The glow of health: experience ancient Ayurvedic beauty therapies with Katie Keyes and Vishnu Dass.

The seers and sages of ancient India have bestowed a vast body of knowledge and wisdom upon humanity. One example is Ayurveda, which is primarily a medical system. However, many of its specialized therapies are used effectively to enhance the youthfulness of ones natural beauty. According to Ayurveda, beauty is already present in every person, and it only needs encouragement and nourishment to bring out its natural radiance. Ayurvedic beauty care treats each person using a holistic approach. No two treatments are alike. Each person is carefully observed for their unique skin and body care needs. A specific treatment is then designed for them. With individualized treatments, herbs, oils and pastes, the person's unique attributes are brought to a harmonious balance. In traditional Ayurvedic beauty therapies, all ingredients are free from chemicals, mineral oils, petroleum-based products, synthetic perfumes, and preservatives. They are made from all natural and rejuvenating substances. Ayurvedic facial masks and facial and body scrubs are made with powdered herbs mixed with river clays, bean and grain flours, herbal and scented oils, milk, honey, plant extracts, and natural fragrances such as pure rose or sandalwood oil. To insure optimal results, the ingredients are mixed before each treatment making it is easy to customize according to the person's needs.

Since the skin is our body's largest organ, Ayurvedic therapies treat the skin in order to affect the whole body and person. Through massage therapy, herbal oils are infused into the skin and thus into the blood stream and muscle tissue. This nourishes and balances the body. It also helpsclear the mind, encouraging a relaxed body.

Ayurvedic facials begin with a deep yet gentle cleansing of the skin, to remove dirt, sebum, and sweat from the skin while leaving its protective "mantle" intact. A mild scrub made of bean and grain flours is then used to exfoliate accumulated dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation to the face. This promotes new skin growth and brings a glow to the skin. Next is an intricate oil massage to nourish the facial skin. The muscles in the face are relaxed and softened, the mind becomes calm and centered, and the whole body is soothed using ancient Ayurvedic massage techniques. More nutrients are then introduced to the face through a mud mask. Once the mask is removed, a light moisturizer is applied to protect the skin from the environment.

Other Ayurvedic beauty treatments include herbal body steams to detoxify the tissues and melt away tension. Herbal pastes can then be scrubbed onto the body to lift any impurities left on the surface of the skin and leave the texture of the skin soft. Herbal mud wraps are used to draw impurities out of the skin while simultaneously infusing the skin with rich organic nutrients. All of these body treatments are deeply cleansing and stimulating to the skin. After sloughing away tired, lifeless skin cells, these Ayurvedic beauty treatments leave the person with a glowing, vibrant complexion of clean, properly nourished skin.

Outer beauty is the effect of inner beauty. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the external aspects of the body, be it the skin, hair, nails, or the luster of the eyes, are byproducts of deeper tissues. This topmost layer of the skin is seen as a byproduct of rasa dhatu, the plasma and lymphatic tissue. If it is healthy, the skin will glow. If it is not healthy, the skin will become dry, dull, and prematurely aged. The rasa dhatu is formed from food precursors, which are the end product of digestion in the stomach. If our food is well digested, these food precursors can go on to form healthy rasa dhatu. Being composed of ninety percent water, this tissue is the river of nutrients that flows throughout the body, bathing and nourishing all the other tissues in its path. If food is digested poorly, it encourages the formation of ama, or toxic metabolic byproducts. These toxins are then reabsorbed and can circulate throughout the system, weakening and obstructing all the bodily tissues, channels, and organs. To maintain digestive health, eat organic, whole foods, avoid excessive cold foods and drinks, eat balanced meals, and get plenty of daily exercise.

By adhering to a simple routine, our bodies can establish a rhythm and can function more efficiently. Ayurvedic therapies together with a positive health-supporting lifestyle are equal partners on the journey toward a vital, glowing complexion.

try this

Rejuvenating
Springtime
Foot Scrub

2 Tablespoons Honey
1/2 cup Sea Salt
1-3 Tablespoons Rosewater
2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 drop Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Combine all the ingredients and scrub
onto clean feet. Rinse when finished. Feel
your feet smile!

Katie Keyes, NTS, LMT, a certified aromatherapist and the creator of Rippling Waters Healing Arts Cooperative and Solstice Handcrafted Aromatics, teaches at the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga and is a therapy assistant at Blue Lotus Ayurveda Center in Asheville, NC. Vishnu Dass, NTS, LMT, Cayu, is the Director of Blue Lotus Ayurveda Center, in Asheville, NC, where he offers Ayurvedic health care, therapies, therapeutic massage, educational programs and workshops. Contact 828713-4266 or visit www.bluelotusayurveda.com.