Making A Splash

Ayurveda preserves beauty with the use of elaborate rituals and exotic ingredients. But there is a quicker, easier way to get there. And it starts with a refreshing drink, finds Madhura Sansare.

In beauty, what’s ancient is new again. Ayurveda, a mind-body healing system that dates back over 5,000 years, has returned to the beauty aisles as women all over the world look for natural skincare solutions. Those who have not been properly exposed to its benefits generally associate the ancient science with massages, herbs and viscous oils. Ayurveda, however, is more than about just the physical. According to the ancient science, each individual is made up of a combination three energies—vata, pitta, and kapha—each of which corresponds to certain unique physical, mental and emotional characteristics. These energies are also known as doshas. When a physician determines a patient’s prakriti, or body type, what they’re doing is detecting which dosha is dominant in their constitution. The treatment is tailored accordingly.

Incorporating elements of the ayurvedic lifestyle into your daily routine isn’t as daunting a task as you may think. In fact, you may already be doing it to some extent. If you rise early, eat fresh fruits and veggies, and get enough sleep, you are already following the fundamental principles of ayurveda. In many Indian cultures, these guidelines dictate everything from the way we cook our food to the home remedies we reach for when we’re sick. When it comes to beauty too, ayurveda considers the big picture and defines it as the harmony of mind, body and soul.

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