each morning, 15 minutes before eating, to regulate organ function and balance all 3 doshas.

For more tips on balancing the Pitta dosha, read A Comprehensive Guide to the Pitta Dosha.

Pitta Beauty Care

The following external treatments help reduce skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and redness. They are easy to incorporate into your daily Ayurvedic skincare routine, and help cool and nurture the skin.

Cleansing

Because Pitta skin types have mightier metabolisms and quick cell turnover rates, excessive cleansing is not required. Often times breakouts like acne are mostly due to internal factors (like hormones or organ systems issues), or an imbalance of the skin’s oil. Reducing the amount of product use will often help clear the skin, including replacing washing the face in the morning with simply cool water and toning with rose water.

For cleansing in the evenings, you can create a cleanser at home following this formula:

  • 1 teaspoon chickpea flour
  • 1 drop of chamomile, rose, or lavender essential oil
  • Rosewater

Combine all the ingredients in the palm of your hand to create a liquidy paste. After, gently massage the skin of the face and neck, being careful around the eyes. Rinse with cool water.

Balancing

To balance Pitta skin, you can simply use a cotton pad or wool saturated with rosewater and apply it to the face and neck after cleansing. You can also take a few drops and gently pat it into the skin.

Other hydrosols that are excellent for Pitta skin include chamomile, frankincense, orange blossom, or jasmine.

Masking the skin helps balance Pitta conditions as well. You can make a simple mask at home and incorporate it into your routine 2-3 times a week to alleviate skin conditions and as an effective Ayurvedic formula for clear skin:

  • 1 tablespoon of Aloe vera
  • 1 pinch of saffron
  • 1/2 teaspoon of powdered neem, frankincense, or rose
  • Hydrosol of your choosing

Mix all ingredients to make a fine paste, and apply to the skin. Then, let the mask sit for about 10 minutes, then remove with damp cotton wool and cool water.

Moisturizing

Pitta skin will benefit from cooling and nourishing oils, like coconut oil, or jojoba oil. If the skin suffers from excessive breakouts, however, it is best to skip the coconut oil and use only the Jojoba oil. You can add 1 drop of chamomile, rose, or lavender essential oil to the oil, mix in your hands, and gently massage in upward strokes all over the neck and face.

If the skin on the body suffers from Pitta disorders, you can use this same formula to massage all over, including the scalp. Pitta skin types benefit greatly from soothing, calming Abhyanga, as it helps to calm and cool their nervous systems.

Aloe vera is an excellent way to soothe Pitta disorders, and naturally balancing the moisture factor of the skin. You can use a dime or quarter size to moisturize the skin after cleansing. For the warmer months, keep your aloe vera in the refrigerator to add a more cooling effect.

Go Low and Slow

Impatient Pitta might be eager for things to happen overnight, but Pitta dosha needs a calming, relaxing, and cooling approach. For skin conditions to get better or show signs of improvement, it is best to allow 28 days for a full skin-renewing cycle to really see results. Remember to keep things at a low and slow frequency when aiming to reduce skin disorders and promote clear skin in Pitta.

 

Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.

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Learn What Ayurveda has to say About Hair Loss https://piorliving.com/ayurveda/learn-what-ayurveda-has-to-say-about-hair-loss Sun, 06 Dec 2020 21:43:28 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=10936 Hair loss is never an exciting chapter to arrive, no matter the age. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers us wisdom and treatment protocols for lessening and stopping hair loss. Understanding Hair Loss in Ayurveda The causes and severity of hair loss can be varied. Although hereditary factors often play a major role, Ayurveda identifies several major reasons […]

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Hair loss is never an exciting chapter to arrive, no matter the age. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers us wisdom and treatment protocols for lessening and stopping hair loss.

Understanding Hair Loss in Ayurveda

The causes and severity of hair loss can be varied. Although hereditary factors often play a major role, Ayurveda identifies several major reasons for hair loss.

Doshic Imbalances

Doshic imbalances are a primary reason for how and why you might experience hair loss:

  • Hair loss due to the Vata dosha may be the result of dry and dehydrated follicles, which will cause hair loss, often in patchy formations.
  • Pitta hair loss will usually be due to an excess of heat from other organ systems. This heat inflames the follicles and causes them to lose strength, leading to hair loss in hereditary areas with premature greying.
  • Hair loss from Kapha dominance will generally be due to an overproduction of sebum on the scalp. The clogged pores will cause a greasy scalp, and oily dandruff, and premature hair loss.

If your hair loss is due to a doshic imbalance, it’s important that you understand how to use diet and lifestyle to balance your doshas. Read our comprehensive guides to the Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha to learn about each dosha and how to maintain balance and achieve wellness.

