With each new trip around the sun, I find myself paying more attention to skincare tips from experts and other folks around me. Applying oil to the skin has been a common theme throughout the Ayurvedic classes I’ve been able to experience. As the Ayurvedic doctors would say: If you can take the time to change the oil in your car or condition your leather possessions, why neglect your own body?
According to Ayurveda, aging brings about dryness in the body, and too much dryness can be harmful to both internal health and the health of the skin. It is advised to drink lots of room-temperature or warm water, avoid too many cold and dry foods (such as chips and cold dip), and eat a balanced diet that’s appropriate for your unique body type. One of the core principles in Ayurveda is the idea that one should not just fix the surface-level issue, but instead the root problem. Because skin issues may be caused by inner imbalances, Ayurvedic doctors often advise a holistic herbal regimen, involving lifestyle changes, internal herbal supplements (like triphala or traditional Ayurvedic herbs), and topical applications. Here are a couple simple body care techniques to promote beautiful and healthy skin throughout the aging process.
This routine is full-body and most practical for weekends. When choosing which oil to use for self-massage (called “abhyanga” in Ayurveda), it’s important to be aware of your unique body type and sensitivities. According to Ayurveda, folks who tend to run warm should generally use “cooling” oils such as coconut oil or sunflower oil, and folks who tend to run cool should generally use “warming” oils like sesame oil. If you’re trying an oil you’ve never used before, run a patch test and dab a little on your arm or leg to see how it feels before applying oil to your entire body.
Ingredients
Directions
Only apply oil at a temperature that feels comfortable with your skin. Slightly warm oil in pan or double boiler for a minute or two if performing self-massage during the winter season.
This easy routine is the perfect daily ritual, incorporating self-massage without the oily mess that can come with the pre-shower massage above. If you’d like to create a similar effect without taking a shower, spritz your face five or six times with your favorite hydrosol (I like rose and peppermint!).
Ingredients
Directions
You might also enjoy:
Topics: Natural Body Care, Recipes
Ek Ongkar Khalsa was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, but she’s no stranger to the ancient Indian wellness philosophy of Ayurveda. She’s had the pleasure of attending many health seminars by the world-renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Partap Chauhan from Jiva Ayurveda. While spending three weeks in India at a Jiva clinic, she attended classes on traditional herbal remedies, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and even got to enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments along with traditional Ayurvedic Indian cuisine. Ek Ongkar holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and worked as a Marketing Strategist at Mountain Rose Herbs for many years. You can often find her sipping chai, taking long walks on local woodland trails, and doing origami.
With each new trip around the sun, I find myself paying more attention to skincare tips from experts and other folks around me. Applying oil to the skin has been a common theme throughout the Ayurvedic classes I’ve been able to experience. As the Ayurvedic doctors would say: If you can take the time to change the oil in your car or condition your leather possessions, why neglect your own body?
According to Ayurveda, aging brings about dryness in the body, and too much dryness can be harmful to both internal health and the health of the skin. It is advised to drink lots of room-temperature or warm water, avoid too many cold and dry foods (such as chips and cold dip), and eat a balanced diet that’s appropriate for your unique body type. One of the core principles in Ayurveda is the idea that one should not just fix the surface-level issue, but instead the root problem. Because skin issues may be caused by inner imbalances, Ayurvedic doctors often advise a holistic herbal regimen, involving lifestyle changes, internal herbal supplements (like triphala or traditional Ayurvedic herbs), and topical applications. Here are a couple simple body care techniques to promote beautiful and healthy skin throughout the aging process.
This routine is full-body and most practical for weekends. When choosing which oil to use for self-massage (called “abhyanga” in Ayurveda), it’s important to be aware of your unique body type and sensitivities. According to Ayurveda, folks who tend to run warm should generally use “cooling” oils such as coconut oil or sunflower oil, and folks who tend to run cool should generally use “warming” oils like sesame oil. If you’re trying an oil you’ve never used before, run a patch test and dab a little on your arm or leg to see how it feels before applying oil to your entire body.
Ingredients
Directions
Only apply oil at a temperature that feels comfortable with your skin. Slightly warm oil in pan or double boiler for a minute or two if performing self-massage during the winter season.
This easy routine is the perfect daily ritual, incorporating self-massage without the oily mess that can come with the pre-shower massage above. If you’d like to create a similar effect without taking a shower, spritz your face five or six times with your favorite hydrosol (I like rose and peppermint!).
Ingredients
Directions
You might also enjoy:
Topics: Natural Body Care, Recipes
Ek Ongkar Khalsa was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, but she’s no stranger to the ancient Indian wellness philosophy of Ayurveda. She’s had the pleasure of attending many health seminars by the world-renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Partap Chauhan from Jiva Ayurveda. While spending three weeks in India at a Jiva clinic, she attended classes on traditional herbal remedies, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and even got to enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments along with traditional Ayurvedic Indian cuisine. Ek Ongkar holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and worked as a Marketing Strategist at Mountain Rose Herbs for many years. You can often find her sipping chai, taking long walks on local woodland trails, and doing origami.
