Simple Skin Care Tips!!

As we all know skin always needs precaution and care especially in today’s life, because of polluted atmosphere and un-hygienic diet system.
Today I would like to share with you the simple but very effective skin care tips for glowing, wrinkle-free, acne-free and clear skin. As stomach needs good food every day to lead a healthy life our skin also needs daily care!

So, here are the easy tips:

1. Regular application of pomegranate leaves paste is useful for healthy and wrinkle-free skin. It tightens and stretches the skin to it give a new look.

2. Daily used turmeric powder paste clears all marks from the skin.

3. Daily used turmeric powder mixed with milk gives internal glow to skin and helps in blood purifying.

4. Lemon juice mixed with honey is very useful working effectively on wrinkles.

5. Holy basil leaves juice helps to remove white patches and acnes.

6. Margosa ’neem’ oil helps in dandruff and itching overhead acnes. Margosa is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects and as a very good blood purifier.

7. Multani mitti also works effectively on skin problems. Its paste is a natural face pack giving soothing effects to skin and clears skin from acne (useful for oily skin).


8. Aloe Vera juice is also helpful for many skin problems and gives the skin younger looks.

Ayurveda Diet Recommendations For Each Body Type

Ayurveda recommends foods for people according to their primary body type. The reason this is done is because it is believed foods can be both healing, and the source of imbalance and difficulties.

In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles, Vata, Kapha, and Pitta.

Pitta Characteristics :
* Determination
* Strong willed
* Good digestion
* Initiative
* Energy
* Passionate about many things

Ayurveda's Pitta Diet:

• Ayurveda's Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Bitter green vegetables.
• Fruits include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes.
• Dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses.
• Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat .
• Lot of protein.
• Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill and fennel.
• Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating.

Vata Characteristics :

* Flexibility
* Quick mind
* Creative

Ayurveda's Vata Diet:

• Warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion, paprika, rose water.
• Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries.
• Should minimize raw food
• Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution.

Kapha Characteristics :

*Strength

*Stamina

* Endurance

* Calm

Ayurveda's Kapha Diet:

• Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet
• Kapha should have light and low fat protein.
• Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery.
• Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet

Panchakarma in Ayurveda

What is Panchakarma?
Pancha in Sanskrit stands for Five and Karma are the therapeutic measures, therefore Panchakarma means five types of therapeutic measures. These are undertaken for the purification of the body and Ayurveda considers it necessary before the start of any other therapy.

The Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda is comprised of five basic types of advanced treatment for the evacuation of vitiated Dosha (toxic materials) from the body. One can consider this as a body de-tox program. These practices are extremely helpful in relieving deep seated diseases as well as being beneficial for maintaining and improving physical and mental health

Panchakarma is a unique experience that leaves the mind and body feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Many illnesses result from the build-up of toxins in the body that can impair the functioning of its natural defenses, such as the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Panchakarma promotes healing and restoration by eliminating these toxins from the body. Panchakarma is a gentle process that achieves deep cleansing without discomfort, allowing the rejuvenating energies of the body to flow freely.

Subtypes of Panchakarma therapy:

Abhyanga Massage :
Abhyanga massage is given to help the body expel toxins from the body as quickly as possible. This is a full body massage with medicated oils to balance specific conditions. The oils used contain herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies
Ayurvedic Head Massage :
This is an ancient technique to relax and relieve mental fatigue and confusion. It helps to create more clarity and regenerate the mind and brain activity for better functioning. The oils used for this massage contain herbs that are calming to the mind, and stimulant to the brain, nerves and sensory organs.
Full Body Steam :
This is a treatment that generally follows the full body massage. Excluding the head and neck areas which contain delicate organs and centers, steam containing vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs is given to the whole body. This helps the toxic impurities to easily leave the body. Thus their elimination from the body becomes easier. It also moisturizes and rehydrates the skin making it soft and smooth, adding to the benefits of massage.
Shirodhara :
A mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee is trickled over the forehead in a continuous warm stream in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. This is a special Ayurvedic treatment that gives total relaxation to mind and body, and is the best way to pamper yourself after a hard stressful day.
Basti: Enema Therapy :
Vata's predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic Basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal concoctions of sesame oil, and certain herbal preparations in a liquid medium. Basti, is the most effective treatment of Vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. It relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints.
Virechana: Purgation Therapy When excess bile, Pitta, is secreted and accumulated in the gall bladder, liver and small intestine, it tends to result in rashes, skin inflammation, acne, chronic attacks of fever, vomiting, nausea and jaundice. Ayurvedic literature suggests in these conditions the administration of therapeutic purgation or a therapeutic laxative.
Nasya Nasal Administration: The nose is the doorway to the brain and it is also the doorway to consciousness. The nasal administration of medication is called Nasya. An excess of bodily humors accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas is eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.

