3 Ayurvedic Remedies For Your Dry Skin and Vata Dosha

Dry skin, in Ayurvedic science, is seen to occur as a result of imbalance in Vata Dosha which represents the characteristics of air and space elements. Due to aggravation of Vata, the blood circulation is affected, leading to drying up of arteries, capillaries, and nerves. Other symptoms of Vata imbalance are anxiety, constipation, insomnia, headaches, undue fatigue, intestinal gas, menstrual cramps, lower back pain, or aching joints. To counter the dehydrating symptoms of excess Vata, Ayurveda suggests adopting warming, moisturizing, and grounding practices. 

Self-abhyanga is one of the most effective in curing dry skin as it  provides a profound feeling of stability, strength, hydration and well-being. Abhyanga is an age-old Ayurvedic practice of  lovingly oiling the body. It helps in bringing balance in the three doshas, moves the lymphatic system, increases circulation, improves skin tone, increases stamina, calms the nerves, moisturizes the skin and counteracts the effects of aging. Massage your body with a moisturizing oil like sesame or almond oil everyday before taking a bath. 

Powder up about 200 gms of almonds in a food processor or coffee grinder. Store this powder in a jar. In order to use it, add a tablespoon of warm water to half a tablespoon of powdered almonds to make the almond meal. Apply this paste in gentle circular motion to enhance circulation and exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse later with warm water and moisturize as you usually do.

Take a few tsp. of  Chia seeds or any fibre rich seeds that may suit your body’s diet requirements and infuse it into your bottle of drinking water. Each time you take a sip of the water, you’ll also take in the nutrition of those seeds that will balance the Vata Dosha and thereby the dry skin.

The nourishment of the skin does not only depend on outer regimen but also on what you eat. Nourishing from within is as crucial as a nourishing skincare routine. Try to avoid drying foods such as caffeine as it is a diuretic and purges water from the body. Instead of coffee, one can have frequent servings of warm water or warm spiced milk. Also try to have warm and moist meals such as thick soups and stews.