Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Vegetarian Information
I stopped eating meat about a year ago, and I've never felt better. After the first few days though, I was already running out of ideas of things to eat! Pizza every day probably doesn't make the vegetarian diet very healthy! Vegetarian information is really hard to find, unless you just wanna get sent to Peta's website's, and I don't agree with them or their beliefs at all. Most of the search results when you type in vegetarian information, or something along those lines, are really useless, except for this one! I realy loved using this system when I forst started out, and I still go back to it from time to time, just to help my body out on it's way to better health. I lost 26 pounds in my first couple of months, just by "quitting meat" and using this amazing cleansing system that requires NO DRUGS OR HARMFUL CHEMICALS! It just helps to get all of that extra junk out that the meat left behind. It's also great to use to clean everything out and lose a few pounds, even if you're not a vegetarian! I got my mom to use it :o) Please check it out, I guarantee you will feel so much better, and look better too!
Manifold Wonders of Massage Therapy
Massage has been used as a remedial measure from centuries. Massaging causes various physiological effects which comfort the body. Manually kneading or manipulating the soft tissues to relieve pain, discomfort, stress and to promote health and wellness is called as 'massage'. The techniques of massage to promote health and wellness are called "Massage Therapy". The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Massage therapy as "a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client."
Massage therapy (abhyanga) is recommended in ayurveda in the course of treating several diseases. It plays a great role in body detoxification process (Panchakarma) before starting the core treatment.
Usually, ayurvedic herbal oils or aromatic oils are used during massage. The oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.
Types of Body massage
Different kinds of body massage are adopted after analyzing the cause and location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage .
*Face and Head Massage, *Arms and Hand Massage, *Legs and Feet Massage, *Back Massage, *Neck and Shoulder Massage, *Chest Massage, *Abdomen Massage, *Massage for babies and children *Massage during pregnancy.
Techniques of massage:
A massage therapist uses 'Strokes' and 'Pressure' while massaging. Effleurage, Petrisage, Percussion, Friction and Vibration are 5 different strokes used while massaging.
Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made with flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase the circulation and depth of relaxation.
Petrissage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended to massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surface are rolled or squeezed, gently and firmly by grasping them between thumb and fingers.
Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke both hands move rapidly and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with finger tips (tapping), chopping movement of stretched fingers (hacking), cupped hands (cupping), flat opened palms (slapping), and using both fists (pounding).
Friction: These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas. Friction breaks adhesions, remove wastes and clean up congestion. Long, slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.
Vibrations : These strokes stimulate nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on buttocks, thighs, upper back etc. Mild, moderate or heavy Pressure is applied during massage, depending upon the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.
The texts of ayurveda illustrate different types of massages for different conditions. They are
Udvarthana : Massaging body in opposite direction (According to ayurvedic texts,starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is considered conventional.Hence,massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or Feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction.) These massages are performed by exerting little pressure using dry herbs. This kind of massage exfoliates skin, enhances its glow and gives healthy look. It also helps to reduce bad odor which is caused due to sweat.
Mardana : Massaging the whole body exerting more pressure is called Mardana. This is usually done for persons who indulge in enhanced physical work e.g. athletes, sports persons, Wrestlers etc.
Paadaghata : Padaaghata means massaging using the feet, Trampling the body with required pressure is called padaghata.
Benefits of massage Therapy:
1.Massage increases the circulation in tissues, releases muscle spasms and stimulates the nervous system or sedates it. Increased circulation pumps more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
2.It shortens the recovery period of illness or injury.
3.A good massage helps the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in body) and also stimulates lymphatic system, boosting body immunity.
4.It helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, pain and reduces swelling. Healing process becomes faster and excess formation of scar tissue is reduced.
5.It increases athletic performance and provides greater joint flexibility.
6.Massage helps reduce discomforts caused due to stress related conditions like migraine, tension headaches, body pain, tiredness, anxiety, depression, insomnia (sleeplessness) etc .It helps lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol .
7.It improves the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently. Massage also enhances thinking and creative abilities.
8.Massage therapy promotes the feeling of wellbeing.