Ayurveda for Allergies

Allergies are definitely an adverse reaction to something external, however the fact that they occur originates from an imbalance of the doshas or bio-energetic principles that govern the functioning of our mind-body. As with all Ayurvedic treatment, treating the origin as opposed to the result is the key to achieving long term benefits and relief.

"Allergies" become a health problem when an excessive and unwanted allergic response occurs to particles that are part of our normal environment and are not actually dangerous to the body.
Some individuals are born with allergies, and have a genetic susceptibility to them. However, most allergies are acquired after birth. While inborn allergies can often be helped by the measures discussed in this article, acquired allergies are generally more responsive to such behavioral approaches.

The Main Cause of Allergies :1.Although pollen, dust, dander, trees and other allergens are the trigger for allergies in susceptible people, they are not the underlying cause. Many people are exposed to these substances every day without developing allergic reactions. Rather, it is the inner condition of the body that determines whether an allergic response results from exposure to an allergen.
2.Allergies result when the body has accumulated excess wastes, toxins and impurities.
3.According to Ayurvedic theory, improperly digested foods (called ama), and impurities, such as chemical additives, are absorbed into the body, travel through the circulation and lodge in the respiratory tissues, skin and other tissues prone to allergy. These accumulated wastes and toxins block the channels, trapping the toxins inside the tissues, and activating the immune system. When additional allergens such as pollen or dust arrive on the scene, the already irritated immune system goes into "high gear", creating the symptoms of an allergy attack.

Remedies:
1. Practice Jalneti : Its a traditionally performed with a small pot called a Neti pot that looks like a miniature teapot with a particularly long spout.
Fill the Neti pot with about 1 cup of lukewarm water. Add 5 to 7 drops of an herbal essential oil or other concentrate that brings out toxins and relieves congestion.Place the spout at the right nostril (but do not insert into the nostril), keeping your mouth open to allow for free breathing, and tip the pot to send the water into your right nostril.
2. Then follow with some pranayama techniques for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Follow with Nasya: Ayurvedic nasal therapy. Insert a few drops of oil into each nostril after washing your face with lukewarm water. Choose an Ayurvedic oil that that has been prepared to help alleviate allergies

Recommended Diet for Allergies :The main dietary and eating guidelines for allergies are as follows.
1. Eat the largest meal of the day at lunch, between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, when your digestion is strongest. Ayurveda recommends eating the largest meal when you are most capable of digesting it.
2. Avoid eating heavy meals in the evening. . Eat a warm, freshly cooked vegetarian evening meal without fried foods, desserts, cheese, yogurt or other curdled products, since these are heavy for digestion and cause more blockage, congestion and mucous.
3. Eat warm food. Warm food is much easier to digest than cold food. Ayurveda recommends we eat fresh warm food, freshly prepared. Avoid micro-waving, which has been shown to destroy over 90% of the protective antioxidants in the food. Also, avoid cold drinks, ice cream, frozen yogurt and other cold foods.
4. Avoid leftovers. Once food has been heated and then gets put back in the refrigerator it becomes hard to digest and very clogging in nature.
5. Avoid excessively hot spices, sour and acidic foods. These foods are irritating to the body and promote inflammation, according to Ayurveda.
6. Do include detoxifying spices in your daily diet

Ayurvedic Body Type!!

Knowing your Ayurvedic body type:
Ayurveda is a science that takes care of your every realm - mental, physical and spiritual. What is good for one person isn't good always good for everyone.Ayurvedic philosophy says that we are each born with some of the characteristics of all three types, but in different proportions.

Healing in Ayurveda is carried out by first identifying your unique dosha (skin/body ). Each dosha combines in a special way the five elements of the universe (air, fire, water, earth, space).

• Vata
• Pitta
• Kapha

Vata: Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It's very important to keep Vata in good balance. The related elements are Air and Ether
Creativity ~ Enthusiasm ~ Freedom ~ Generosity ~ Joy ~ Vitality
Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

• Creativity, mental quickness
• Highly imaginative
• Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget
• Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated
• Slenderness; lightest of the three body types
• Talk and walk quickly
• Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates
• Excitable, lively, fun personality
• Changeable moods
• Irregular daily routine

Ayurveda Massage

What is Ayurvedic Massage?

Using diverse techniques like stretching, rubbing, acupressure points etc. Ayurvedic massage incorporates long and energetic movements with special herbal oils. This massage is specifically geared towards the needs of each individual.
Ayurveda teaches us that everyone needs massage on a regular basis.In just the same way as a machine needs lubrication, the body loves to be oiled to protect it against the ravages of life and time. Regular Abhyanga massage promotes healing and restoration by eliminating toxins from the body so that rejuvenating energies of the body may flow more freely.

