The skin is an important part of the human body. It keeps the body protected from external threats. In fact, a healthy skin can be a reflection of a healthy body. We all desire to have that smooth, radiant and flawless skin which seems to be a rarity. Is it possible to have such a skin? Yes, it is possible and you can begin your quest with the aid of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is the science of good, long and healthy life, which originated a few thousand years ago in ancient India. What sets Ayurveda apart from the rest of the medical sciences is that Ayurveda does not try to provide symptomatic relief. It has a holistic approach, which means that it goes to the root of the problem and removes this problem to cure the patient. Ayurveda also stresses on disease prevention rather than finding cures to diseases.
Ayurveda classifies the skin into six layers, which reach from the superficial layer to the deeper levels inside the body. Most treatments involve the use of topical applications, which fail to reach into the deeper levels. This means that although the symptoms disappear for a certain period, the disease itself lies dormant for a period only to surface again.
What are the major causes of skin diseases? Ayurveda counts dietary and lifestyle selections among them. Today, we can add environmental pollution to it. The imbalance among the tridoshas bring about ill-health to patients and in case of skin diseases the dosha ‘Pitta’ is the vitiating one. Pitta is the dosha which stands for fire and a body with high Pitta would suffer skin disease. Ayurveda suggests that a person may find a solution by shunning food with a high Pitta factor like, hot, spicy, fried greasy foods, acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits and yogurt; drinking too much tea, coffee, and alcohol, and smoking also aggravate the Pitta.
A patient may eat fresh vegetables, legumes, pomegranate, avocado and salmon. A good way to take care of your skin is to drink lots of water every day. This results in proper hydration and the flushing out of impurities in the body. Add fibre and food containing high density lipoproteins (or good fat) to your diet as this helps nourish the skin. Almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and other seeds and nuts may be taken in the afternoon. A couple of teaspoons of aloe vera gel may be taken on an empty stomach.
Never use soap (even if it be mild or medicated) on an affected area. Add neem leaves to water and boil it. Wash the affected part with this lukewarm water. Take a teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water before bedtime and this ensures free bowel movement. Application of apricot leaves in paste form on the affected area gives relief in irritation and especially is advised for patients suffering from eczema and scabies. A mixture of camphor and coconut oil exposed to sunlight for a couple of hours may be applied on the affected areas. Powder dried amla, turmeric and neem leaves and take one teaspoon of this mixture twice daily with warm water. Coarse and tight fitting clothing is to be avoided by the patient. Exposure to sunlight in the morning is recommended.
The presence of free radicals damages the skin and is quite prevalent today. The major source of these free radicals are environmental pollution and toxic pesticide residues in the food that we eat. The anti-oxidants present in fruits like pomegranate, grapes, blueberries help remove these free radicals from the body. A great way to remove toxins and free radicals would be a ‘detox’ program. Such a program can be designed by your Ayurvedic physician and can be done at home with minimum supervision.
These were general tips for maintaining a good skin. Ayurveda also gives out specific treatments for diseases. Even though it would take time, Ayurveda ensures permanent relief from skin diseases. A qualified physician would design you a diet and ‘detox’ program, and suggest medication for getting rid of your skin problems – naturally and permanently.
