Hair And Skin

Skin, a delicate and sensitive organ, is an important layer on the skeleton that shapes up and defines the personality of a person.

The broader functions of the Skin are

• Regulates body temperature
• Prevents loss of essential body fluids and penetration of toxic substances
• Protects the body from harmful effects of the sun and radiation
• Excretes toxic substances with sweat
• Provides mechanical support

As per Ayurveda, Skin is Updhatu of Mansa and Adhishtana - Sparshanedriya. There are 7 layers of skin viz.

1. Avabhasini – This is the outermost layer of the skin and does not have its own color. It reflects the colors of the inner layers and the complexion and quality of Ras Dhatu (nutrient fluid, the first of the seven tissues of the body). This outermost layer also acts as a mirror and indicates whether the physiology as a whole is balanced or imbalanced.
2. Lohita - This layer of the skin supports Avabhasini, the outermost layer. It indicates the quality of Rakta Dhatu (blood). If there is ama (impurities) in the blood, it impacts the aura of the outer layer and accentuates sensitivity to the sun. The color of this layer resembles molten iron.
3. Shweta - This is a white layer of the skin and provides balance to the skin color, lightening the darker colors of the inner layers.
4. Tamra -This copper-colored layer nurtures the upper layers of the skin. It acts as a barrier and supports the immune system. Skin infections reflect an imbalance in this layer.
5. Vedini – This fifth layer sensually links the skin to the rest of the body. It is the center for transformation of sensation i.e. feeling of pain.
6. Rohini - This layer of the skin supports healing and regeneration. Imbalance in this layer hinders healing and the disappearance or fading of scars over time.
7. Mansadhara - This innermost layer of the skin is the platform for the skin's stability and firmness. When this layer is in balance, the skin looks young and supple. A skin product that has a vayasthapana effect, nourishes this layer and helps in slowing down the aging process.

Common diseases related to the Skin are

• Psoriasis
• Allergic Dermatitis
• Acne Vulgaris
• Vitiligo
• Hyperpigmentation
• Erythema
• Hives
• Eczema
• Pruritis
• Urticaria

Modern medicine works at cellular level on the skin as it provides minerals conducive for skin tissues. Modern medicine aids or Allopathy in stabilizing the body mechanism by fighting against disease causing agents like bacteria, microbes, etc.

Under Sanyukta Upchaar Paddhati^®, Ayurveda is given utmost importance in treating ailment related to the Skin. Ayurvedic treatments are helpful in rejuvenating skin through natural herbal preparations which have no or less side effects.

Ayurvedic Medicines for the Skin
Ayurvedic medicines are prepared from herbal formulas in various forms like tablets, syrups and ointments. These medicines work effectively according to their targeted action/s in treating skin disorders. For instance, liver medicines act on the liver and the liver enzyme secretions to improve liver functions, metabolism and formation of blood pigments.

How does Ayurveda benefit
Ayurvedic medicines act on blood and purify blood cells by excreting unhealthy toxins from the blood. For a good skin texture, healthy blood circulation is important. Ayurveda helps in boosting the process of blood formation.
Ayurvedic medicines help in rejuvenating skin cells by acting deeply on situated small cells by improving cells functioning. The tone and layer of the skin rejuvenates and this results in shining and unblemished skin.

As described in Ayurveda, the Skin has 7 layers and the damage in different layers of Skin shows different symptoms of disorders. By Panchakarma treatment, deeply situated 7 layers of Skin can be cleaned.
By cleaning our body from Vaman and Virechan processes, Tridoshas are regulated - Kapha, Pitta and Vata, which are mainly responsible for all ailments.

To cure Skin disorders and have a healthy skin, detoxification process of the body is necessary through Panchakarma.
Through Vaman, impure and unhealthy toxins are extracted from the upper track i.e. mouth.
Through Virechan, detoxification of the body is carried out from the lower track i.e. anus.

Raktamokshan is another beneficial method to clean and rejuvenate our blood circulation and deeply situated skin cells. Through Raktamokshan, impure blood is taken out from the body, enhancing better melanin production and circulation, which benefits in better skin pigment.

Shirodhara, another effective Panchakarma treatment, decreases stress and regulates hormones.

Under Acupunture, very fine small pointed needles are used on points related to the system. Acupuncture works by stimulation of Raphe’s Nuclei that increases serotonin production, which induces glucocorticoids that modulate inflammation (other aspects of body’s immune response).

The needles cure loosened and sagged skin. This encourages muscle relaxation and tightening causing pulling of delicate facial skin all over the body.

How does Acupunture benefit?

• Acupunture has a positive effect in reducing the inflammatory condition of the Skin.
• Acupuncture point stimulates metabolism for good digestion which reflects through a healthy skin
• Acupuncture regulates and balances the hormones and enzyme secretions which are helpful in detoxifying the body for better skin pigment and generation of new cells.

Yogic asanas and sadhana control and energize the Shad Chakras. This stimulates and balances nerves plexus, body organs and cell nuclei.
Pranayam (Anuloam-Vilom) improve respiration and oxygen supply in the body, balance the hormones and relax the mind.

What we eat impacts our skin directly. Mixed unhealthy diet is the main cause of skin disorders. To treat skin disorders, one has to strictly follow Pathya-Apathya and Aahar-Vihaar. Diet, rich in Vitamin E and C, improves skin cells. A proper diet regime regulates skin tissues, texture and better skin pigment.

At Vedicure, the role of Reiki is as important as other therapies. The science of universal energy, Reiki, transfers positive energy to the patient’s body. This stimulates nuclei of each cell. With this positive energy, body improves its functioning and develops its own mechanism to increase resistance against ailments.

The core of Naturopathy is treating ailments by using natural elements in their natural form. The Panchabhautik tattvas viz. air, water and soil are used in Naturopathy and through these natural elements, skin disorders can be treated.
For instance, through the process of steaming, small pores of the skin can open up and deeply situated dirty particles can be cleaned. In certain Naturopathy treatments, mud, flowers, herbal pastes, etc. are used to treat skin ailments.