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| SAUNDRYA AYURVEDA |
| AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF NATURAL
BEAUTY |
The
concept of beauty care is followed since the ages especially
by the females. The use of various lepas (the fine
pastes) are in customs varying a bit state wise or country
wise. In those days the commonly used herbs or pulses were
used to be grinded and by the simple addition of milk, water
or rosewater people use to apply over the face. In Indian
tradition just few days before marriage the family members
of the would be bride, apply the paste of besan (black
gram powder) with mustard oil and rub it over the body and
this done for 3 to 4 days. It improves the complexion. The
same combination is rubbed over the body of young children
who have excess of delicate body hairs.
Similarly lots of other applications are observed
day to day for various parts of the body like for eyes,
lips, feet, hands etc. But Ayurveda has a very vast dimension
to give perfection to the beauty by various means. Broadly
speaking the factors which are responsible for the beauty
of a person are -: |
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The perfect digestion and assimilation
of our food together with proper and regular evacuation
of wastes that is essential for being healthy. This is responsible
for the strength, stamina and beauty of an individual which
is reflected by the clear skin, bright eyes, shining hairs,
strong nails and moist lips.
Definitely the major role is played by the
food which is eaten as it is the ahara which is going
to give the nourishment to all the seven dhatus of
the body. The 'Skin' is an upadhatu (sub-tissue)
of mamsa dhatu (muscle-tissue). The scalp hairs are
updhatu of majja dhatu (bone-marrow tissue).
The Nails, Body hairs, hairs of Beard & Moustache are
the mala (wastes) of the asthi dhatu (skeletal-
tissue).
This way we can co-relate and find out the
imperfection and quality of our Skin, Hairs, Nails etc.
with the concerned dhatus and take the measures to correct
it, if required.
Good digestion is enhanced by :-
a) Perfect selection of the
food.
b) Skillful preparation of foods &
c)Eating in quite clean and friendly atmosphere
In addition, the other measures about the
Dietetics must be followed according to principles of ayurveda.
Apart from it life style also plays
an important role. Like getting up before sunrise (6:00
am); a brisk walk or doing Yogasanas; Meditation; proper
external and internal cleansing of the body.
External bath
requires proper selection of the Soap, Shampoo or the herbs
to be added in water for taking bath. Internal cleansing
involves the Yogic procedures of 'Hatha Yoga' i.e. the shatkarmas
Neti, Nauli, Basti, Dhauti, Tratak & Kapalbhati.
Then there must
be a balance between the sitting, standing and lying hours
in a day. In addition, one must be aware of about the general
rules of non-suppression of 13 natural urges as the suppression
of vomiting can lead to various skin diseases.
Vegetarian diet has lot to
do in delaying the onset of aging. Let's have a glimpse
on certain foods for their ant- aging effect
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There are numerous advantages this food offers.
It boosts the good cholesterol and improves the ratio of
HDL ( high density lipoproteins) to LDL (low density lipoproteins)
. It provides the fighting oxidants one of them being genistain
clogged arteries and the formation of cancer cells.
The Antioxidants
and Phytochemicals present in soya bean are especially useful
in obstructing the formation of hormone related cancers
like breast cancer,prostate cancer. Being a rich source
of calcium and iron , Soya food , proves beneficial in the
treatment of 'Anemia' and osteoporosis. Japanese the largest
consumer of Soya products, have the largest life expectancy
in the world .
A food with cheese like consistency made from
Soya milk can increase the life span, as studied in some
animal experiments which revealed that 12-15% longer life
span was observed than in animals fed on casein the milk
protein in paneer.
The problems of cholesterol can be easily
solved by switching over to almond or olive oil. Because,
while other refined vegetable oils lower the LDL (bad cholesterol)
and HDL (good cholesterol) simultaneously . These keeps
up the HDL while lowing the total blood cholesterol &
HDL .
These retard
the destructive effects of free radicals to a greater extent,
which mean that your body has fewer free radicals, hence
delaying aging.These oils contain antioxidants which protect
your body cells from the effect of carcinogens.
