Ayurveda is one of the highly revered ancient systems of medicine. According to it, our body has three major energies as Vita, Pitta, and Kapha. They have a direct impact on the working of the different organs of the body. When these energies are in a balanced state, our body is in a healthy and disease-free state. On the other hand, when there is any sort of imbalance or dosha in these energies, then it shows up in the form of discomforts and ailments.
Skin is a major organ that is impacted by the levels of these energies in the body. When there is an increase in Vata energy in the body, then it leads to dry skin. There are several potent Ayurveda herbs that can help normalize this energy and get well hydrated, and beautiful skin. So, let us learn about these skin-enhancing Ayurveda treatments.
Signs Of Excess Vata In The Body
Excess of Vata energy in the body has a direct impact on your hair, skin, nails, and bones. Your body gives signs that indicate a Vata imbalance. You would notice that your skin will start to become dry, lifeless, and dull. Your nails will become brittle.
You might also notice hair fall, and thinning of hair. People with a Vata balance also suffer from painful joints. These signs become more prominent due to malnutrition, clogged oil glands, harsh weather conditions, or any ongoing medication. Dry and broken skin is the breeding ground for microorganisms.
It can result in fungal infections. In people, who suffer from extreme dryness, it also leads to acute skin conditions like eczema acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, or any other inflammatory skin conditions. It thus becomes important that you take adequate care of your skin. Focus on Increasing skin hydration, as it can significantly prevent coarseness on the skin.
What Causes Vata Dosha To Increase In Body?
Here are some of the reasons that can lead to a Vata imbalance. Learning about these causes and preventing them will help manage the right Vata levels in the body.
- Exposure to dry and cold climate
- Controlling thirst, hunger, urination, defecation, etc.
- Staying awake late at night.
- Irregular eating habits.
- Excess mental and physical exertion.
- Consumption of dry, spicy, and bitter food
How Does Ayurveda Help Treat Dosha In The Skin?
Ayurveda system is based on the three energies such as Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. It is important for all these three energies in balance for optimal functioning of the body. When these doshas are in a state of balance, a person leads a healthy life. The level of energies is unique in every person. The healthy diet and habits of a person need to be tailored in a way that it helps you maintain the right optimal balance.
Our body’s metabolic process is based on the metabolic fire. When it is strong, our digestion is healthy. There is no deposition of the toxic metabolic waste that causes harm to the body. However, in the case of weak metabolism, your body starts to accumulate toxic Ama in the cells that lead to skin discoloration and various other problems.
It can lead to mild to severe skin problems. The type of skin issues with which you suffer indicates the type of imbalance or the Dosha involved. When Vata levels go high, it causes Kapha levels to reduce in the body. Kapha is associated with maintaining the right texture and moisture level in the skin. It keeps the skin smooth and soft, and Vata does the opposite of it.
As the Vata Dosha is airy and dry, it leads to painful and prickling skin issues that are associated with the dry, scaly, and wrinkled skin. Ayurveda herbs and formulations are widely known for very strong antioxidant and anti-toxic attributes that help expel the Ama and gives you healthy skin naturally.
Ayurveda herbs supply the skin with an adequate amount of nutrients that nourish the tissues, pacifies the skin, and lowers inflammation. These herbs are potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that boost your skin health and bring a natural radiance. Ayurveda skincare routines such as skin massage and regular Abhyanga helps expel toxins. It also promotes skin health.
- Along with treating your skin with these herbs, you should also drink adequate water and maintain adequate hydration in the body.
- Choose appropriate Ayurvedic diet and skincare products as per your skin issue.
- A well-balanced diet in conjunction with an appropriate eating plan supports digestion. Eat a diet that
- Prefer freshly cooked food over unused food.
Effective Ayurvedic Treatments To Treat Dry Skin
Now that you have known the effectiveness of Ayurveda herbs, let us see Ayurveda remedies that would make your skin bright and supple. These remedies are made with herbs and flowers that are purely natural and devoid of any side effects. When used regularly for a few weeks, you will see considerable relief from skin dryness. Let’s welcome soft skin with these homemade Ayurvedic remedies.
1. Apply Calendula Or Marigold Paste
This is a therapeutic flower that has got plenty of natural oils and flavonoids that gives you healthy skin easily. All you need is to collect its flower petals and form a fine paste. Apply it on the skin. Message it with your fingertips in circular movements so that it deeply penetrates into the skin. Let it stay for a few minutes. Wash off your face with luke-warm water.
2. Use Chamomile Extract
This medicinal herb is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It has got immense anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that help in the treatment of a variety of skin allergies, bruises, and ailments. Add chamomile extract in your bathing water or in your face pack. You would notice that your skin not just becomes rejuvenated, and fresh, but also smooth supple, and radiant.
3. Massage with Kumkumadi Oil
Kumkumadi Oil or Kumkumadi Tailam is one of the priceless treasures of Ayurveda. This oil is capable of eliminating a diverse range of skin issues effectively. It gives you clear and glowing skin. This specialized facial oil is made up of essential oils, and natural herbs.
It gives therapeutic as well as cosmetic effects without any side effects. This is a multi-purpose oil that gives you the benefits of nourishment, toning, cleansing, and moisturization. Regularly massage your skin with this oil to get soft, glowing, and healthy skin naturally.
4. Apply Fresh Aloe Vera gel
This herb has a remarkable healing and cooling effect on the body. It is a potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent that soothes your dry skin and keep skin rashes and itching at bay. An Aloe Vera leaf has 90% water along with other elements such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and essential oils.
