Anti-aging: The Ayurvedic Perspective
In this post, we take an in-depth look at anti-aging from an Ayurvedic perspective. As most of you know, according to Ayurveda, the 3 Doshas (your individual constitution) play a role in, and influence your life and health.
The continued aging process can to be slowed down especially when you start to notice the signs on your skin. In this post, we look at the some of the different Ayurvedic practices that can help you address the signs of aging, in most cases, with just a few changes to your diet, regular sleep, and exercise.
Ayurveda and Aging
Aging is described in Ayurveda in great detail and is known as “Jarā." Ayurvedic principals take into account Prana; this is life energy which performs oxygenation, respiration, and circulation. This also rules the two alternative essences which are Tejas and Ojas.
Your metabolism in the enzyme system is ruled by Tejas. The autoimmune system and mental intellect are both governed by Ojas. Reduced or displaced Ojas create kapha-related disorders and vata-related reactions. Pranic activity can become stimulated when the Tejas is aggravated. This results in degenerative disorders and also leads to the production of unhealthy tissue in the body. Prana, Tejas, and Ojas all need to remain in a stable balance as they each play a fundamental part in cellular health, which ultimately impacts on the aging of the skin and our overriding wellbeing.
Ayurvedic Skin Care Therapies
There are a number of key factors that can help to determine your overall skin health. The first of which is to achieve a good balance of moisture. It also helps with the correct functioning of the metabolic mechanisms that control the various hormonal reactions of the skin, along with helping the effective circulation of essential nutrients and the blood to different layers of the skin.
The Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurveda places a great deal of focus on the importance of having a well-balanced diet, along with regular exercise and a good night’s sleep. Dietary input is key for anti-aging, and all food should follow the rules outlined below:
- Freshly Prepared
- Limit the intake of Caffeine, Fried Foods, Spicy Foods and Alcohol
- Try to include the six different tastes; Sour, Salty, Bitter, Sweet, Pungent, and Astringent in your diet
Different Types of Detox Cleanses
In order to maintain your health and beauty, Ayurvedic detox is highly recommended. The majority of toxins within the body exist mainly due to your lifestyle and diet; these are also responsible for causing a number of ailments.
With regards to anti-aging, you can use a targeted detox treatment that will help your skin become more supple and improve the overall appearance of your complexion, reducing blemishes and targeting free-radicals that can be caused by every-day pollutants in the environments. If you have an Ayurvedic detox treatment, you can help to restore your vitality, it can improve your skin, it helps with digestion, and if can also lift your mood as well as help with focus.
You can achieve a natural detox if you follow a specific Ayurvedic detox diet and combine that with some breathing techniques, yoga, and add in some much-needed hydrotherapy.
An alternative would be to get a specific treatment called Panchakarma performed by an Ayurvedic Physician. During such a treatment, the physician would explore your Prakriti (your natural force) and advise accordingly on a specific diet and therapy combination plan to effectively combat the Vikruti (toxins) that can build up and cause early aging of the skin.
Generally, an Ayurvedic detox diet would consist of steamed vegetables, fruit, yogurt and water. It goes without saying that foods such as tea, coffee, fried foods, spicy foods, and alcohol are best avoided.
Quick and Easy Anti-aging with Ayurvedic Principals
- Eat fresh food daily
- Stick to regular daily exercise
- Get 7-8 hours sleep
- Add any or all of these herbs to your diet; Turmeric, Neem, Amla, Aloe Vera, and Rose
- Do yoga and practice your deep breathing techniques
Top 5 Ayurvedic Anti-aging Ingredients
Aloe Vera - Ideal for anti-aging in either extract or fresh juice form. It can help to combat acne, redness, blemishes, inflammation and give you an improved skin-tone throughout.
Turmeric - Has a heritage of being associated with anti-aging properties. A low-cost and effective way to instantly boost your complexion and tone is to mix some Turmeric with sandalwood powder and flour and apply to your skin. This leaves your skin softer after every application and wash.
Rose - Rose water is used to improve complexion and boost the vitality of the skin due to its high Vitamin content. You can have either Rose Syrup mixed with water or apply rose water topically to your face.
Sandalwood - This is particularly effective for combatting inflammation or redness of the skin. It can also ease irritation, and it smooths rough skin. The purer the sandalwood, the better.
Amla – The Fruit of Amla contains healing and rejuvenation capabilities for all areas of the body. Enriched with essential minerals and vitamins that benefit the anti-aging process.
We have outlined a wide-range of benefits and Ayurveda's answer to anti-aging, all of which can be easily integrated alongside any other lifestyle commitments.