This month’s theme at Sankalpa Holistic Centre is all about skin from the lens of Ayurveda. Since in most parts of the world we are in lockdown, I thought let me choose something that we can take care of a little bit more than we are used to. There is so much to learn about this. I hope I can inspire you to take better care of yourself and to educate you in this amazing topic. I will share Ayurvedic knowledge, inspire you to experience with the senses through skin care rituals, provide you with interesting links to read or podcasts to listen. Enjoy it!

Ayurveda offers the perspective that while all skin conditions can seem superficial in nature, the skin is actually a reflection of hidden realities within each of our bodies. Skin conditions are rarely caused by an issue on the surface of the skin; they are far more likely to be the result of a deeper imbalance—making it somewhat ineffective to treat the symptom alone. — Melody Mischke.

Check out Melody’s Banyan Botanicals’s Soothe your Skin guide.

For those that are new to Ayurveda this is what one my teacher Dr. Marc Halpern writes about it:

Ayurveda, which literally means “The Science of Life,” is the healing science from India. It has been practiced for over 5,000 years by millions of individuals to assist the body in journeying back to optimal health. More and more people are discovering that these ancient principles are easily applicable to modern life and that they have the power to create health and contentment. Health comes when we live in harmony with our true nature as spirit. Ayurveda allows us to get a glimpse of our individual true nature and to find the best ways to live a life of balance. It provides holistic understanding and healing to people on all levels: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Ayurveda uses a multitude of healing modalities including herbs, diet, colors, aromas, sound, lifestyle recommendations, pancha karma, meditation, and yoga.

Ayurveda is more than just a popular form of alternative medicine. It is a system of holistic healing unlike any other. Thought to be over five thousand years old, Ayurvedic medicine teaches us to see the world as it relates to the elements—or doshas—of vata, pitta, and kapha. According to Ayurveda, everyone is born with a mixture of these three doshas. Determining your primary dosha is the first step towards finding your optimal state of balanced, natural health.” 

Banyan Botanicals Read more about Ayurveda

The major causes of skin issues according Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda poor digestion is considered the most important cause of skin issues.

• Taking something very cold right after sometime very hot. 
• Taking hot substances in hot weather, cold substances in cold weather. 
• Moving too quickly from fasting to feasting. 
• Milk combined with meat or fish.
• Repressing the urge to vomit – especially if there is burning indigestion after eating.
• Excessive sexual activity or exercise in the heat or after the intake of heavy foods or if there is indigestion.
• Excessive oleation.
• Eating before the previous meal is digested.
• Intake of uncooked foods.
• Improper panchakarma. 
• Excess sugar, pastry, radishes, freshly harvested grains, curd, fish and salty food.