It is a phenomenal moisturizer that gives you quick relief from dryness. Apply fresh and pure Aloe vera gel on your skin before bedtime. Let it stay overnight. Wash your skin in the morning. This treatment can be used for all types of skin.
5. Apply Sandalwood paste
Sandalwood paste is another beauty-enhancing ingredient. It has amazing cooling properties. The application of this paste removes dead skin cells and makes your skin soft. It will cleanse and moisten your skin. Add rose water to this herbal paste to get a fresh glow on the skin. Sandalwood paste prevents inflammation and reduces acne, rashes, and pimples. It also provides relief to your skin after excessive exposure to the sun.
6. Apply Neem paste
Neem is undoubtedly the best herbal treatment for all types of skin woes. It has effective anti-bacterial properties that work wonders on dry skin. Neem paste is also used as a skin softener. Prepare a thick paste of fresh neem leaves and apply it all over the face and body. It is an effective way to get relief from all types of skin infections.
7. Massage with Ayurveda Oils
Abyanga is a time-tested Ayurveda self-care practice that has been used since time immemorial. This is another very beneficial treatment to get healthy, nourished, and smooth skin. Massage your skin daily with luke-warm Ayurveda massage oil such as oil, almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and sesame oil. This process intensely detoxifies the skin. It clears the sweat glands and helps maintain the nervous system in the body.
Abyanga promotes skin hydration and replenishes tissues in the body. It also encourages the improved flow of blood in the body. It reinforces the emotional, spiritual, and energetic aspects of conscious awareness. Abhyanga also reduces stress and any form of emotional disorders efficiently.
Perform this massage for thirty minutes two times a week. Brahmi is a Vata balancing herb. Add it to the massage oil to get good relief from discomforts that arise out of Vata imbalances. You can also apply apricot kernel oil twice or thrice a week at bedtime. It will encourage blood circulation, lower water retention, and keep it supple, and soft. Soft, firm, and smooth skin gives you a healthy and youthful look.
8. Apply an Ayurveda Ubtan
Ayurveda recommends performing a periodic skincare routine. It should comprise of cleansing, exfoliating, nourishing, and moisturizing. Ayurvedic oils and ubtans keep your skin radiant and healthy. Prepare an ubtan mixture by combining potent skin-enhancing and medicinal
Ayurveda herbs such as dandelion, calendula, peppermint, sandalwood, neem, Aloe Vera, and marshmallow. This mixture gently exfoliates your skin. Their anti-bacterial properties help prevent the formation of acne. The presence of Aloe vera heals and moisturizes the skin.
Combine these herbs and prepare a thick paste. You can add a teaspoon of fresh cream to make it softer and smoother. Apply it on your skin and keep it for thirty minutes. Wash your skin with luke-warm water. You will notice that your skin becomes fairer, glowing, and smoother.
Lifestyle Tips To Help Balance Vata Dosha
With the onset of the winter season, there are chances of a vata imbalance in the body. As per Ayurveda, skin health begins from the inside. When all the energies are balanced, your body is healthy from the inside and this shows up on the outside. Here are a few healthy habits that you should incorporate into your lifestyle to balance your doshas and lead a healthy life.
- Wear warm clothes to keep your body warm in the winter season.
- A soothing massage with massage oils enriched with Vata balancing herbs keeps you warm.
- Make it a rule to apply coconut oil to your body before and right after the bath. It will preserve moisture content on the skin.
- Shower with luke-warm/cool water. Cold and hot water is not advised as they can make your skin drier. Also, limit shower to once daily as a frequent shower can dry your skin.
- Gently pat your skin and avoid rubbing it with rough textured towels.
- Avoid alcohol-based and chemical-rich face washes and soaps as they can take away the natural oils/ moisture from your skin. Go for herbal face washes.
- Always apply a good quality moisturizer after the shower and before bedtime. It will keep the top skin layer smooth, and soft.
- Daily exercise prevents the deposition of Vata in the body. It is a great way to release harmful toxins, boost metabolism, promote blood circulation, and keeps the joints and muscles fit.
- Get adequate sleep of at least seven hours daily.
- Practice meditation and pranayama.
- Avoid extreme weather conditions such as cold winter and hot summer season.
Ayurveda Diet Tips To Help Balance Vata Dosha
Here are a few Ayurveda-based diet tips that will help prevent aggravated Vata and maintain permissible levels of Vata energy in the body.
- Avoid stale, dry, and over-fried, food.
- Always consume freshly prepared warm food.
- Reduce your consumption of oils.
- Include salty, and sour food in diet as it enhances the Kapha element in the body and keeps your body warm.
- Consume more sweet juicy fruits.
- Avoid dairy foods.
- Coldwater increases Vata in the body. So, make sure you drink adequate amounts of warm water daily.
- Include more orange and yellow colored fruits and vegetables such as papaya, carrot, oranges, etc. Their high level of antioxidants makes them beneficial for the skin.
- Avoid junk, deep-fried and fast foods.
- Incorporate nuts in your diet as the healthy fat in them enhances the skin’s appearance. Flax seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, and seeds are good choices in nuts.
- Drink 2-3 cups of herbal tea that contains Vata balancing herbs daily.
Conclusion
Leading a healthy life will help you maintain optimum skin health. In addition to implementing Ayurveda treatments, you should incorporate the Ayurveda way of eating in your daily routine. Indulging in regular yoga sessions enhances blood circulation that will also help in promoting better skin. By taking appropriate measures, you can lead a healthy lifestyle.
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Proven Ayurvedic Treatments To Treat Dry Skin!