Like wise there
can be hundreds of dietary type to keep your self fit and
young which your Ayurveda Physician can tell you.
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The
genetic factors about the different races in the world decide
the complexion of an offspring right from the birth, but
there are some other factors also which play an important
role like in cold countries we find the fairer complexion
and in hot climate like in tropical countries there is more
probability of dark complexion. Some role is played by the
diet of the mother during pregnancy on the foetus. However,
after birth, it matters how we take care of our skin and
body.
Exposure to sun,
dietary habits, sound sleep, sound mind, pollution, level
of humidity over the hilly areas or near the coast, levelof
salts in atmosphere; every factor counts. Ayurveda provides
few creams with some precious herbs to protect skin in unnatural
circumstances.
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The atmosphere at home or at working place or in the public
places also has a great role in the beauty of an individual
which is never thought grossly.
A saint indulged
in holy rituals living in a calm and quite atmosphere in
a jungle and who has attained a good level in meditation
; could be seen with a divine beauty on his face ; which
is unmatchable and can never be attained with artificial
cosmetics . So peace at mental level is necessary for perfect
beauty .The tense atmosphere at working place, negative
thoughts, jealousy, hatred, anger etc.vitiate vata according
to Ayurveda and there by can lead to blackishness or hyperpigmentation
over a face or at particular site in the body.
Judicious application
of herbal gels; or cream with Yoga and meditation can certainly
replenish your external and internal look.
The instances of allergy and skin disorders
are at increase. The chemical based cosmetics are a great
health hazard. Synthetic colors and certain chemical compounds
to provide shining used in lip glosses, nail enamels and
mascaras; alkalies in shampoos used as bases; mineral oils
and animal fats used in hair oils; chemical based synthetic
gums used in bindis (Indian sign wore by females on forehead);
few organic compounds with synthetic perfumes used in deodorants
and alcoholic extracts used in perfumes are polluting human
body to an extent that irreparable loss is been inflicted
to the skin, scalp, eyes, and livers(because of absorption
of certain chemicals used locally to the organic system
of the body).
Most of the human beings are beauty conscious,
if we could provide them some safe substitute of harmful
chemicals incorporated in cosmetics the people will adopt
them like anything.
The application of Turmeric (Curcuma
longa) powder is as old as culture of skin beautification,a
face cream and 100% safe and effective color can be prepared
from this. This powder alone or in combination with Palashpushp
(flowers of Butea monospermum) can be used in any color
combination of natural cosmetics.
A cream of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
and Rakta chandan(Santalum album) has curative value in
skin allergies.
A cream of Saffron and Shvet Chandan
is helpful for erasing hypermentation scars.
Neeli (Indigofera tinctoria), Bhringraj
(Eclipta alba) and Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) have specific
action on scalp and blend in Shampoos and lip glosses which
will have medicinal effect beside doing aesthetic role.
Extracts of flowers mixed with extracts of different parts
of different aromatic plants are used in perfumes.
Dry powders of flowers and Shvet Chandan
(Santalum album) and Shalamali Kan tak (Thorns of Shamalia)
and then made fine powders are used as deodrants.
This is beauty of Ayurveda to use herbs
based cosmetics for aesthetic role and medicinal purpose
as well.
Apart from it all the parts of body must
be taken-care of thoroughly. For that let us give a bit
impetus on them.
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For the perfection of beauty, we must
pay due attention to the cleanliness of all parts of body.
Bathing once everyday is a must and in tropical
country like India it's preferable to bath twice a day especially
in summer. Bathe a little longer in a tub soaking yourself
for 2-3 minutes will make it easier for dirt and grime to
come off .
However, bathing in a tub can sometimes prove harmful as
the dirt tends to stay back even after the bath tub has
been drained of water. Also, in women, because of the prone
position there might be the risk of vaginal infection, as
water may be sucked into vagina due to negative pressure
inside. In, men it has been found that sitting too long
in hot water can be counter- productive for spermatogenesis
(Sperm production) can promote infertility.
Ayurveda suggests some herbs which are very
beneficial for skin and those can be added to the water
while taking bath viz : Chandan, Sugandhbala , Haridra,
Charila etc.
