If you want flawless skin and glossy hair without resorting to harsh synthetics, look no further than Ayurveda . This gentle practice originated on the Indian continent over 5,000 years ago and is still going strong today. It’s based on the belief that health and wellbeing depend on a delicate balance of the three doshas (energies found in the body) kapha, vata and pitta – or earth, air and fire.
Ayurveda beauty rituals and treatments play a large part in both the daily routine (dincharya) and seasonal routine (ritucharya) in Ayurvedic practices. Massage, yoga and spiritual are teamed with applications of nourishing fruits, seeds, herbs and oils for a whole-body experience. These range from gentle cleansing ubtans (pastes), using ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, saffron, cashews, yoghurt and rose water, to deeply replenishing beauty treatments using natural oils of coconut, sweet almond and sesame and sunflower.
We’ve investigated eight powerful Ayurveda beauty treatments and the ingredients they use, which promise to remedy a myriad of symptoms and enrich your life.
1. Shirodhara healing treatment for relaxation Sometimes referred to as ‘third eye’ therapy, this supremely soothing Ayurveda beauty treatment involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead (the ‘third eye’) and through the hair and scalp. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiras, meaning head, and dhara (flow).
The liquids used depend on your Ayurveda dosha body type , but they can include oil, milk, buttermilk or coconut oil. This deliciously comforting sensation takes the body and mind to a place of deep peace, renewal and effortless clarity.
2. Akshi tarpana eye rejuvenation for skin brightening A Sanskrit term simply meaning ‘eye nourishment’, this clever Ayurveda beauty remedy uses a doughnut-shaped mould made out of black gram flour to create a natural eye bath. The therapist then fills the hole with warm triphala ghee to soothe the eyes and brighten dull skin, while reducing wrinkles, fine lines and dark shadows to restore brightness.
Another favoured Ayurvedic beauty spa treatment, this delicious traditional massage often sees two therapists applying oils infused with Ayurvedic herbs from head to toe, paying particular attention to the joints and marma energy points, where two or more types of tissues meet – for example, ligaments or bones. It increases circulation and the personalised oils help bring all the doshas into balance, while increasing skin suppleness. This therapy is often followed by a full body steam or herbal linen wrap. You can also try abhyanga self-massage at home.
4. Shiroabhyanga massage for glossy hair One of the most popular Ayurvedic spa treatments, Shiroasbhyanga, or Indian head massage, is a great way to keep your tresses in tip-top condition. Replenishing oils such as coconut, brahmi, bhringraj and triphala are massaged into your head, neck and shoulders to not only encourage healing and balance in your whole body, but fabulous hair too.
5. Mukhalepam facial for radiant skin Great for all skin types, including oily skin, this therapeutic Ayurveda facial includes a steam treatment and massage with herbal oils, followed by a custom-made face mask with nourishing herbs, plant extracts and ghee. It helps to tone facial muscles, combat wrinkles and fade pigmentation marks. A must for anyone with lacklustre skin.
6. Potli kizhi massage for detoxing Perfect for purifying your body, this nourishing fix uses warm linen-wrapped pouches (called potli), which are filled with an Ayurvedic formulation of medicinal rice and grains dipped in herb-infused milk or oil to boost skin tone and texture. Team it with a vigorous body scrub or steaming first and a rejuvenating herbal bath afterwards for the ultimate beauty detox.
7. Kansa vataki massage for tired feet This soothing Ayurveda ritual uses a small bowl made from three different metals to massage marma points on the soles of your feet to rebalance the three doshas. It’s the perfect treat to refresh tired feet, boost circulation and improve pranic energy.
8. Udvartanam massage for body toning Using a potent paste of herbs, grains and spices such as triphala, this invigorating Aryuveda body rub increases circulation and breaks down fat deposits. Udvartanam is the Sanskrit term meaning ‘to move upwards’, and the massage uses long strokes to boost lymphatic drainage. It’s a great Ayurvedic treatment for cellulite and weight loss.
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