Ayurvedic Dermatology By Danielle Hughes

ANCIENT RITUALS TO SUPPORT MODERN

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

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.

Bioenergies and Resulting Skin Conditions (Kushtha)

Ayurveda practices characterise certain skin symptoms can be attributed to predominant bioenergies of an individual.

• Vata dominance resembles thin, brittle and cracked skin; hair may be sparse and break easily and there is a decreased sebum secretion; the colon (large intestine) is the main seat of vata energy.

• Pitta dominance may see increased sebum production, warm and shiny skin, and risk of photosensitivity; excess pita energy may cause balding; nails may be flexible; the small intestine, skin and liver represent the main seat of pitta energy.

• Kapha dominance may appear as a waterlogged skin with surface thickness, oil flow and an overall cool thermostat; the stomach and lungs are the main seat of kapha energy.

According to ‘Advanced in Integrative Dermatology’, the following skin conditions, commonly seen in beauty and dermal practice, can relate to imbalance of one or more bioenergies:

• Dermatitis – can be categorised based on the dominating energy and characteristics will vary from cold, clammy dermatitis (kapha) to red, inflamed, and swollen dermatitis (pitta)

• Acne – predominantly pitta, but all three bioenergies are involved

• Vitiligo – aggravated pitta

• Psoriasis – vata and kapha dominance/ imbalance

Age Management has also been described in Ayurvedic texts as the act of ‘arresting’ the ageing process through maintaining a balance between the tridoshas (bioenergies) and undertaking daily rituals such as the intake of anti-ageing herbs, exercise, and mindfulness.

Management of Skin Conditions based on Ayurvedic Medicine.

Disclaimer: Some ayurvedic practices hold significant risk for an individual and must only be practiced after a thorough consultation with a medical practitioner.

There are four practices that support cleansing and rejuvenation of the individuals disrupted bioenergies and may therefore yield a positive outcome on resultant skin conditions.

i. Cleansing

Elimination of toxins through purging and emesis or vomiting, and bloodletting. The initial management of disease starts here.

ii. Palliation

Prescriptive treatment with herbs and minerals, diet, and lifestyle, supplementing where needed, fasting, yoga, breathing and meditation are then introduced. The focus during palliation is to improve digestion, eliminate toxic waste, and rebalance energies. Ginger is widely used.

iii. Rejuvenation and (iv.) Psychotherapy

During these practices, an individual must reconnect their mind, body and soul. This is achieved by introducing routine exercise, consistent sleep-wake cycle (up at sunrise), daily stress management techniques, healthy diet supported by herbal medicine and oils and sexual activity.

Practical Take-Homes for Beauty and Dermal Therapists

In conclusion, Ayurveda has existed long before modern medical practice – deeply rooted in certain civilisations and cultural beliefs. Advances in dermatology are pointing to an integrative approach – combining pharmaceutical with ‘alternative’ methods that have yielded success since ancient times. In fact, within the beauty and dermal arena, we are seeing such an emphasis now on treatments that support mindfulness, breathing, lifestyle, diet, and overall wellbeing as a holistic approach to treating common skin disorders such as acne and dermatitis.

With all forms of medicine, traditional or modern, there may be risks and adverse effects. As an individual, it is your responsibility to access the information and make an informed decision about treatment. As a professional, a referral would be needed to safely ascertain an individual’s suitability for certain Ayurvedic treatments.

Ultimately, the practice of Ayurveda relates on a connectedness within and between each system of our body, harmony between these systems and our inner energy and homeostasis or balance – and this is something we can all agree, holds significant merit for investigation in successfully managing long term skin health.

Danielle Hughes is the owner and founder of education platform Behind the Scenes X and the owner of Skinfaktor Australia who distribute quality cosmeceutical skincare amplified by patented Medilift™ technology. With national and international qualifications in beauty therapy, health science and training, Danielle is committed to furthering her own education and expertise to deliver the most relevant, scientifically supported content for beauty, dermal and aesthetic professionals around the world.