The areas behind the ear must be properly
washed . Oil from the hair may coat this area and attract
dirt; hence soap must be applied here. Take precaution so
that water or soap doesn't gets trapped there or it enter
the ears. Some of Ayurvedic creams can be applied to that
area to avoid dryness and some of the Ayurvedic oils can
be applied inside the ear to avoid dryness and to give strength
to the auditory system
The skin fold at navel must be cleansed with
a soft cloth or cotton. If required a herbal cream or ghee
can be applied to that area. 'Nabhi-Puran' is a procedure
in which medicated oil is poured over it; as it is said
to be the place from where thousands of nadis takes origin.
In Yoga it is the place for 'Manipur chakra'- one of the
center for consciousness in kundalini yoga .
Creases and the folds at the genital parts
of male and female must be cleansed.Many men don't know
that the foreskin of the penis need to be pulled back and
exposed part be cleaned. The folds of the groins are often
neglected specially by overweight people who boast several
layers where water, soap, dirt or sweat can get trapped
for some time. In the humid days the groin regions are prone
to catch some fungal infections or a sort of eczema which
causes painful situation and difficulty in walking. For
this application of a lotion or a powder prepared with the
herbs like Turmeric, Neem, Sandal etc. is highly beneficial.
The back, is one of these hard to reach places
with personal hands. To make the job easier back scrubber
or a cotton towel is best . The back is a place of spine
with a connection of nerves around it. If ever massage is
done before bath it must be done judiciously and with the
oils chosen according to the constitution or with simple
herbo-medicated oils; as it gives strength to the cervical
and lumbar zones.
The spaces between the toes are highly
neglected and heels which are cracked tend to collect dirt.
These are places of high importance from the marmas/ acupressure
point of view; Ayurveda suggests one must daily oleate (apply
oil) to the crown, ears and soles.
This is site which carries the longest hairs
of thebody. Length and the style are solely dependent on
you. Hairs must be washed at least twice a week. Flaking
of the scalp may be due to dryness and not always due to
dandruff; which can be prevented by applying a herbo-medicated
oils over the scalp. (Never Share Combs).Application of
the oil can invite the dust to be caught; so the selected
oil should not be very sticky.
Depending upon the constitution the luster
of hair can be oily, normal or dry for Kapha, Pitta &
Vata respectively.
Alopecia or baldness is a curse. Why it occurs
, how it happens and why some of the persons suffer premature
greying? Ayurveda's theory gives a very nice answer to it.
The pitta constitution persons are prone to premature greying
and baldness. Also the Dietary and daily regimen which aggravate
pitta may lead to it. Certainly it has to be considered
if there is some underlying illness or the past history
of a major disease, that has to be taken care.
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The most attractive organ over our face are
the Eyes; though the size and shape may vary individually.
Eyes must be sprinkled with cold water preferably when mouth
is filled with water.
If you are involved in a job which requires continuos eye
work like over the computers, studies, works in dark rooms
etc. Then its better to put drops of Rose water 6 Hourly
in each eye .
Apart from Eyeballs , eyelashes also may accumulate
dandruff etc. as in blephritis and due to some skin problem
one may reduce the hairs of eyelashes. These can be take
care of with collyrium (kajal) which is prepared with some
herbs ash mixed with butter . But precautions must be taken
from hygiene point of view while its preparation; it must
not have any irritating particle of herb which can come
if not grinded properly; also one pack must be used by one
person only and for both eyes different clean finger should
be used . This keeps eyes lubricated and good looking.
Ayurveda also has a very special technique
known as AKSHI-TARPAN, to give strength to optic
nerve; it also overcomes eyesight and over comes many eye
diseases.
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Properly dressed up hairs certainly
put a nice impression on others. Markets are flooded up
with various hair oils, shampoos, soaps, and gels etc. Some
giving the logic of vitamins some highlight some other factors
lots of hair care procedure have been evolved as high frequency
treatment hot wax therapy, hair transplant etc.