These massage techniques provide relaxation, circulation and elimination of toxins. If adopted as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to rejuvenate the body.

In ancient times, ayurvedic clinics did not regularly offer massage, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment were they referred to specialists that used the appropriate ayurvedic techniques.

Massage Benefits:

• Improved joint flexibility and of motion.
• Release of tension in muscles .

• Speeds up healing of injury and prevents further injury, Improving athletic performance.
• Bringing awareness to the body as a whole.
• Combats fatigue, tension and depression and restores emotional equilibrium.
• Stimulates production of antibodies, oxygenation of the tissues and cell renewal.
• It stimulates the digestive system and increases energy levels

Ayurveda Medications!!

AyurvedaMedicine:

Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these materials have been documented by the practitioners and have been used for centuries to cure illness and/or help maintain good health. Ayurvedic medicaments are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs, either alone or in combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin. The metals, animals and minerals are purified by individual processes before being used for medicinal purposes.

Ayurveda believes that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value. The medicinal properties of these materials are time tested and have been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicines to cure illness and/or help maintain health. Ayurvedic medicines are made from herbs or mixtures of herbs, either alone or in combination with minerals, metals and other ingredients of animal origin. The metals, animals and minerals are purified by individual processes before being used for medicinal purposes. Impurified materials are not allowed to be used as medicine.

The forms of Ayurvedic medicaments are:
Quath : Crushed herbs, used as decoction or tea for internal and external uses
Churna : Fine powdered herbs, used as medicine with water or in food for internal and external uses
Tail : Herbs cooked in edible oil according to rules laid down for internal and external uses .
Ghrat/Ghrit : Herbs cooked in special butter
Asav/Arista/Sura : A kind of light wine obtained after fermentation of herbs
Arka : A distillation of herbs
Rasausadhi/Kharliya Rasayan : Herbs mixed with metals, minerals and animal kingdom ingredients
Bhasma : Ashes
Parpaty : combinations of Metals , Minerals, Animal Kingdom ingredients and Herbs
Kshar/Lavan/Salt/Drava : these are specially prepared medicaments
Guggula based medicaments
Lauha Bhasam : Mandoor Bhasam based medicaments
Avaleha/Modak/Paak/Prash : Herbs cooked in Jaggery or sugar
Bati/Gutika/Goli : Mixtures of medicines shaped in pills, pillules or tablets for ease of administration
Pralep/Anjan/Varti/Dhoop : Liniments, drops, paint, paste etc. for external uses

Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Loss

In Ayurveda, hair is considered to be a byproduct of bone formation. The tissue responsible for building bones are also responsible for the growth of hair. Ayurveda doctors believe that early hair loss is related to body type and the balance of the mind-body constitution (doshas).

Pitta individuals, and those who have excess pitta in their system, are likely to lose their hair early in life, or have prematurely thin or gray hair. Excess pitta in the sebaceous gland, at the root of the hair, or folliculitis can make the person start losing hair.

Hair loss is treated in Ayurveda with a combination of diet, herbs, oil massage, meditation, aromatherapy, breathing and yoga.

Ayurvedic Oil Massage:To pacify pitta, rub some coconut oil on your scalp and on the soles of your feet at bedtime.
Massage your scalp with brahmi oil or bhringaraj oil at bedtime to help prevent hair loss.
Massage the hair with vitamin E oil. This also may prevent or slow down the hair loss.


Ayurvedic Diet for Hair:
Eat a handful of white sesame seeds every morning. One handful of these small seeds contains about 1,200 mg. of calcium and magnesium.
Take some yogurt everyday (unless you are allergic to milk).


Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair loss:

• Massage the scalp gently with coconut or almond oil daily for 10 to 15 minutes.


• Boil neem leaves in water. Cool, strain and rinse hair with it.


• Increase green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts in the diet. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast,Soya beans, whole grains and nuts.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Premature graying of Hair:

• Apply a paste made from 2-Tsp. henna powder, 1-tsp. curd, 1-tsp. fenugreek seed powder, 1 tbsp. coffee, 2-tbsp. mint juice and 2-tbsp. basil juice. Apply this paste to the hair for two hours. For a darker color, leave this paste in for 3 to 4 hours. Wash hair with any natural shampoo.


• Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1-teaspoon everyday.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Itchy scalp:

• Rub the scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.


• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.


• Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime- juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.


• Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Uraddal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week.


• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.


• Use Amla (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) for washing the hair.