According to ayurveda massaging body daily with ayurvedic herbal oil has innumerable benefits. This process is called as "Abhyanga". In great ayurvedic classic Ashtanga Hridaya the benefits of herbal oil massage has been documented as follows. " Abhyanga aachare nityam sa jara- shrama - vataha | Drushtihi prasada pushtyaahu swapna sutwak daadarya krit ||"
*Aging symptoms appear very late in life. *Balances Vata and reduces vata related problems
*Skin becomes fresh, soft, glowing and healthy. *Skin becomes resistant to diseases. *Sharp eyesight and attractive eyes.
*Body becomes stronger and well nourished.
*The body and mind gets relaxed.
*Undisturbed sleep.
*Increases Libido.
*Rejuvenates the body.
Acharya Charaka indicates foot massage (Padabhyanga) to get rid of cracked feet, dry skin on foot, to relieve tiredness and foot pain. The flexibility of foot increases.
Precautions and prohibitions
According to ayurvedic texts the massage should not be done for those who suffer from fever, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion and in pregnancy.Usually therapists do not massage a person if the latter has, fever, skin eruptions, large bruises, inflamed joints, sensitive veins, varicose, tumors, a period, indigestion, nut allergy, appendix:2yr/6m, dislocated shoulder(s), vertebral problems. The person should not wear contact lenses or consume alcohol or over-eat during or shortly before a massage.One more precaution to be taken before going for a massage is to check whether the massage therapist is qualified or not. An unqualified massage therapist may cause more harm than relief.
Massage therapy (abhyanga) is recommended in ayurveda in the course of treating several diseases. It plays a great role in body detoxification process (Panchakarma) before starting the core treatment.
Usually, ayurvedic herbal oils or aromatic oils are used during massage. The oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.
Types of Body massage
Different kinds of body massage are adopted after analyzing the cause and location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage .
*Face and Head Massage, *Arms and Hand Massage, *Legs and Feet Massage, *Back Massage, *Neck and Shoulder Massage, *Chest Massage, *Abdomen Massage, *Massage for babies and children *Massage during pregnancy.
Techniques of massage:
A massage therapist uses 'Strokes' and 'Pressure' while massaging. Effleurage, Petrisage, Percussion, Friction and Vibration are 5 different strokes used while massaging.
Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made with flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase the circulation and depth of relaxation.
Petrissage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended to massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surface are rolled or squeezed, gently and firmly by grasping them between thumb and fingers.
Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke both hands move rapidly and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with finger tips (tapping), chopping movement of stretched fingers (hacking), cupped hands (cupping), flat opened palms (slapping), and using both fists (pounding).
Friction: These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas. Friction breaks adhesions, remove wastes and clean up congestion. Long, slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.
Vibrations : These strokes stimulate nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on buttocks, thighs, upper back etc. Mild, moderate or heavy Pressure is applied during massage, depending upon the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.
The texts of ayurveda illustrate different types of massages for different conditions. They are
Udvarthana : Massaging body in opposite direction (According to ayurvedic texts,starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is considered conventional.Hence,massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or Feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction.) These massages are performed by exerting little pressure using dry herbs. This kind of massage exfoliates skin, enhances its glow and gives healthy look. It also helps to reduce bad odor which is caused due to sweat.
Mardana : Massaging the whole body exerting more pressure is called Mardana. This is usually done for persons who indulge in enhanced physical work e.g. athletes, sports persons, Wrestlers etc.
Paadaghata : Padaaghata means massaging using the feet, Trampling the body with required pressure is called padaghata.
Benefits of massage Therapy:
1.Massage increases the circulation in tissues, releases muscle spasms and stimulates the nervous system or sedates it. Increased circulation pumps more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
2.It shortens the recovery period of illness or injury.
3.A good massage helps the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in body) and also stimulates lymphatic system, boosting body immunity.
4.It helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, pain and reduces swelling. Healing process becomes faster and excess formation of scar tissue is reduced.
5.It increases athletic performance and provides greater joint flexibility.
6.Massage helps reduce discomforts caused due to stress related conditions like migraine, tension headaches, body pain, tiredness, anxiety, depression, insomnia (sleeplessness) etc .It helps lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol .
7.It improves the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently. Massage also enhances thinking and creative abilities.
8.Massage therapy promotes the feeling of wellbeing.
