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A
Holistic Approach to Winter Skin Care with Ayurveda
By Shreelata Suresh
According to ayurveda, all the activities of
mind and body are governed by three psychophysiological energies known
as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When these three principles within us are
in perfect
balance, we enjoy good health. If one or more of these energies within
us is aggravated or out of balance, disorders result.
Each of these principles is also associated with a season. Winter
is the season when Vata rides higher than usual in most people's physiologies.
During these months, generally from mid-October to mid-
February, the qualities associated with Vata-dry, rough, cool-are
increased in the physiology. Increased Vata can thus result in dry
flaky skin, chapped lips and dry, brittle hair. If you are already
prone to these imbalances, winter will generally see an aggravation
of the conditions.
Here are some ways to keep Vata dosha in balance and prevent Vata-associated
skin problems:
-
Avoid exposing skin to harsh winter elements
such as freezing temperatures and drying cold winds. Dress warmly,
in layers, and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when you go out in
cold weather. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips. A
light layer of ghee (clarified butter) can also work as natural
lip protection.
-
Protect facial skin from both cold winds
and drying air from heaters with a rich natural moisturizer.
Apply the moisturizer
at least twice a day, once after your cleansing routine in the
morning
and again before you go to bed. Always apply moisturizer on clean
skin. Your hands can also benefit from the application of the
moisturizer.
-
Three or four times a week, offer dry facial
and body skin additional lipid support with a
replenishing oil. Choose a nourishing base oil such as almond.
Add six-eight drops of a Vata-pacifying pure essential oil such
as lavender or neroli to two ounces of the base oil, and mix well.
Apply to skin damp from the bath or shower to seal in hydration.
Test first to make sure you are not sensitive to the essential
oil you choose before you apply it on a regular basis.
-
The pre-bath warm oil self-massage, called
abhyanga, is a must-do in winter. The massage not only keeps your
skin silky-smooth, it also tones the muscles, calms the nerves
and aids circulation. Pat excess oil off with a paper towel before
you step into the bath or shower. Use a nourishing oil such as
almond or sesame oil for the massage.
- The
skin on your feet tends to dry and crack more in winter. Treat
your feet to a relaxing soak at night, three times a week. A quick
foot bath can be made in a large, wide-mouthed bowl with warm
water, sea
salts, Epsom salt and two or three drops of your favorite aroma
oil. After the soak, rub
in an herbal lotion, some shea butter or some almond oil on your
feet. This ritual will not only keep your feet looking good, it
will also help you ease into sleep.
- Do
not bathe or shower in very hot water. Warm water is much gentler
on your skin. Do not bathe more than once a day if your skin is
very dry.
- Do
not use harsh soaps to cleanse, as they will strip your skin of
precious lipids. Use a non-soap cleanser or very mild soap to
cleanse.
- Give
your skin lipid support from within by including soaked and blanched
almonds, soaked walnuts, whole milk, fresh cheese, and ghee (clarified
butter) in your diet. Drink a cup of warm milk laced with 1/4
teaspoon ghee at bedtime for a daily boost of lipid support.
- Eat
fruits and vegetables high in water content at every meal. Zucchini,
lauki squash, tender asparagus, tender greens, and carrots make
excellent vegetable choices. Sweet juicy berries,
cooked apples and sweet grapes are good fruit choices. Drink lots
of warm water through the day.
-
Herbs
such as Amla provide concentrated nourishment to the deeper layers
of the skin. Take Amla, widely available as a dietary supplement,
on a regular basis to replenish skin from within.
Remember that a holistic approach will yield
the best results. Try and incorporate as many of the above suggestions
as you can to keep Vata dosha in balance and your skin looking
smooth, soft and beautiful through the dry winter months.
Note: This material is educational, and
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
About the Author:
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor and writer from the Bay
Area. She writes for various publications on yoga and ayurveda.
For more articles on ayurveda, to buy premier ayurvedic products
or to subscribe to free e-newsletters, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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