Stress

Stress is a major factor when it comes to any and all diseases, and has been specifically shown to increase hair loss. In addition, the psychological disappointment of hair loss can be distressing. That’s why treatment for hair loss should always involve tips for mitigating stress. Doing pranayama exercises, practicing meditation, and developing a yoga practice that is calming and suitable for your dosha are vital in balancing your nervous system to reduce stress and subsequent hair loss.

Age

Age will also play a part. Generally, individuals over 60 years of age will endure the natural processes of aging. And this includes some hair loss.

Tips from Ayurveda for Hair Loss

Incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, tailams, and dietary changes will help you regrow your hair and reduce hair loss.

Herbs and Tonics for Healthier Hair

  • Amla (or gooseberry) has been used for centuries in Ayurveda as an antioxidant, antiviral, and to help balance all the doshas. Taking amla daily will help the body’s cellular renewal processes, and will strengthen the immune system.
  • Triphala includes potent ingredients like haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla! Triphala helps to regulate digestion, which helps with the absorption of nutrients. It is safe enough to take daily, and is great for all ages.
  • Brahmi clears the mind and reduces stress. It works specifically on reducing cortisol (stress) levels as well as boosting memory and concentration. It can also be used topically – read more below!
  • Chyawanprash is one of the most powerful herbal blends for overall health and wellness. Packed with over 30 potent and tridoshic herbs and superfoods, Chyawanprash helps to balance all 3 doshas, and provides the nutritional support needed for healthy tissues – including hair and scalp!

Dietary Support

Some helpful and nutritious additions you can add to your cuisine that help with hair loss includes:

    • Pumpkin
    • Mung beans
    • Kale
    • Spinach
    • Fresh yogurt
    • Coriander

Don’t hesitate to add some additional spices to your daily foods as well. These can include cumin, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, turmeric, and black pepper. All of these will aid in reducing hair loss by helping to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Tailams and Other Topical Treatments

Massaging the scalp with medicated oils is one of the best treatments for hair loss. It increases circulation to the follicles and helps the scalp absorb the nutritive herbs which strengthen the follicles. It is best to massage the scalp 2-3 times a week.

  • Bhringraj oil successfully treats various scalp and skin conditions. It is best to warm the oil in the hands, massage vigorously into the scalp, and allow it to absorb for as long as possible, overnight is recommended.
  • Dosha specific oils infused with essentials oils also help activate the hair follicles. You can specifically add the essential oils of rosemary, jasmine, lavender, or rose.
  • Brahmi helps treat dry and damaged scalp conditions. It nourishes and balances the hair follicles, making it an ideal and powerful scalp massage treatment to prevent and reduce hair loss.

Book a Consultation

If you are hesitant or concerned about your hair loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to your qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or Ayurvedic physician to discuss more options for treatment.

 

Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.

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How To Treat Oily Skin with Ayurvedic Medicine https://piorliving.com/ayurvedic-diet/ayurvedic-medicine-for-oily-skin Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:53:49 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=10740 Do you have oily skin? According to Ayurveda, your dominant dosha may be Kapha, or you may have a Kapha imbalance. The Kapha dosha represents the qualities of heavy, slow, cool, oily, damp, smooth, soft, static, dense, sticky, and sweet. Kapha predominant individuals are prone to develop acne, breakouts, comedones (blackheads), and milia (whiteheads). If […]

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Do you have oily skin? According to Ayurveda, your dominant dosha may be Kapha, or you may have a Kapha imbalance. The Kapha dosha represents the qualities of heavy, slow, cool, oily, damp, smooth, soft, static, dense, sticky, and sweet. Kapha predominant individuals are prone to develop acne, breakouts, comedones (blackheads), and milia (whiteheads).

If you’re hoping to get clear, smooth skin, Ayurveda can help. Read on to learn tips from Ayurvedic medicine for oily skin.

(If you think you have dry skin problems read, Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin with These Ayurvedic Tips, or if you have acne and rashes, read Achieve Clear, Radiant Skin with These Ayurvedic Tips).

Ayurvedic Medicine for Oily Skin

The factors that create oily skin are physiological and environmental. Most Kapha dominant individuals have oily skin because they are more inclined to produce excess sebum and retain moisture. That said, a diet and lifestyle that’s high in Kapha will make oiliness worse. This includes eating a diet rich in fatty, greasy, and heavy foods and desserts, not exercising enough, and sleeping too much.

However, oily skin is not all bad! Kapha people can actually benefit from their oily disposition. That’s because most Kapha individuals will be less likely to wrinkle later in life because of the extra oils. They also contain a healthy amount of Ojas, which is the subtle energy responsible for strength, health, and vitality.

