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DERMAL
AYURVEDIC DERMATOLOGY ANCIENT RITUALS TO SUPPORT MODERN SKIN TREATMENTS? By Danielle Hughes
Translated, Ayurveda means “knowledge of life” and refers to a traditional system of medicine, believed to have been passed from gods to sages, and in turn doctors. Originating in India, it is believed Ayurveda dates back to the Indus Valley civilisation. In fact, Ayurveda is most likely the only form of prehistoric medicine still practiced today. Most recently, the field of Ayurvedic Dermatology has evolved with practices being integrated into modern skin management strategies. Basic Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine
The eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine are identified in the Ashtangahrudayam: 1. General adult medicine 2. Paediatrics 3. Surgery 4. Ophthalmology 5. Psychology 6. Toxicology 7. Rejuvenation 8. Reproductive These eight systems relate specifically to the five elements of the human body: earth, water, fire, air, and space (or ether). Combinations of these five elements are bioenergies and it is these bioenergies that govern bodily function. Also known as tridoshas, the three bioenergies that may populate our body are: 1. Vata – space and air 2. Pitta – fire and water 3. Kapha – water and earth 36
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Bioenergies impact our physical and emotional being and each of us has a unique balance of these energies. Some of us are predominant in one, whilst others may be a combination. Ultimately, dis-ease, is described as the end point of living outside the harmony of your unique energetic balance. As an industry, we have relatively recently come to have a heightened understanding of the impact that psychological stress bears on the skin, a connection known as the brain-skin axis. Yet, centuries ago, we see this was already discussed and practiced in medical treatments. Now, it’s understandable that some of you reading may think this is just too alternate or ‘woo woo’ but let’s note there are some recently published reviews of these practices. For example, ‘Advanced in Integrative Dermatology’ published their 2019 textbook with an entire chapter dedicated to Ayurvedic Dermatology.
Ayurvedic Medicine and Skin Cells Ayurvedic practice asserts each of our cells possess their own vital energy, known as ojas. This energy allows our cells to repair and rejuvenate to correct imbalances that disrupt homeostasis. Ayurveda has described the skin as ‘twag sara’ in the Charaka, one of the three notable Ayurvedic texts. Twag sara identifies key qualities that skin should be - smooth, soft, lustrous and a sign of good fortune, happiness, and intelligence. The seven layers of skin described correspond to the seven tissue systems of the body – plasma, blood, muscle, bone, fat, marrow, and semen. Therefore, Ayurveda can identify that when there is an imbalance in blood for example, there is a corresponding response that manifests on the skin.