Researchers in England believe that smoking
may cause your hairs to turn grey or fall out sooner. In
a study reported in the 'British Medical' Journal that monitored
606 pt. over age 30, those who smoked were 14% more likely
to have gray hair than non- smokers and were 63% more likely
to go bald. While the researchers aren't sure how smoking
affects a man's hair, it may be just another example of
the premature aging that come with lighting up.
Most of us don't think twice when we grab our hair dryers,
but we should. Using hair dryers may increase our risk of
cancer, but that more likely dangers are electrocution and
scalp damage, let your hairs dry in natural air as much
as possible.
Hairs are considered as the wastes of bony
tissue and have direct concern with the pitta, the
responsijle factor for the digestion and metabolism. So
any defect in the bones or the excess of pitta may
lead to the problems of the hairs viz. Premature greying,
baldness etc. So to check this we must also keep in consideration
the constitution like the vata constitution person
will have dry, thin, rough, dusky, cracked and split hairs;
where as the pitta constitution person will have
thin, rough, brownish, ruly and straight hairs and the Kapha
person will have thick, firm, oily &black hairs.
The selection of the shampoos, oils
and gels or cream is done based on this.The herbs which
are highly beneficial are :
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba),
Tila ( Sesamum indicum),
Madyantika ( Lawsonia Inermis),
Palash Pushpa ( Butea monospermum),
Parijata ( Nyctanthus arborea),
Neem (Azadirachta indica ),
Dhastura ( Dhatura metel) etc.
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Skin, has a tremendous power to restore itself,
repair itself, replenish itself if and heal itself.So
religiouslywe bathe, cleanse, rub, scrub, grease,
nourish, moisturize, lubricate, tone and steam our
faces and bodies apply various facepacks and do
whatever we can to improve it.
Thousands of cosmetic companies are spending millions
of dollars to promote their products and prove their
superiority. People think that by opening a bottle
of an expensive cream or lotion, beauty will be
instantaneous. Sadly everybody wants every thing
instant; but be sure that nothing works much or
only temporarily unless your internal system is
perfect.
Some are born with lovely complexions
but over the years due to their nightcap and ignorance
wrong diet junk food habits may ruin their skin.
Every body with the proper care and judicious selection
of the herbs according their constitution and remain
years behind his or her age.
Our skin is alive and it breathes
feels and responds to loving care. It also acts
as body's first defensive against external elements
. It is made up of three main layer (Ayurveda says
it seven)
The epidermis or first layer consists of five sub-layers,
in the lower most new skin cells are created .The
dermis or middle layer has network of connective
fibers which contain proteins, collagen and elastin
that keeps the skin looking young & firm.
In the course of the aging process,
cross- linking of collagen takes place, while the
elastin fibers get thicker and brittle . This results
in a loss of elasticity and moisture , which, in
turn results in the formation of wrinkles. The subdermis
the deepest layer is are energy center and protects
oneself from temperature variation etc.
The top layer of the skin constantly loses its cells
which are further replaced. However, with advancing
age, this replacement rate slower down. Besides
, it starts losing the cologne base beneath, which
is responsible for elasticity, thus making the skin
look thin and lifeless. Premature aging is increasing
due to obesity, climatic conditions like sun, wind,
dryness and pollution etc. apart from nutritional
imbalance.
If one sticks to healthy fruits, vegetables good
diet, does exercise and protects the skin from excessive
exposure to sun with time -tested herbal creams
and gels it is possible to slow down the process.
Aging may be noticed by loss of glow
and sheen, fine lines around the eyes and lateral
to nose above lips, sagging of skin etc. This leaves
the skin dry and wrinkled. Sometimes with increasing
age melanocytes may produce uneven melanin , which
can cause Age-spots'
Smoking can have the disastrous effects on the skin
as the sun does, according to researchers, smoking
diminishes the level of circulating estrogen which
results in dryness and disintegration of skin tissues
excessive stress and mental tension affects the
physical appearance of a person .
You can help yourself to delay this
aging process if guided properly about the herbs
to be used externally some of the most beneficial
herbs are: Amla , Tulsi , Sariva, Manjishtha , Chandan,
Rose, Padmak , Palash etc. |
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