Ayurveda And Your Skin

Ayurveda aligns us with the cycles of nature and one’s unique metabolic type. Don’t know your metabolic type?

My teacher would say to me that I could read the pulse from the chakras. He was right. By seeing and feeling which chakras are out of balance I can assess which doshas are out of balance- a gift of both skilled and intuitive findings. I never did fit in conventionally.

If you are interested in knowing your energy type I invite you to schedule a Marma session, if you are a returning client or if you are new the ” new client two-hour Consultation and Marma session” will provide a plan of holistic steps toward optimal health and vitality.

Details on my website @www.gedaliahealingarts.com

Winter with its dry cold, wind, and dry heat indoors can affect the radiance of the skin. By this time of winter, you may be noticing flakiness, lack of luster to the skin, lack of hydration, and even itchy dry patches.

Here are some Ayurvedic tips to improve the health of your skin:

From the inside:

Feed your Skin- eating a variety of “colorful” fruits and vegetables brings prana or life force to the body. We often stick to the same old things when it comes to food. Try something new like a fresh pomegranate, or pineapple, some cooked pears, cooked turnips, and beets, and include the colors of the rainbow. I know you know this, but actually doing it is something else. The colors of the rainbow red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet all have light frequencies that affect the chakras which in turn affect the physical body. These foods are “sattvic” in Ayurveda bring harmony and peace to the body and mind.

Leafy greens are especially good for your skin. They provide nutrients such as iron and calcium which help to nourish the blood and skin tissue. Some examples are Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, and spinach. Sauteed easily with ghee or olive oil perhaps some cumin and turmeric, salt makes them quick and tasty. You can top them over a bowl of soup or chili as I did this past week with my turkey chili.

Hydration- the obvious but not always complete this time of year. It seems to be an extra effort to drink more water during winter? Is that true for you? Aim for warm water or sipping on hot water, ginger tea, throughout the day. Carryin a thermos is an honest approach to exactly the amount of water you drink if you are doing it.

On the outside:

Sesame oil in Ayurveda is touted as an antiaging oil and it’s easy to get. Simply massage your entire body with sesame oil every day providing a barrier to the cold and a protective layer to your skin. Organic oil is preferred for this practice. You can even add one of your favorite essential oils to the rub. This practice known as” abhyanga” in Ayurvedic texts ( Charika Samita) is considered the most essential antiaging practice for human beings. It is said, done regularly it will bring youth and vitality to one’s being.

Dry brush

Dry brushing the skin can improve circulation while exfoliating the skin on the body. Always move in an upward direction on dry skin. This improves lymphatic flow and stimulates the blood underneath the skin. You can purchase a gentle dry brush for this practice ( not loofa).

Cultivating beauty on the inside requires time to slow down, breathe, meditate, and just be still. The peacefulness of just a few moments can bring a renewed smile or even promote a good cry releasing tension in your face. My daily walks offer me time to absorb the colors and light of nature and to breathe in possibility and abundance.

Treat yourself to a Marma session. This rare antiaging session can improve the skin by using acupressure points on the face and body to remove energy blocks and harmonize the chakras leaving a feeling of lightness and bliss!

My aunt Rose had the most marvelous skin- almost like a baby’s tush. She said “Get one face lift at 50”, and use a vibrator on your skin. She practiced yoga before her time and she always laughed and made jokes. Her smile was truly genuine. She danced and laughed and danced and laughed. I remember her shining face with great love. And she did yoga way before her time.

The saying ” fake it til you make it” really doesn’t apply to the skin. You can’t fake a genuine smile. You can’t fake looking peaceful or relaxed. You can’t fake being comfortable in your own skin. It is something you cultivate like a beautiful garden.

Ayurvedic skincare
http://www.pratimaskincare.com

The book “Absolute Beauty” by Dr. Pratima is a gem for an Ayurvedic approach to beauty both inside and out.

with fierce love,
Gedalia