The concept of detoxifying the body has become popular in the modern era. But if we take a closer look, we’ll find that Ayurvedic vaidyas have been touting the benefits detoxification for thousands of years. Unlike modern detoxification goals, however, when using Ayurveda for detox , you are not limited to the digestive system and body — to function smoothly, effectively, and without impairment, the body, mind, and spirit must all be in harmony. Ama , Agni and Detoxification If we look at digestion through an Ayurvedic lens, we would understand that finding balance through the right kinds of foods, a centered lifestyle, and de-stressing techniques would all contribute to good health. The Sanskrit word for this harmonious state is Agni , the first word written in the Vedas. Its antithesis is Ama , which points to a toxic buildup. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a prescription that has
Your
skin is a living, breathing part of your physical body that’s
constantly changing. According to Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science),
skincare should flow along with Mother Nature by changing with the
seasons.
Early spring is kapha season, characterized by cold and
oiliness from increased moisture after a long winter. As we move into
late spring, increased warmth brings us closer to pitta season, marked
by lightness and hotter temperatures that tell us summer is on its way.
If
you haven’t already tweaked your skincare regimen since the end of
winter, now is the time to do so. Here are a few skincare tips that will
nourish and balance our your skin as we make the transition from cold
to warm again.
Detox Your Skin from the Inside Out
Spring
is a renewing time of year when it becomes a very popular trend to
cleanse or detoxify our minds and bodies of what has accumulated
throughout the winter months. And when it comes to our skin, a healthy
looking outer glow starts with what we put into our bodies.
Drinking plenty of water and incorporating more foods that help with
detoxification will help your skin release toxins. Begin by reducing the
amount of heavy, fried, and oily foods so that you can replace them
with more green veggies, juicy fruits, whole grains, and spices that
help stimulate digestion.
Massage Your Skin with Warm Oil to Lift Impurities
The
increased moisture and warmth in the air brought by spring helps to
naturally eliminate toxins and impurities that tend to build up over
winter, but we can help the process along by gently massaging the skin
with warm oil. Suggested oils to use include sesame oil, olive oil, or
mustard oils.
If you know what dosha is your dominant one, you can
select an oil that that works to balance it out. Warm a bottle or bowl
of oil by placing it in your sink full of warm water and then gently
apply a small amount to your skin, massaging slowly in a circular
motion. You can optionally steam your skin first by holding your head
over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to help open up
your pores.
Go Light on Moisturizing
Now that the dryness
of winter has passed, there’s no need to heavily moisturize the skin
quite as much since it could cause oiliness. You don’t have to give up
your moisturizing routine completely, but switching to a lighter
moisturizer will go a long way.
Depending on how frequently you
decide to massage and cleanse your skin with warm oil as suggested in
the previous paragraphs, you may not even need to apply a moisturizer to
your skin since the oil will be moisturizing enough.
Anyone can use the above tips, but be sure
to tailor your skincare regimen to your unique skincare needs as well.
Whether you sense that your dominant dosha is pitta or you know that
your skin is prone to acne and blemishes, make adjustments where
necessary to keep your skin healthy and glowing all spring long.
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