In recent years, centuries-old practices and rituals such as traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha, and hammam have come to the forefront of Western health practices. For people who share the same traditions as these practices, seeing it performed in the mainstream can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. It’s great to see other countries embrace what you’ve been practicing all your life, but the philosophy and history of these practices is secondary to clever marketing and Instagrammable products that cater to the Western gaze. tends to be given more importance.
Ayurveda is currently making waves in the beauty industry. The history of Ayurveda, which originated in India, dates back more than 5,000 years and requires a holistic approach that is not just superficial. As more and more beauty brands incorporate Ayurvedic principles into their products, Elle Contact an expert directly to learn more about its philosophy and origins.
What is Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system of holistic healing that emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit,” says Akash, co-founder of Fable & Mane, a hair care brand rooted in traditional Indian beauty rituals. Mehta explains.
“It is based on natural remedies, herbal ingredients, and individualized health, all aimed at promoting overall health and well-being.” Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge).
Ayurveda believes that humans are made up of a blueprint made up of three “doshas,” or unique combinations of energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is determined by specific physical, emotional, mental, and social characteristics as it relates to his five universal elements: fire, water, earth, air, and space.
Here’s how Ayurveda’s key principles impact your skin and health, according to Mehta.
- balance: It’s all about balance, and it’s the very basis for good health and balancing your own dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha).
- nutrition: When your body is nourished, your inner beauty shines. Ayurveda advocates a healthy diet rich in quality foods that match your dosha.
- self-care rituals: Skin, hair and body rituals should calm your mind.Sanskrit Sneha It means both “to anoint” and “to love,” and this is no coincidence.
- holistic healing: Ayurveda approaches beauty from a holistic perspective. We get to the root of your skin, hair and body concerns, delivering transformative results that last longer.
- Individual approach: Ayurveda recognizes that we are all unique. Your regime needs to fit your specific needs.
- harmony of mind and body: There is a deep connection between the mind and body. Stress management and mindfulness techniques are woven into Ayurveda to ensure that your mental health shines through your skin.
Mauli Rituals, the skin and body care brand founded by Anitta and Bittu Kaushal, has a simple quiz to guide your dosha. Alternatively, Karma’s Ayurveda boutique in Notting Hill (opening 21 November) offers in-store counseling with an Ayurveda practitioner.
How can you incorporate Ayurvedic rituals into your lifestyle?
For Diipa Khosla, founder of skincare brand Inde Wild, Ayurveda has been a part of her lifestyle since she was young. “It’s meant to uplift and balance me, so I don’t overcomplicate things,” says Khosla Elle. “I constantly meditate, practice mindfulness, do yoga, go to the gym, and use breathing techniques to stay healthy and active.”
Mehta embraces the spirit of simplicity. “Think about your daily routine and how you can incorporate Ayurveda into it. It might be gargling with lemon water in the morning, breathing techniques, or exercises.” Abyanha These include oil massages, seasonal eating that adjusts your diet to the changing seasons to balance your doshas, cooking with Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, ginger, and tulsi, and practicing yoga. ”
What are the beauty effects of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is holistic, and you’ll find brands like Fable & Mane, Forest Essentials, Ranavat, and Inde Wild all officially embracing Ayurveda. This means focusing on harnessing the power of herbs and plants while working with proven ingredients.
Science and nature go hand in hand, as Khosla’s mother, Dr. Sangita Khosla, is an Ayurvedic doctor and dermatologist. She says, “I love incorporating Ayurvedic ingredients like bakuchiol, amla, turmeric, and bhringraj into my beauty routine and pairing them with ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.”
In addition to using unique ingredients, Michelle Ranavat, founder of beauty brand Ranavat, also incorporates traditional Ayurvedic formulation techniques to increase the effectiveness and potency of her formulations. “Our Radiant Rani Brightening Saffron Serum is made in copper vessels in India over 18 days. These processes and fresh ingredients are what make our formula so effective.” I also like that the art of Ayurveda is being preserved for new generations. ”
ELLE Editorial Department: Ayurvedic skin care
Ranabat Radiant Rani Saffron Brightening Serum
Forest Essentials Hydrating Day Lotion Indian Rose and Cardamom SPF 15
inde wild dewy lip treatment
Kama Ayurveda Rose Floral Water
The Ayurvedic philosophy of taking care of yourself is important to aesthetic physician Dr. Sonia Khorana. “When used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with standard conventional medicine, it can have positive effects,” she explains.
“We also know that many herbs used in Ayurveda have antioxidant properties, and when you combine clinically proven ingredients in modern formulas, you can expect powerful effects.” Ayur The Vedas encourage you to breathe and relax when performing your beauty routine, which reduces stress hormone levels and improves your skin and overall health as well.
What are the health benefits of Ayurveda?
At the heart of Ayurveda is being kind to yourself by maintaining balance in your body, mind, and consciousness through a myriad of lifestyle elements, from a healthy diet full of nutrient-dense herbs to yoga and breathing exercises.
“Ayurveda’s biggest benefit is that it balances the mind, body and consciousness, leading to a healthy and peaceful lifestyle,” says Ranavat.
What are the common misconceptions about Ayurveda?
Although it may be a commonly used term in the health and beauty world, Ayurveda is more than just a passing fad. Companies that incorporate Ayurvedic values into their products must clearly demonstrate the Ayurvedic tradition, philosophy, and science behind the ingredients used.
“Ayurveda is not a mixture of random herbal ingredients. Thousands of years of wisdom and knowledge have been harnessed to develop formulations that are clinically proven to help prevent and maintain balance.” Ranavat says. “I find a lot of skin care products that use Ayurvedic ingredients, but they don’t talk about the science behind them. We are leading the education drive to help more people understand the origins of Ayurveda. It is very important to celebrate the science of Ayurveda.”
Khosla agrees, adding, “More brands are using[Ayurvedic ingredients]in the right way and at the right proven levels to ensure that their formulas are not only working optimally. , I hope that we do not dilute our Indian traditions and culture, but rather show a true appreciation for it,” he added. . ”
ELLE Edit: Ayurvedic hair and body care
Fable & Mane HoliRoot Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil – £31.90
Champo leave-in perfecting hair cream
Mauri Sleep Dharma Bath & Shower Oil