According to ayurveda massaging body daily with ayurvedic herbal oil has innumerable benefits. This process is called as "Abhyanga". In great ayurvedic classic Ashtanga Hridaya the benefits of herbal oil massage has been documented as follows. " Abhyanga aachare nityam sa jara- shrama - vataha | Drushtihi prasada pushtyaahu swapna sutwak daadarya krit ||"
*Aging symptoms appear very late in life. *Balances Vata and reduces vata related problems
*Skin becomes fresh, soft, glowing and healthy. *Skin becomes resistant to diseases. *Sharp eyesight and attractive eyes.
*Body becomes stronger and well nourished.
*The body and mind gets relaxed.
*Undisturbed sleep.
*Increases Libido.
*Rejuvenates the body.
Acharya Charaka indicates foot massage (Padabhyanga) to get rid of cracked feet, dry skin on foot, to relieve tiredness and foot pain. The flexibility of foot increases.
Precautions and prohibitions
According to ayurvedic texts the massage should not be done for those who suffer from fever, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion and in pregnancy.Usually therapists do not massage a person if the latter has, fever, skin eruptions, large bruises, inflamed joints, sensitive veins, varicose, tumors, a period, indigestion, nut allergy, appendix:2yr/6m, dislocated shoulder(s), vertebral problems. The person should not wear contact lenses or consume alcohol or over-eat during or shortly before a massage.One more precaution to be taken before going for a massage is to check whether the massage therapist is qualified or not. An unqualified massage therapist may cause more harm than relief.
Ayurvedic health care in humid weather
Monsoon! Monsoon! Please come quick To water the plants That looks like sticks We need the rain We need the rain To trickle down Our dried up drains .............
This poem caught my eyes while browsing internet. Monsoon brings joy as plants wear a green look, rivers swell to brim and dry lands become wet. The grim side of this season is increased humidity, which troubles humans.
What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapour in air. It is usually described as "relative humidity" and expressed in percentage. 100% humidity means the water vapour in the air is at its maximum at that particular temperature.
When humidity is low (amount of water vapour is less in air), the evaporation from the surrounding areas is rapid. Hence the clothes dry quickly, soil dries up, sweat evaporates from skin etc.
When humidity is high (amount of water vapour is more in air), clothes dry slowly, sweat do not evaporate from skin and we feel sticky and uncomfortable.
We feel comfortable when humidity is 45-50% and temperature 20 to 22 degree Celsius. Any broad variation in these may cause health problems.
Effects of increased humidity on human body :
Human body maintains its temperature by transferring body heat to surrounding air through evaporation of perspiration (sweat). When humidity is high in air the evaporation of sweat decreases and maintenance of body temperature is altered. Along with high humidity if atmosphere temperature is high, the blood circulation increases on surface of skin and decreases in muscles and other organs. Hence we experience fatigue in climate which is high in temperature and humidity.
Molds, mildews, bacteria, virus, dust mites proliferate when humidity increases in surrounding air. They grow on air conditioners, shower heads, damp walls, toilets , wet carpets and on other moist substances. Their spores which are called bioaerosoles, are constantly released into air. Bioaerosoles cause infection and allergies. They trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases.
Researchers have found that osteo -arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis flare up in high humid weather.
According to Ayurvedic texts the humidity increases during rainy season. The agni (body fire or digestive power) which is reduced during summer, decreases still further and gets vitiated by doshas. Doshas get vitiated due to changes in weather, like increased humidity, coldness, dampness etc.
How to reduce humidity at home
1. Repair the source which is causing dampness or wetness at home .Leaking roofs, taps and tanks have to be repaired to prevent leaking. 2. Keep the rain drain free from clogs and let the water from rain drain flow away from your basement. 3. Switch on exhaust fans or vent fans after bathing and cooking. 4. Do not dry clothes inside. This increases humidity inside home. 5. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity. 6. Use a dehumidifier to bring down the humidity to 50% or less.
