What is Ayurvedic beauty?

What is Ayurvedic beauty?

A holistic therapy that has stood strong for centuries in India, the roots of Ayurvedic beauty are tightly interwoven with the science of wellbeing otherwise known as Ayurveda. In contrast to many modern approaches to beauty, there’s far more to Ayurvedic beauty than meets the eye, and at Kama Ayurveda, we believe that within its generational wisdom lies the foundation to living a vibrant and healthy life.

Beauty more than skin deep

Originating over 5000 years ago and still a widely practiced medicine in India today, at its essence, Ayurveda harnesses the inherent relationship between nature and us as people, the key to ultimate health and wellness found in the delicate balance between a nourished body, a still mind and a peaceful spirit.

Aligned with the Ayurvedic philosophy, Ayurvedic beauty is a practice, rather than a static state; a way of addressing outward concerns which involves the whole body and the mind. What we strive for on our Ayurvedic beauty journey is an inner glow that shines through on the outside: {rasahayanaa}.

Doshas: The Ayurvedic skin prescription method

Balance. A term used frequently in the world of Ayurveda, the concept of balanced energies is, in fact, the core of the Ayurvedic philosophy. To visualise the energy centres within our bodies, we look to the Ayurvedic doshas.

Picture the three doshas: Vata, the energy of wind, Pitta, the energy of fire, and Kapha, the energy of water and earth. There is a predominant one in each of us, its power fluctuating in tune with the seasons, our environment and our individual lifestyle factors. The skin’s condition is a reflection of our inner health and wellbeing, skin concerns indicating the doshas at play which, in turn, informs the treatment.

For example, a predominant Vata tends towards dry, rough skin prone to wrinkles, and needs intensive hydration and nourishment. A predominant Pitta is likely to experience oily skin and perhaps acne, in need of calming and soothing, while Kapha, associated with oily skin and water retention, would most benefit from exfoliation.

The science of nature

Ayurvedic treatments for skin concerns originate from recipes recorded by Ayurvedic doctors or {vidyas} over 1500 years ago. Powerful healing plants, herbs and essential oils can be seen categorised according to their properties, producing medicinal oil blends that work on the wellbeing of both the skin and the mind. Those very recipes are kept alive in our Kumkumadi, Urjasara and Amarrupa signature facial oils and moisturisers, in which prized botanicals from Saffron to Sacred Lotus, Ashwagandha and Turmeric are caringly harvested according to their natural cycles, using the traditional methods that ensure purity and potency.

In essence, the interconnectedness of nature and humankind shows that wherever we have a question, nature holds the answer. And for this, a profound respect for our Mother Nature sits at the heart of the Ayurvedic philosophy.

Massage: The importance of rituals

The true Ayurvedic beauty experience, though, relies on more than ingredients, formulas and topical applications. The remedies themselves are intended to be applied to the skin and hair in a sensorial manner that fully engages the mind, body and soul. Beauty rituals are dedicated and deeply mindful acts of self-care that cannot be achieved by simply dabbing on moisturiser in the morning.

Among these rituals, massage is key, practiced both on yourself at home as part of a daily beauty routine, and regular professional treatments by an Ayurvedic practitioner for a refined and refocused approach.

For the face, {mukhalepam} marma point massage therapy stimulates the skin’s energy centres to detoxify, improve blood circulation, release tension and stress and treat skin concerns while improving the flow of energy.

For the hair, {shiroabyanga} focuses on the scalp as the root of overall hair health.

And for the body, {abhyanga}, the signature Ayurvedic warm oil massage, places unique importance on the skin as well as the muscles.

The power of Ayurvedic beauty is timeless. In fact, today, it rings truer than ever. At KAMA Ayurveda, we believe that Ayurvedic beauty and wider Ayurvedic practices are our remedy to the increasing pace of modern life. Our ticket to slowing down, being present, and rediscovering balance. The sense of wellbeing we all need and deserve.