Everyone has heard the sayings, ‘beauty is only skin deep’, and ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.’ So beauty is such a beautiful word that everybody prefers to describe. Here, let’s approach the beauty from Ayurvedic point of view.
Ayurveda adds a spiritual dimension to the definition of beauty by saying:
“Inner peace brings outer beauty”
It says outer beauty as an integrated by-product of inner beauty and virtue. Inner beauty is developed through meditation, proper diet, ethics, a positive self-image, and various therapies, such as aroma therapy, yoga, and abhyanga (a massage-like therapy). These are the essential ingredients for developing a true and lasting aura of beauty.
Besides the seven doshas (Vata-Air, Pitta-Fire, Kapha-Water, Vata/Pitta, Vata/Kapha, Pitta/ Kapha, Tridoshic (all three dosha)), a special category exists known as changing skin conditions.
Despite one’s dosha, skin conditions change depending upon one’s diet, exercise, and the climate. Sensitivity towards cold, dryness and the sun may exist. It is important to remember that it takes the body between 3 and 5 years to adjust to good or bad eating habits and climate.
This is one reason that Ayurveda suggests gradual changes towards building a healthier lifestyle. It takes time for a toxic body to be cleanses; new cells and tissues built; and a new way of life and health to develop. Below are some Ayurvedic beauty care tips.
Post-Surgery: When the skin becomes scarred from surgery, herbs help heal the tissues. Aloe vera gel and mañjishþhá are the main recommendations.
Acne: Not only do teenagers get acne, but also many adults suffer from this condition. Acne is generally an excess of Pitta (fire). Therefore, Ayurveda approaches acne from both symptomatic and causal levels. To remove symptoms, turmeric cream and sandalwood soap, found in most Indian grocery store, work very quickly.
Simultaneously, one also should reduce the causes—the excess fire and toxins inside the body. If neglected, Pitta and toxins will cause acne to reappear, or manifest as illness in another part of the body (e.g., eyes, liver, spleen, gall bladder, heat, blood, and infections). For causal balancing or healing, persons should follow a fire- (Pitta) reduction diet.
Seasonal Conditions: Each season has a predominance of Vata (air), Pitta (fire), or Kapha (water). Ayurveda recommends that persons protect themselves from these environmental changes.