Ayurvedic tips to keep healthy in humid conditions:
1. One has to undergo detoxification therapies like Vamana and Virechana. 2. Asthapana basthi (An enema of herbal decoction) has to be administered to keep away humidity related health problems. 3. The digestive system gets weakened due to dehydration in summer. This leads to low digestive power. This is further weakened by vitiation of doshas and dhatus due to increased humidity. Hence following diets which increase power of digestion and strengthen the digestive system would be beneficial.
a. Light foods prepared out of old barley, rice and wheat. b. Sour and salted soups of vegetables. c. Drinking boiled and cooled water mixed with little honey. d. Consuming little quantity of wine prepared out of grapes. e. Adding ginger and green gram in daily diet. f. Eating warm food. g. The taste of food must be preferably sour and salty.
4. Do not walk in bare foot. Always wear dry foot wear to prevent growth of fungus on nails and between toes. Dry your feet and webs with soft dry cloth whenever they are wet. 5. The clothes should be fumigated using fragrant herbs. Drying clothes with fumes of loban and dry neem leaves is recommended in ayurvedic texts. 6. We should not sleep in basement as it will be damp and growth of moulds and fungus will be more. 7. Fumigating the house with smoke of dried neem leaves in evenings for 1-2 minutes is an excellent ayurvedic method to check the growth of microbes, 8. Always keep the surroundings dry and clean. Do not allow water to get accumulated around.
Ayurvedic Home remedies for Humidity related diseases
1. Apply castor oil or sesame oil on cracked feet and skin. 2. A freshly prepared paste of turmeric, neem and sesame seeds is recommended in ayurveda for fungal infection between toes. 3. Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tea spoon of honey in empty stomach. This flushes out accumulated toxins. 4. Freshly prepared radish juice is the best remedy for cold. 5. A pinch each of long pepper powder and rock salt mixed in warm water reduces cough
This poem caught my eyes while browsing internet. Monsoon brings joy as plants wear a green look, rivers swell to brim and dry lands become wet. The grim side of this season is increased humidity, which troubles humans.
What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapour in air. It is usually described as "relative humidity" and expressed in percentage. 100% humidity means the water vapour in the air is at its maximum at that particular temperature.
When humidity is low (amount of water vapour is less in air), the evaporation from the surrounding areas is rapid. Hence the clothes dry quickly, soil dries up, sweat evaporates from skin etc.
When humidity is high (amount of water vapour is more in air), clothes dry slowly, sweat do not evaporate from skin and we feel sticky and uncomfortable.
We feel comfortable when humidity is 45-50% and temperature 20 to 22 degree Celsius. Any broad variation in these may cause health problems.
Effects of increased humidity on human body :
Human body maintains its temperature by transferring body heat to surrounding air through evaporation of perspiration (sweat). When humidity is high in air the evaporation of sweat decreases and maintenance of body temperature is altered. Along with high humidity if atmosphere temperature is high, the blood circulation increases on surface of skin and decreases in muscles and other organs. Hence we experience fatigue in climate which is high in temperature and humidity.
Molds, mildews, bacteria, virus, dust mites proliferate when humidity increases in surrounding air. They grow on air conditioners, shower heads, damp walls, toilets , wet carpets and on other moist substances. Their spores which are called bioaerosoles, are constantly released into air. Bioaerosoles cause infection and allergies. They trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases.
Researchers have found that osteo -arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis flare up in high humid weather.
According to Ayurvedic texts the humidity increases during rainy season. The agni (body fire or digestive power) which is reduced during summer, decreases still further and gets vitiated by doshas. Doshas get vitiated due to changes in weather, like increased humidity, coldness, dampness etc.
How to reduce humidity at home
1. Repair the source which is causing dampness or wetness at home .Leaking roofs, taps and tanks have to be repaired to prevent leaking. 2. Keep the rain drain free from clogs and let the water from rain drain flow away from your basement. 3. Switch on exhaust fans or vent fans after bathing and cooking. 4. Do not dry clothes inside. This increases humidity inside home. 5. Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity. 6. Use a dehumidifier to bring down the humidity to 50% or less.
Ayurvedic tips to keep healthy in humid conditions:
1. One has to undergo detoxification therapies like Vamana and Virechana. 2. Asthapana basthi (An enema of herbal decoction) has to be administered to keep away humidity related health problems. 3. The digestive system gets weakened due to dehydration in summer. This leads to low digestive power. This is further weakened by vitiation of doshas and dhatus due to increased humidity. Hence following diets which increase power of digestion and strengthen the digestive system would be beneficial.
a. Light foods prepared out of old barley, rice and wheat. b. Sour and salted soups of vegetables. c. Drinking boiled and cooled water mixed with little honey. d. Consuming little quantity of wine prepared out of grapes. e. Adding ginger and green gram in daily diet. f. Eating warm food. g. The taste of food must be preferably sour and salty.