• Enhance oiling and massaging of scalp.


• Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week.


• Use medicated oils on the scalp and massage gently in the roots of the hair.


• The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.

Most Common Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurvedic herbs are used to create remedies for various illnesses and to pacify the doshas, what Ayurveda calls each body's constitution. The basic premise of Ayurvedic medicine is that the doshas must remain in balance for the body to heal itself and to remain healthy. When one dosha becomes aggravated or begins to dominate your constitution, your health is threatened, but when you take action to bring that dosha back under control, your body can heal and strengthen itself.
By following an Ayurvedic diet and using Ayurvedic products, you can tame the aggravated dosha and bring your body back into balance.
The most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs are the following:

Ashwagandha : Ashwagandha root is used to strengthen weakness. It can help a person struggling with mental or physical exhaustion and is sometimes used to help overcome impotence or low sperm count. It is often compared to ginseng in its ability to naturally energize a person.

Coleus forskohli : The root of coleus forskohli is used for several purposes. It is believed to improve circulation, restore heart health, treat congestive heart failure and aid in pulmonary circulation problems. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs.

Ginger : Ginger root is used to aid in digestion, especially to treat nausea, upset stomach, and flatulence. It is often used in Ayurvedic teas aimed at stimulated healthy digestion and elimination; it is also included in many Ayurvedic cooking recipes.

Gotu kola : Gotu kola is often eaten as a salad or eaten as a medicinal plant leaf. It is used to promote healthy skin, hair and nails; it is also reputed to heal lesions of the skin and eczema.

Tumeric : Tumeric has been long used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat obesity, but it is now being used also as an anti-inflammatory to treat those who suffer with arthritis. Studies have shown tumeric helps break down dietary fats and helps protect against blood clots. Most Ayurvedic supplements are available in a variety of forms, from pills to tonics to teas. Check with an Ayurvedic practitioner near you for a proper diagnosis and prescription of herbal remedies.

Ayurvedic Principles:

Ayurveda is a science based on detailed theories and principles. These theories explain evolution and define the environment, human beings, and how they relate to each other. The main principles are:

Three primordial forces (Triguna):
The three forces (gunas) represent the phases of creation, as well as the qualities of the mind. Everything in the universe is influenced by the triguna (sattva, rajas and tamas). In the theory of evolution, sattva brings into creation and is pure consciousness, rajas is a maintaining and moving force and tamas represents the cohesive unity or destructive force. In the human mind, sattva is purity or goodness, rajas is action and passion, and tamas is ignorance or darkness.

Five Elements (Panca Mahabhuta):
The universe is composed of five elements. Everything in the universe, including human beings, are made up of different combinations of the same five elements. These elements are earth (prithvi), water (apa or jala), fire (tejas or agni), air (vayu) and space (akash).

Three biological forces (Tridosa):
In humans, the five elements combine to produce three primary life forces, or three "biological humors". The Ayurvedic term for this is dosa. As there are three, they are referred to as the tridosa (tri meaning three). The three dosas are vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosa is made of the five elements, however each has a predominance of one or more elements. Vata has a predominance of the elements of air and space and is responsible for movement, Pitta has fire as the dominant element and controls transformation, and Kapha has predominance of water and earth and represents cohesion.All humans have the three dosa present in different proportions. This unique combination of tridosa is responsible for our unique natures. Knowing your constitution assists both in preventing as well as curing the diseases. (see fact sheet on constitution for more information).

Naturopathy and Ayurveda

What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathy is a holistic system, meaning that naturopathic doctors (N.D.s) or naturopathic medical doctors (N.M.D.s) strive to find the cause of disease by understanding the patient as a totality of body, mind, and spirit. Most naturopathic doctors use a wide variety of therapies and techniques (such as nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture).

Ayurveda - The Science of Real Beauty From India

History of Ayurvedam :
The central theme of Indian Vedic sciences is to use the body, mind and soul to service the real self (cosmic spirit). Ayur(life) Veda(science) is the knowledge concerning the maintenance of a long and healthy life. Ayurvedic philosophy and teachings encourage people to follow a pure lifestyle, one that gives clarity, peace of mind and true satisfaction.

The research was done by two Indian sages Charaka and Agnivesa. Their work involved looking into the science of healthy living and prolonging life without illness. Charaka has compiled a comprehensive system of holistic medicine offering a wide range of modalities. Ayurveda can treat or help to prevent illness, reduce stress and increase overall quality of life.
The resulting Ayurvedic tradition is at least 5,000 years old in India. It is an integrated and comprehensive system of health, diet, wellness and balance for the mind, body and spirit.
The Essence of Ayur(life) veda(sciences)