But for those with oily skin problems, it’s recommended that you start to embrace a Kapha diet and routine.

Balance Kapha from the Inside

Balancing oily skin requires adjusting your diet and lifestyle to balance Kapha.

Eat a Kapha diet

Strive to incorporate astringent, bitter, and pungent tastes in your meals, and eat warm meals rich in Kapha foods (e.g. spices, vegetables, legumes, etc.).

Take Chyawanprash

Taking 1 teaspoon of Chyawanprash every morning 15 minutes before eating will help balance Kapha dosha. PIOR’s Chayawanprash contains over 30+ nourishing and balancing herbs, spices, berries, and other ingredients that help balance the body’s chemistry naturally.

Embrace a Kapha Routine

Some other essential Kapha-balancing tips include a morning routine that is Kapha-pacifying, a consistent exercise routine, weekly dry-brushing, and pranayama.

For more tips on balancing the Kapha dosha, read Kapha Season & Tips for Balancing Kapha.

Kapha Beauty Routine

A Kapha beauty routine will reduce oiliness and balance moisture in the skin. Following these recommended steps will guide you towards clearer, more luminous skin:

Cleansing

Oily skin will require a good cleansing routine. However, oily skin problems don’t mean that you need to over-cleanse. Cleansing once or twice a day is sufficient in balancing the oils of the face. You can create your own cleanser right at home. All you’ll need is:

  • 1 teaspoon chickpea flour
  • 1 drop of neroli, grapefruit, or bergamot essential oil
  • Rosewater

Combine all the ingredients with enough rose water to make a liquidy paste. Gently massage the skin of the face and neck, being careful around the eyes. Rinse with warm water.

Balancing

Balancing the skin’s oiliness will require very little product, but it’s important. When the skin is still slightly damp after cleansing, apply a few drops of sunflower oil to the hands. Warm the oil in the hands and apply all over the face and neck. Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), and ideal for Kapha types. For breakouts, apply a small drop of diluted tea tree oil on a cotton swab, and spot-treat problem areas.

Moisturizing

Just because there might be excess oil in the skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t moisturize the skin. You can make a simple and nourishing facial moisturizer right in your own kitchen:

  • 20g of kokum butter
  • 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
  • 1 drop of lavender, frankincense, or clary sage essential oil

Gently melt the kokum butter in a bain-marie. After it is cooled and beginning to harden, add the jojoba oil and essential oil. Continue mixing the formula until it is mostly hardened. You can store the mixture in the fridge for about a week, and apply it in the mornings and evenings. Only a small amount is sufficient.

Stay the Course

Change is hard for Kapha, so remember to be patient and persevere with changes. The skin can take up to 28 days to begin showing signs of change. With these tips, you’ll be on the path toward clearer, more balanced skin.

 

Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.

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Get Glowing, Radiant Skin with an Ayurvedic Skincare Routine https://piorliving.com/ayurveda/ayurvedic-skin-care Thu, 26 Nov 2020 19:17:01 +0000 https://piorliving.com/?p=10673 According to Ayurveda, our skin is the reflection of our current state of overall wellness. As a result, we all have the potential to enjoy radiant, glowing, supple, and clear skin by achieving health and balance. Learn how you can get beautiful skin with an Ayurvedic skin care routine. The Basics of Ayurvedic Skin Care […]

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According to Ayurveda, our skin is the reflection of our current state of overall wellness. As a result, we all have the potential to enjoy radiant, glowing, supple, and clear skin by achieving health and balance.

Learn how you can get beautiful skin with an Ayurvedic skin care routine.

The Basics of Ayurvedic Skin Care

There is a total and intimate connection between human life and nature. The same forces that harmonize our universe work in our bodies. – Melanie Sachs, Ayurvedic Spa

Balance the doshas

Ayurveda treats the skin by first addressing internal health. According to Ayurveda, we are each ruled by three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When one of the doshas are agitated or imbalanced, disease will occur. This can manifest as skin issues, like acne, dryness, oiliness, patchiness, dullness, redness, and more. Therefore, it’s important that you learn about each of the dosha types so can understand potential imbalances and how to correct them.

Care for your agni

After addressing potential doshic imbalances, Ayurveda recommends caring for the agni or digestive fire. Proper digestive function is the root of all other health and functioning in the body, so it is advised to focus on agni to enhance skin health.