4. Do not walk in bare foot. Always wear dry foot wear to prevent growth of fungus on nails and between toes. Dry your feet and webs with soft dry cloth whenever they are wet. 5. The clothes should be fumigated using fragrant herbs. Drying clothes with fumes of loban and dry neem leaves is recommended in ayurvedic texts. 6. We should not sleep in basement as it will be damp and growth of moulds and fungus will be more. 7. Fumigating the house with smoke of dried neem leaves in evenings for 1-2 minutes is an excellent ayurvedic method to check the growth of microbes, 8. Always keep the surroundings dry and clean. Do not allow water to get accumulated around.
Ayurvedic Home remedies for Humidity related diseases
1. Apply castor oil or sesame oil on cracked feet and skin. 2. A freshly prepared paste of turmeric, neem and sesame seeds is recommended in ayurveda for fungal infection between toes. 3. Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tea spoon of honey in empty stomach. This flushes out accumulated toxins. 4. Freshly prepared radish juice is the best remedy for cold. 5. A pinch each of long pepper powder and rock salt mixed in warm water reduces cough
An Ayurveda Guide for Beautiful Skin
Naturally fresh and healthy skin is protector of body and a thing of beauty. Ayurveda our ancient science of medicine has suggested many herbal remedies and natural methods to protect our skin from pimples, acne, dark circles, wrinkles and marks left by pimples and to increase the fairness of the skin. Pimples , acne dark circles, wrinkles and marks give a dull and unhealthy look. Here is a herbal guide for naturally fresh, fair and glowing skin.
Structure of skin
It is essential to know about structure of skin before analysing the causes which make changes on skin. Skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissuess. Microscopic section of the skin shows two distinct parts. Epidermis is the top most layer. The upper layer of epidermis contains dead cells which gradually cast off. These cells are gradually replaced by fresh new cells produced by basal layer which is the lower layer of epidermis.
The Dermis lies below epidermis and consists of net work of collagen fibers which is responsible for elastic properties of skin. Sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and sweat glands, are all present in dermis and get blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue present below dermis. Sebaceous glands get activated during puberty and produce an oil like substance called sebum.
In ayurveda according to Sushrutaachaarya the skin has seven layers. These layers when get affected by imbalanced doshas (vital energetic forces of body ) give rise to different skin diseases. The list of seven layers of skin and diseases which originate from them are as follows.
Avabhasini- The outermost layer of skin. Pimples, acne, dandruff etc arise when this layer gets affected by vitiated doshas.
Lohita - This is the second layer of skin. Moles ,dark circles, black pigmentations occur when vitiated doshas affect this layer.
Shweta - The third layer of skin shweta when gets affected by vitiated doshas precipitates the diseases like eczema ,allergic rashes etc
Tamra - This is the fourth layer of skin which when affected by doshas harbors different types of leprosy.
Vedini- The fifth layer succumbs to herpes when vitiated doshas affect.
Rohini- Harbors cancer, tumors, elephantiasis etc when affected by vitiated doshas.
Mamsadhara - This is the seventh layer in the body which when affected by vitiated doshas , abscess , fistulas arise.
Functions of skin
It covers and protects the underlying muscles and organs. It gaurds our body from the invasion of pathogens, acts as an insulation , regulates body temperature and is one of the sense organ. It palys a major role in sysnthesis of Vitamine D. The melanin pigment of skin protects us from UV radiations of Sun.
What spoils the beauty of skin.?
Several internal and external causes spoil the beauty of skin.
Sun : Sun is the worst enemy of skin.Apply a good sun block on exposed parts of body. Wear full armed lite colored cotton clothes when you move out in sun. Do not forget to wear a hat and cooling glasses. Mix sandal powder in a large glass of water and keep it in refrigerator to cool. Transfer this into a sprayer and keep on spraying this on your body whenever you feel your skin is irritated due to sun rays.
