The
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Understanding
the Five Ayurvedic Skin Types
According
to ayurveda the human physiology, and the human skin, are composed
of the same five great elements (panchamahabhutas) that constitute
the fundamental building-blocks of the universe:
Space
(akash)
Air (vayu)
Fire (tejas)
Water (apu)
Earth (prithvi)
Every
individual is born with skin that is a unique combination of these
five elements, and this combination is the basic prakriti or natural
constitution of that person's skin.
Each
element has a role in the structure and health of the skin:
- Space
reflects the vibrational interaction from the environment.
- Air
contributes to circulation.
- Fire
gives the skin its glow, luster and warmth.
- Water
is responsible for moisture balance.
- Earth
forms the basis of skin structure and thickness.
Ayurvedic
skin types can be classified at the most fundamental level based
on the predominance of a single element in the skin. This concept
of skin types goes a step deeper than the dosha
theory of skin typing, which classifies a person's skin as Vata,
Pitta or Kapha on the premise that at least two of the elements
predominate in any individual's skin. The Five Elements theory
classifies the skin at the first level as Space, Air, Fire, Water
or Earth predominant. Of course, some individuals are born with
more than one element predominant and have combination skin.
Over time, the original proportions of the five elements in an
individual's skin--the prakriti of the skin--can be disturbed
by external influences. Specific imbalances in the skin can be
caused by such diverse factors as seasonal changes, elemental
aggravation due to improper diet or lifestyle, or mental, emotional,
sensual and physical environmental impact such as from pollution,
energy vibrations and electromagnetic influences. Hidden allergies,
clothing, aromas, food and spices also impact the health and appearance
of an individual's skin.
The
goal of ayurvedic skin care is to restore the original prakriti
of the skin by bringing back into balance the elements that have
become disturbed. When the original prakriti of the skin is restored,
the individual enjoys truly beautiful skin.
The
Five Elements Theory: A Deeper Understanding of the Skin
A
deeper understanding of the skin through ayurvedic dermatology
is made possible by recognizing that the skin is a communication
mechanism that connects the electromagnetic vibrations from the
outer world to the inner world of the physiology via solar and
lunar energy. The two main components of the life-force within
us (prana) are soma from lunar energy and agni from solar energy.
Soma and agni are obtained from food, water and the air we breathe.
However, the skin is also a medium for receiving these energies
from nature. Facial skin, the most exposed part of our skin, is
more sensitive in terms of receiving and utilizing these vibrational
and nurturing energies from the environment.
According
to the Charaka Samhita, the foremost ancient ayurvedic text, whatever
is inside the body is also on the outside. The skin's ability
to periodically cleanse and rejuvenate itself and thus maintain
its overall health is enhanced with the understanding of all the
five fundamental elements that make up the skin. "In addressing
only the three doshas (Vata, Pitta
and Kapha), the hidden but fundamental
element of Space is not taken into consideration when designing
protocols to care for the skin," says Ayurvedic dermatologist
Rama Kant Mishra. "In skin care regimens that utilize the
dosha theory, therapies to address any imbalance in the vibrational
component are missing. The source of all five fundamental elements
is Space, therefore it the most fundamental element of all, and
any skin care theory that ignores this element is not complete.
True balance and true beauty rest on restoring balance to all
five elements at the deepest level.
"If our skin receives an overload of toxins from the environment,
we are impeded in our ability to create ojas, the substance within
us that elevates physical, emotional, mental, sensual and spiritual
well-being. When ojas levels are low, the shrotas (microchannels)
in the physiology become blocked, and toxins take over, creating
ill-health in the skin and the physiology. On the other hand,
if the communication pathway through the skin is not made receptive
to the positive energies from the environment, an important means
of providing the physiology with soma and agni is lost. The Five
Elements theory of skin care, in taking into account the fundamental
element of Space, focuses on healing of the skin at the subtle
vibrational level as well. Protocols prescribed under this theory
refrain from either clogging the microchannels or obstructing
the vibrational support from the environment to the physiology,
thus ensuring that all the elements that make up the skin are
supported and nourished."
Discover your ayurvedic skin
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