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There’s been a huge resurgence in the beauty world of ancient arts like Ayurveda, but what is it? I’ve known it’s something that
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would be good to practice, and although I know very little theory about it, I’ve always been attracted to the practice.
Ayurveda is the ancient holistic art and science of India, which uses natural hers, roots and minerals to bring several “doshas” into harmony and balance with nature and the environment. It treats mind, body and spirit as one, and strives to balance the essential elements that exist in all of us to attain our natural state of pure health.
Your dosha is your Ayurvedic mind & body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.
Ayurveda is concerned with five specific elements that we are made up of: ether (space) air, fire, water, and earth. The theory is that by using beauty products with Ayurvedic principles or ingredients, we can begin to bring our elements back into balance. The good news is, Ayurvedic beauty secrets are astonishingly simple, in fact, some of the best Ayurveic secrets are almost common sense.
Yoga Every morning, give yourself a little time for yoga. In just ten minutes, you can do some pleasurable poses, that will not only nourish your body but strengthens your mind and nurtures the spirit. Yoga also gives your circulation a boost, and also loosens ama or accumulated toxins, urging it toward exit points.
Breathe When was the last time that you noticed that you were breathing deeply and down into your abdomen? Ayurveda recommends breathing deep and slow. Inhale so that you can feel the air right reach into your abdomen. The use of a therapeutic essential oil or blend at this time – lavender, rose and jasmine are good choices – will support your deep breathing. Do this at least twice a day for 10 minutes each, and your skin will radiate bliss.
Warm Sesame Oil Massage A 15 to 20 minute massage with warm sesame oil can work wonders for the way you feel. This self-massage nourishes the seven different layers of the skin, and has several different Ayurvedic principles associated with it: ayushkar – conducive to longevity; twak-dardhya – helping to increase the firmness of the skin; jarahar – capable of “destroying” old age; shramhar – helping to reduce physical and mental fatigue, and mrijavard balapradha – something that purifies the skin, enhances the complexion and makes it more radiant and attractive.
So now that you’ve got some of the Ayurvedic Beauty Secrets down, try out a couple of the cleansing scrubs and moisturizing recipes and bring your doshas into balance!
CLEANSING SCRUBS
For Dry Skin:
- 2 teaspoons quick-cooking oats
- 1/4 teaspoon almond powder
- 1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder
- 1/4 teaspoon lavender flower powder
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
Stir together all the ingredients and apply very gently on face with fingertips. Let the scrub set on skin, then using very slight pressure, flake the mask off into the basin. If the mask feels too sticky, use warm water to rinse. Dab face with a soft towel, and apply a good moisturizer.
Instant oatmeal is excellent for exfoliating the skin. Oats counter daily sun damage and replenish the skin with vitamins B & E. Orange peel balances the Ph levels of the skin and softens it. Almond powder is a protein-packed exfoliant. Yogurt contains friendly lacto-bacilli that pacify an aggravated pitta. And the healing aroma of lavender powder makes this a soothing, pleasant mask.
For Oily Skin:
- 1 teaspoon toasted wheat bran
- 1/4 teaspoon almond powder
- 1/2 teaspoon orange-peel powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Wheat bran is a very efficient scrub, coaxing the grime out with ease. Combined with cooling yogurt, it helps gently exfoliate the skin. The Vitamin C in lemon juice promotes scrubbing activity.
For Sensitive Skin
Make as for dry skin, but substitute whole raw milk for yogurt, and use rose petal instead of orange peel.
MOISTURIZERS
For Dry Skin
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 drops lavender oil
This is a deep yet non-greasy moisturizer. Lavender oil keeps in the fridge for up to a week. Mix ingredients together and apply lightly to face twice a day.
For Oily Skin
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 drops of lemon-peel essential oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa butter
For Sensitive Skin
- 1 teaspoon white sandalwood powder
- 1 teaspoon marshmallow powder
- 1/4 tsp rose petals
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1 teaspoon barley powder