Seasonal Changes:
When climate is hot and humid the skin feels sticky due to sweat. Microbial activity increases on wet skin . Bathe daily to keep the skin clean and lower the microbial activity. Use a mixture of soap nut powder , besan (gram flour) and sandal wood powder to scrub the skin. Drink plenty of water to compensate the loss of fluid through sweat. When climate is cold and dry the moisture level of skin lowers and skin becomes dry and it tends to crack. Apply moisturizing lotion liberally all over body. Smearing fresh aloevera juice improves moisture levels of skin. Massage your body with gingelly oil (til oil) once in a weak. Always wear warm cotton clothes and socks. Regular foot massage with warm gingelly oil or castor oil prevents fissuring of heels and foot. Drink plenty of warm water to keep the skin well hydrated and to prevent dryness. Air Pollution : The air pollutants like dust, smoke, smog, dirt can clog pores and cause acne and pimples. Apply a good moisturizer which acts as a barrier between skin and pollutants. Cleanse the skin care fully when you are back home . Use besan (gram flour) and rose water as scrub in summer. A mixture of Masoor dal flour (orange lentils) and milk make a best scrub for winter.
Life styles :
1. Sleep : Lack of sleep causes dark circles and diminish the glow of skin. 7- 8 hours sleep keeps the skin healthy and glowing 2. Exercise : A brisk walk for 45 minutes keeps the skin healthy by improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. Lack of exercise lead to dull looking skin. 3. Stress : Stress causes dark circles, loss of complexion and appearance of permanent lines on facial skin. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Body massage are best stress busters and skin friendly therapies. 4. Addiction: Tobacco, drugs, alcohol etc make the skin look lifeless and unattractive. Say no to any form of tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Diet :
Unhealthy diet spoils the skin. Junk, spicy , oily foods spoil the beauty of skin causing acne, pimples and black heads . A healthy diet retards ageing process of skin and gives it a charming look. The tips given below help you to adopt a healthy diet.
1. Drink plenty of fresh clean water (2-3 liters daily). It helps to eliminate body wastes and toxins. It keeps constipation at bay. 2. Let fresh fruits and vegetables occupy major portion of your diet. Dark green and orange vegetables and fruits have antioxidants and also pocess cancer fighting properties 3. Avoid sweets, chocolates, junk foods, deep fried, oily and spicy foods.
Daily and weekly regimen for beautiful skin
1. Take bath daily 2. Wash your face twice daily with herbal natural scrubs like besan, methi powder, green gram flour, masoor dal flour etc.Splash clean water on face as soon as you wash. 3. Do a complete body massage with gingelly oil once in a week. 4. Doing Pranayam daily for 15 minutes keep the skin healthy and radiant. 5. Do facials with natural fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables etc once in a week. Cucumber, carrot, water melon , sandal wood paste, turmeric, honey etc can be used according to seasons and skin types. 6. Drink a glass of water with a spoon of honey in empty stomach .This should be one of your daily routine. 7. Savor milk, curds and butter milk.An Ayurveda Guide for Beautiful Skin
Structure of skin
It is essential to know about structure of skin before analysing the causes which make changes on skin. Skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissuess. Microscopic section of the skin shows two distinct parts. Epidermis is the top most layer. The upper layer of epidermis contains dead cells which gradually cast off. These cells are gradually replaced by fresh new cells produced by basal layer which is the lower layer of epidermis.
The Dermis lies below epidermis and consists of net work of collagen fibers which is responsible for elastic properties of skin. Sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and sweat glands, are all present in dermis and get blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue present below dermis. Sebaceous glands get activated during puberty and produce an oil like substance called sebum.
In ayurveda according to Sushrutaachaarya the skin has seven layers. These layers when get affected by imbalanced doshas (vital energetic forces of body ) give rise to different skin diseases. The list of seven layers of skin and diseases which originate from them are as follows.
Avabhasini- The outermost layer of skin. Pimples, acne, dandruff etc arise when this layer gets affected by vitiated doshas.
Lohita - This is the second layer of skin. Moles ,dark circles, black pigmentations occur when vitiated doshas affect this layer.
