Ayurveda knowledge

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This article appeared in the Ayurveda Journal, July 2017

 

The skin is the mirror of the soul, this phrase is well known. From an Ayurvedic perspective, we don't want to contradict this theory, but we would say even more accurately: the skin is the mirror of your diet. Because with what we eat and how we prepare it, we have a direct influence on the condition and regeneration of our skin. And the characteristics and abnormalities of our skin, such as dryness, hypersensitivity or impurities, are in direct correspondence with the corresponding problems on other physical or psychological levels of our individual constitution.

Eating for beauty
If we want to nourish our skin well, we need above all fresh, energy-rich and easily digestible food. The more vital substances we supply our organism with, the better our cell metabolism can work. In particular, the consumption of bitter vegetables and herbs such as spinach, artichokes, parsley or coriander is immediately rewarded with a beautiful, radiant complexion. However, it is a little more complicated with fruits containing vitamin C. Although these are very valuable for the skin's rejuvenating renewal process, the acid content of citrus fruits, tomatoes or sea buckthorn is also considered to be the main cause of skin irritation and blemishes. Ayurveda mentions the pomegranate and the amla fruit as famous exceptions to skin-friendly vitamin C intake. Despite their sour taste, these highly potent vitamin carriers have a very alkaline, balancing and healing effect. The absolute "miracle root" for the skin is turmeric. This well-known spice from Asian cuisine is one of the best skin therapies thanks to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying properties. Just half a teaspoon a day has a positive effect on skin diseases, impurities and the natural ageing process.
 

Ayurvedic dietetics recommends all naturally sweet, nourishing and cooling foods such as almonds, pistachios and saffron to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin:

• Almonds, pistachios and saffron for skin renewal
• Raisins, grapes and apricots for a beautiful complexion
• Turmeric and coriander to treat blemishes and skin complaints
• Aloe vera for good moisture content and new elasticity

 

Every skin is different
Just as every person has a unique thumbprint, we also have a very individual metabolism. Depending on our personal constitution and lifestyle, we can utilize food differently well or poorly. This also influences the Ayurvedic dietary recommendations, which can be tailored directly to the constitutionally typical skin characteristics and problems.
Vata skin is characterized by its fine skin texture, but also a tendency to dryness, flaking and premature wrinkling. Milia (grains of semolina), dark circles under the eyes and brittle fingernails are further "blemishes" caused by an excess of Vata. Warm, moist and slightly oily meals with lots of root vegetables and light grains (such as rice or cous-cous) help here. The drier the skin is, the more we should make sure we drink enough fluids. However, instead of drinking only warm water throughout the day - as is normally recommended in Ayurveda - it is far better for the skin's restorative metabolism if the liquid is supplied in the form of broth, tea or diluted juice. In this way, it can be better absorbed by the tissue metabolism (dhatvagni) and utilized for skin regeneration. A boiled vegetable broth with a little ghee and spices is a valuable tonic, especially for ageing or inflamed skin.

Most skin problems occur when pitta is too high. Pitta types naturally have very sensitive, sun-sensitive and easily reddened skin, which is prone to skin diseases, impurities and inflammation. All Pitta-increasing eating habits, such as the consumption of acidic and spicy foods, too much alcohol, coffee, salt and animal proteins, are poison for the skin and inevitably lead to the skin complaints described.

Depending on how directly our skin reacts to the heating and acidifying foods, these must be radically eliminated from the diet in order to pave the way for successful dermatological treatment.

 

Special dietary tips for Pitta skin

• all cooling, sweet and bitter foods and spices should be preferred, such as melon, cucumber, potatoes and spices: Melon, cucumber, potatoes, spinach, artichokes, asparagus, fennel, pumpkin, coriander, basil, parsley and turmeric.
• avoid all acidic and heating foods and spices such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, sour berries, vinegar, coffee, alcohol, chili, pepper, hing, mustard seeds and cinnamon
• yoghurt, kefir, quark and cheese should also be avoided and should never be eaten together with sour fruit or tomatoes
• 1 cup of fresh organic milk with ½ teaspoon of turmeric nourishes the skin metabolism (if tolerated)

 

If the Kapha characteristics are predominant in the skin, the person in question will at first glance enjoy extremely robust skin with good tone and tugor (moisture and tension content) and a long-lasting youthful complexion. However, if we take a closer look at the skin's appearance, we often see large pores and congested areas of skin with water retention as well as the typical signs of toxic accumulation (ama) in the tissues. This is where stimulation and cleansing are needed for a healthy and beautiful complexion. Activating and draining foods and spices such as barley, chickpeas, barberries and especially the legendary ginger water are particularly effective now.

To stimulate the sluggish Kapha skin metabolism and support detoxification, it is helpful to drink ginger and honey water with a little lemon and turmeric in the morning.

 

Here's how it's done:

Ingredients:

- 350 ml water

- 1 cm thick slice of ginger

- 1 MS ginger powder

- 1 tsp lemon juice

- 1 tsp honey

- 1 MS turmeric

 

Simmer the water with the fresh ginger for 10 minutes. Stir in the ginger powder and leave to cool to drinking temperature. Add the lemon juice and honey and drink warm.

 

When the skin cries out for help

Often, a change in diet and body care is enough to eliminate all skin problems. However, I also know clients who have not succeeded in getting rid of their spots (or other skin anomalies) despite a consistent diet, selected nutritional supplements and good cosmetic products. In this case, it is worth taking a look at the emotional side of skin complaints: As a typical Pitta problem, skin complaints are always psychosomatically characterized by aggression and resistance.

With every red pustule, our psyche cries out for help and shows the anger and despair we feel towards ourselves, our life circumstances or unresolved aspects of the past. Allowing and acknowledging this helpless pain is the first step in emotionally integrative skin therapy.

As a second step, we should learn to name and verbally transform the feelings that are fermenting within us: We look in the mirror and assign every germinating pimple and every unloved wrinkle its emotional equivalent. What disappointment, fear or despair is visible on the surface of our skin? How can we get in touch with it and make peace? These are the questions we need to deal with internally in order to take the psychological level into account in the holistic healing and renewal process for the skin.