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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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