Shweta - The third layer of skin shweta when gets affected by vitiated doshas precipitates the diseases like eczema ,allergic rashes etc
Tamra - This is the fourth layer of skin which when affected by doshas harbors different types of leprosy.
Vedini- The fifth layer succumbs to herpes when vitiated doshas affect.
Rohini- Harbors cancer, tumors, elephantiasis etc when affected by vitiated doshas.
Mamsadhara - This is the seventh layer in the body which when affected by vitiated doshas , abscess , fistulas arise.
Functions of skin
It covers and protects the underlying muscles and organs. It gaurds our body from the invasion of pathogens, acts as an insulation , regulates body temperature and is one of the sense organ. It palys a major role in sysnthesis of Vitamine D. The melanin pigment of skin protects us from UV radiations of Sun.
What spoils the beauty of skin.?
Several internal and external causes spoil the beauty of skin.
Sun : Sun is the worst enemy of skin.Apply a good sun block on exposed parts of body. Wear full armed lite colored cotton clothes when you move out in sun. Do not forget to wear a hat and cooling glasses. Mix sandal powder in a large glass of water and keep it in refrigerator to cool. Transfer this into a sprayer and keep on spraying this on your body whenever you feel your skin is irritated due to sun rays.
Seasonal Changes:
When climate is hot and humid the skin feels sticky due to sweat. Microbial activity increases on wet skin . Bathe daily to keep the skin clean and lower the microbial activity. Use a mixture of soap nut powder , besan (gram flour) and sandal wood powder to scrub the skin. Drink plenty of water to compensate the loss of fluid through sweat. When climate is cold and dry the moisture level of skin lowers and skin becomes dry and it tends to crack. Apply moisturizing lotion liberally all over body. Smearing fresh aloevera juice improves moisture levels of skin. Massage your body with gingelly oil (til oil) once in a weak. Always wear warm cotton clothes and socks. Regular foot massage with warm gingelly oil or castor oil prevents fissuring of heels and foot. Drink plenty of warm water to keep the skin well hydrated and to prevent dryness. Air Pollution : The air pollutants like dust, smoke, smog, dirt can clog pores and cause acne and pimples. Apply a good moisturizer which acts as a barrier between skin and pollutants. Cleanse the skin care fully when you are back home . Use besan (gram flour) and rose water as scrub in summer. A mixture of Masoor dal flour (orange lentils) and milk make a best scrub for winter.
Life styles :
1. Sleep : Lack of sleep causes dark circles and diminish the glow of skin. 7- 8 hours sleep keeps the skin healthy and glowing 2. Exercise : A brisk walk for 45 minutes keeps the skin healthy by improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. Lack of exercise lead to dull looking skin. 3. Stress : Stress causes dark circles, loss of complexion and appearance of permanent lines on facial skin. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Body massage are best stress busters and skin friendly therapies. 4. Addiction: Tobacco, drugs, alcohol etc make the skin look lifeless and unattractive. Say no to any form of tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Diet :
Unhealthy diet spoils the skin. Junk, spicy , oily foods spoil the beauty of skin causing acne, pimples and black heads . A healthy diet retards ageing process of skin and gives it a charming look. The tips given below help you to adopt a healthy diet.
1. Drink plenty of fresh clean water (2-3 liters daily). It helps to eliminate body wastes and toxins. It keeps constipation at bay. 2. Let fresh fruits and vegetables occupy major portion of your diet. Dark green and orange vegetables and fruits have antioxidants and also pocess cancer fighting properties 3. Avoid sweets, chocolates, junk foods, deep fried, oily and spicy foods.
Daily and weekly regimen for beautiful skin
1. Take bath daily 2. Wash your face twice daily with herbal natural scrubs like besan, methi powder, green gram flour, masoor dal flour etc.Splash clean water on face as soon as you wash. 3. Do a complete body massage with gingelly oil once in a week. 4. Doing Pranayam daily for 15 minutes keep the skin healthy and radiant. 5. Do facials with natural fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables etc once in a week. Cucumber, carrot, water melon , sandal wood paste, turmeric, honey etc can be used according to seasons and skin types. 6. Drink a glass of water with a spoon of honey in empty stomach .This should be one of your daily routine. 7. Savor milk, curds and butter milk.An Ayurveda Guide for Beautiful Skin
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