The
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Ayurvedic
Skin Care for Space Predominant Skin
The
fundamental element Space reflects the impact of the environment
on your skin.
Do
you have very thin skin that is easily scratched or bruised? Space
is the element most predominant in your skin.
Space
predominant skin is thinner than other skin types, not as bright
in luster, and prone to flaking, bruising and getting scratched.
The pores are also very small. As this type of skin ages, it becomes
even thinner than skin of its ethnic background. This type of
skin receives great benefit from soft massage and soft touch.
Space
predominant skin is very delicate and therefore susceptible to
too much exposure to the wind or sun. Facial skin of this type,
in particular, is very sensitive to electromagnetic vibrations
and negative energy in the environment.
How
to care for space predominant skin
Diet
If
you have space predominant skin, you should favor foods that are
a little heavy and a little sweet. Avoid food that is too spicy
as well as lighter, dryer foods. Here are some foods and beverages
that nurture space predominant skin:
- Include
lots of sweet juicy fruits of the season in your daily diet.
Mangoes, in particular, are excellent for your skin type.
- Oatmeal
and whole grains such as buckwheat are nourishing.
- Soups
of the season make wonderful light meals.
- Squashes
such as lauki and zucchini
are recommended vegetables. The tender parts of Swiss chard
and kale are also excellent. Chop greens or vegetables and cook
with a little clarified butter (ghee)
or olive oil. When the vegetables are tender, toss in a little
of the Space Predominant Skin Spice Mix (see box).
- Drink
lots of pure water for adequate hydration. Favor spring water
with a pH of 7.5 for balanced hydration.
- Try
almonds (soaked and blanched), walnuts (soaked) and raisins
(particularly the darker kind) as snack foods.
- Drink
whole organic milk to feed and hydrate your skin. Boil the milk,
cool to a comfortable temperature and then drink it.
- Urad
dhal should be your lentil of choice--it is one of the heavier
small lentils and extremely nutritious. Mung
dhal is also good--though it is lighter, it is nourishing
and easy to digest.
- Drink
lassi at lunch to enhance
digestion.
- Ayurveda
recommends taking care of your skin from within with skin rasayanas--herbal
formulations that are designed to nourish and revitalize your
skin. Amalaki Rasayana helps
nourish the skin. Tulsi rasayana helps protect the skin from
environmental toxins. Brahmi rasayana helps boost natural resistance
to the effects of mental stress.
Protection
If
you have space predominant skin, your skin is extra susceptible
to physical and emotional influences from the environment. Therefore,
be careful to protect your skin from harsh weather, environmental
pollution and the effects of mental and emotional stress.
-
Be
extra vigilant about avoiding skin care products that contain
harsh chemicals, artificial preservatives or overpowering
aromas.
-
You
should also avoid harsh internal detoxification procedures
and stay away from harsh facial scrubs.
-
Stay
happy--negative emotions can dull the aura and luster of your
skin.
-
Your
mantra should be to avoid anything that is not nurturing,
physically or emotionally.
People
with space predominant skin are often prone to mental stress,
which can accelerate the aging of the skin and detract from
its health and appearance. Here are some tips to help manage
mental stress:
-
Walking
is a wonderful way to banish cobwebs from your mind. Take
a 20-minute walk early every morning.
-
Practice
deep, easy breathing.
-
Listen
to soothing or uplifting music.
-
Manage
your daily workload so that you are not taxing your mind on
a routine basis.
-
Take
short breaks during the workday to stretch or have a drink
of water. Bonus: The water helps restore moisture to your
skin.
-
Do
not stay up late--adequate sleep is essential to maintain
that clear youthful glow.
-
A
full-body daily massage with a relaxing
massage oil can help revitalize both body and mind. Bonus:
Your skin receives the benefits of added lubrication and enhanced
circulation.
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The
Path of Ahimsa
The
practice of Ahimsa is recommended for everyone, but in particular
for individuals with space predominant skin, to help reduce their
stress levels.
"Ahimsa
is a Sanskrit word that literally translates to "non-injury"
or "non-killing," says ayurvedic dermatologist Rama
Kant Mishra. "However, Ahimsa can be understood as not just
a passive refraining from violence, but as a dynamic expression
of compassion--practicing Ahimsa means going through life doing
the least possible harm, and beyond that to also doing our best
to help others.
"The
practice of Ahimsa helps us tap our deepest sources of inspiration,
truth, and compassion. Practicing Ahimsa helps us understand the
essence of patience, of humor, and of sharing the best we have
to offer. In practicing Ahimsa, we offer our physiology and our
skin mental, emotional and spiritual nourishment."
