Skin Care
The skin is regarded as the mirror of an individual's inner health. Skin is the seat of sense organs and the senses of touch, pain, temperature, pressure are felt by it. Skin shoud be given due care and attention. If the skin is not cared properly and neglected it will suffer from premature aging, become dull and blemished. Some of the common skin disorders and problems are the following - Acne, Pimples, Pigmentation, Premature Aging etc.
The holistic management of health problems in ayurved comprises the three fold scientific approach towards diseases through diet, lifestyle and medicine.
Ayurveda has stated that skin diseases occur primarily due to sluggish liver function, which leads Pitta and Kapha Dosha dysfunction when toxins build up and the liver is overwhelmed, then the impurities show up in break-outs and other skin problems.
Another vital factor that contributes to healthy appearance is the clean bowel: hence the need for regular and complete bowel evacuation. In order to achieve this, a mild laxative like Trifala and a light diet are advisable if one suffers from constipation. Also, be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help flush out the impurities. In spring you can sip hot water to help melt the ama (digestive impurities) that have accumulated. Scientifically treatments have been classified as shodhana & shamana.
Sodhan Chikitsa
When doshas are vitated in large guantity & disease is chronic then shodhan chikitsa should apply first. Acharyas have classified shodhana as Basti, Vaman, Virechana, Raktamokshana (Blood letting) & nasya.
Shaman Chikitsa
When doshas are minimally imbalanced & the body is weak. Shaman Treatment is more important. Shaman treatment can be classified as external & internal. Administration of proper food, medicines by mouth is internal treatment & the application of medicated oil, lepo (ointment), etc is external treatment.
Ayurveda has said that for all skin diseases 'Khadira' is best as oral medicine and 'Aragwad' is best for local application. Shirish, Lamajjak, Nagkesara and Lodhra are used for Hyperhydrosis and as an anti sweating agent. Tejpatra, Ambu, Lodhra, Abhay {Khas} and Chandan are used as Daurghandya- har {to prevent body odour} Charaka has mentioned a group of 10 drugs, which are promoters of complexion. They are known as the 'Varnya Dravya': Chandan (Sandalwood),Lal Nagkesar (Fragrant Poon), Padmaka(Himalayan Cherry),Ushir (Cuscus Grass) ,Madhuka(Liquorice) ,Manjishtha(Madder) ,Payasa(White Yam) ,Shita (White Scutch Grass), Lata (Black Scutch Grass) .