If agni is low, ama builds up, and the skin will show signs of dullness, irritability, sensitivity, breakouts, and lackluster. In addition, if agni is too hot and sharp, you may experience fiery digestive issues, which can show up on the skin as redness and inflammation. Some steps you can easily implement into your daily routine that will help strengthen and balance agni can include:

  • Upon waking, drink a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon. This will help to gently wake the digestive tract and stimulate the movement of the bowels.
  • Incorporate Chyawanprash into your daily morning routine, consuming a teaspoon each morning at least 15 minutes before eating. Chyawanprash contains essential herbs and a formula that helps to regulate all of the doshas and promote healthy tissue growth.
  • Incorporate yoga into your morning routine. Strengthening the muscles along with stretching improves methods of elimination and detoxification (sweat, urine), resulting in improved kidney, bladder, and skin functioning.
  • Meditate every morning and evening. When the mind is quieted, it is strong and helps you make better dietary choices.
  • Make good dietary choices. Eating seasonally and based on your dosha or vikruti will ensure you are offering your body the ideal nourishment to function optimally, and helps you achieve a more glowing, radiant complexion.

Treat your skin

Taking care of your skin from the outside is equally as important as taking care of your inner health. These are a few Ayurvedic skin care tips and treatments to incorporate into your routine that are wonderfully relaxing and nourishing:

Cleanse

Cleanse your skin morning and evening, using cool or warm water (never hot), and with a gentle skin cleanser. Choose a cleanser that has natural ingredients, and isn’t harsh on the skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin according to dosha and skin type is very important in preserving the natural moisturizing factors (NMF), keeping the barrier between the environment and your skin strong, and maintaining suppleness and vibrancy in the skin. Ayurveda recommends practicing abhyanga with oils for moisturizing. The oil closest to the skin’s natural sebum is jojoba, but if you feel you need a more attentive oil for moisturization and barrier repair, try these:

  • Sesame oil is great for Vata or Kapha types, and for cold skin, poor circulation, dry skin, breakouts, or dullness. Sesame oil has a warming effect, is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
  • Coconut oil is the best to use in the summer months, and is ideal for Pitta skin that suffers from eczema, patchiness, dryness, and has antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is high in nourishing fatty acids which are essential in rebuilding and maintaining the moisture barrier of the skin.
  • Sunflower oil is best for Kapha predominant individuals, as it is non-comedogenic, ideal for thicker skin, safe for acne-prone individuals, and absorbs well. Sunflower oil is also tridoshic.

Feel free to add the essential oils of your choice to your abhyanga treatment (but consider opting for florals like rose, lavender, ylang-ylang, or geranium and shying away from citrusy EO’s as they can cause photosensitivity). Mix about 10:1 oil to essential oil, then warm up the mixture in your hands and apply to the whole face, neck, and body. After the entire face and neck are covered in oil, begin using gentle upward sweeping motions with the pads of the fingers and pad of the palms. Focus on areas where there is tension buildup and fine lines.

Incorporate marma therapy

Marma therapy can be incorporated into your face abhyanga and helps to release tension and alleviate the imbalances in the body. When massaging the face and neck, use your middle or ring finger to add slight pressure on marma points, hold for 5 seconds, then release.

Exfoliate

Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week using a custom exfoliant you can make right at home! You’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons of Besan (chickpea) flour
  • Half a tablespoon of finely ground Himalayan sea salt or sugar
  • 1-2 drops of essential oil to your choosing
  • A few drops of a freshly squeezed lemon

Take about half the mixture and mix with a hydrosol or warm water to create a paste in the hands. Apply to the entire face, and massage in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Remove with warm water or damp cotton pads, and apply the moisturizer of your choice. Regular exfoliation promotes glowing, clear skin.

Apply a homemade mask

Homemade face masks are affordable and can be deliciously pampering! There are numerous blends of ingredients you can create for at-home face masks. Here is one of our favorites that is tridoshic. You’ll need:

  • 1/3 cup of yogurt
  • a squeeze of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 tsp of powdered sandalwood, neem, or turmeric. (If using turmeric, be wary the face can become temporarily yellowed after masking)
  • 1 tablespoon of rose water

Mix the ingredients in a bowel, and apply to the face after exfoliating. Leave on for approximately 10 minutes, then remove with warm water or damp cotton pads. The best time to moisturize is after a mask!

Schedule a facial or massage

Ayurvedic facials and massages by a qualified esthetician, massage therapist, or Ayurvedic practitioner are also encouraged on a regular basis. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to perform customized treatments and expert maneuvers that encourage youthful, healthy, and balanced skin.

Ultimately, Ayurvedic skin care is based on balancing the doshas, caring for agni, and combining at-home treatments with a professional service. Together, working on each of these three areas will help you achieve radiant and beautiful skin.

 

Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.

The post Get Glowing, Radiant Skin with an Ayurvedic Skincare Routine appeared first on PIOR Living.

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