Ayurveda

A Guide to Ayurveda

Guide to Ayurveda 101

Here is our guide to Ayurveda. Also known as Ayurvedic medicine, it is one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world today. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda is based on the belief that one’s wellness and health are dependent upon a careful balance between the body, mind and spirit. The main goal of Ayurveda is to promote good health within one’s self through its holistic teachings and practices. Those who practice Ayurveda believe that everything in the universe is connected. If your mind, body and spirit are connected to and in harmony with the universe. Then you will have good health and in turn, enjoy glowing skin as one benefit. When something disrupts this balance then you find that you fall ill, experience some internal problems and even begin to experience skin problems. Ayurveda practitioners believe that everything in the universe is connected. The practice advocates Veganism and supports cruelty free products. We at Urban Veda agree with these core ayurvedic principles, which is why our products are cruelty-free and 100% vegan. Ayurveda believes that a vegan diet helps maintain balance within the body.

Guide to Ayurveda: Elements and Doshas

Additionally, Ayurvedic principles believe that every person is made of five core elements that are found all around us. These elements include space, air, fire, water and earth. These five core elements combine within our bodies to form three energies or life forces, named doshas. Doshas indicate how your body functions best, including what your skin type is. And therefore, which products should be used to balance your skin. These three doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The elements of space and air affect the Vata Dosha. Whereas, the Pitta dosha is governed by the element fire and water and the Kapha dosha by water and earth. If you would like to know which is your most prominent dosha. Then we suggest trying our very own skincare dosha quiz.

Vata Skin

Everyone inherits a unique blend of these three doshas. However, one of these doshas is often stronger, or more present, than the others. When it comes to skincare, Vata skin is typically drier and more prone to dehydration than the other two doshas. Due to the two air elements that rules a Vata constitution – air and ether. Vata skin can be thin and can easily suffer more in times of stress, breaking out in rashes or becoming excessively dry. When it comes to caring for vata skin, think nourishing, moisturising and being extra careful with cleansing. Make sure you don’t over dry or over exfoliate your skin. When it comes to buying the right skincare for vata skin, our Radiance range is where you want to start looking. This range is specifically for vata skin as it contains many hydrating fruit enzymes and complexion brightening Turmeric and Papaya. To restore your natural glow, whilst earth scents of frankincense grounds a busy vata mind.

Pitta Skin

On the other hand, when looking at a typical pitta skin’s profile, you will find that normally pitta skin is soft, oily and has a fair to warm complexion thanks to the two elements of Fire and Water that govern this dosha. Pitta skin is more likely to suffer from rashes, acne and sores when they are experiencing an imbalance. Caring for Pitta skin involves using cooling moisturisers keeping an eye out for redness and aggravation. Due to the fire element, Pitta skin is extra sensitive in the sun. So, regular sun cream application is crucial to protect the skin. Try our exquisite soothing sandalwood range if you fall into the Pitta category. This range has cooling and calming Sandalwood, Aloe Vera and Lavender, which not only soothes the skin, but is also a tranquil delight for the mind.

Kapha Skin

Kapha skin is typically thick, light and oily due to the two Water and Earth elements that rule this dosha. Those with Kapha skin generally have large pores and as a result, battle with blackheads and water retention in times where they are experiencing an imbalance. When caring for Kapha skin you should focus on gentle cleansers and exfoliators to retain the natural oil barrier of your skin and maintain your skins balance whilst cleansing the skin from dirt and harmful bacteria. When buying skincare for Kapha skin, our specially designed purifying range will have all the answers. Enriched with antibacterial Neem and cleansing Tea Tree, this minty range uplifts the mind whilst the skin remains clean and balanced.