Archives for posts with tag: Vata

What to Feed your Face!

May 10, 2010 //
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Do you ever find yourself struggling to pronounce the plethora of ingredients found on food and product labels? What is sodium lauryl sulfate? How do I pronounce monoethanolamine? Nowadays, it’s become trendy to shop organically and use natural skin care products. Many of us, by now, have taken this trend and turned it into a life-long journey to live a healthier, more balanced life.

In India, the people have been using natural fruits, vegetables and plants in their skin care regimen for thousands of years. The rich traditions of Ayurveda, teach us to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the various phases of life by taking a holistic approach to our total wellbeing and keeping the three dosha elements within us – fire (Pitta), air (Vata) and earth (Kapha) – in balance. When it comes to skin care, what we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on our bodies. Remember, about 60% of what we apply to our skin actually gets absorbed, making it even more important to be ingredient conscious.

We know that, by eating a balanced variety of natural, nutrient-rich foods, you feel satiated, have more energy, your body functions more efficiently and you have greater mental stamina and acuity. All of this, of course, translates into healthier, more radiant skin. So why not include the foods we enjoy eating in a skin care product?

DoshaCare understands how the skin can benefit from quality ingredients. Here are just a few of the natural ingredients contained in DoshaCare skin care products that are so good for your skin, you can taste it:

Avocado – nourishes and conditions dry skin, increasing water-soluble collagen
Coconut – moisturizes and softens the skin
Cucumber – cools and soothes irritated skin
Ginger – stimulates circulation and helps remove toxins from the skin
Green Tea — a powerful antioxidant, natural astringent and antibacterial agent to detoxify and purify the skin
Lemon – a natural decongestant that refreshes and purifies the skin
Olive Oil – rich in natural lipids that mimic the skin’s own oils and protects the delicate moisture balance of the skin
Tomato – tones and firms the skin while nourishing and combating blemishes
Turmeric – contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, corrects hyper-pigmentation and softens the skin
Wild Yams – promotes collagen synthesis and improves skin elasticity and moisture-retention

So, go ahead, dig in!

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Categories DoshaCare, Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Ayurvedic Recipe-Tridoshic Vegetable Curry

April 29, 2010 //
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Here’s some fun! Check out this fantastic recipe that gears up Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Try it and let us know what you think!

-Vata, -Pitta, -Kapha

From The Ayurvedic Cookbook, written by Amadea Morningstar with Urmila Desai

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh green peas (frozen if necessary)
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups string beans or asparagus, cut in 1 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or ghee
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 cup yogurt

Preperation time: 1 hour

Serves: 8-10 people

Heat oil or ghee in large heavy skillet. Add mustard and cumin seeds. Then the mustard seeds pop, add turmeric. Then add all the vegetables and the water. (If using frozen peas, do not add until rest of vegetables are nearly done.) Cook covered until the vegetables become tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then add yogurt and the rest of the ingredients, stirring well. Simmer uncovered on low heat for another 15-20 minutes.

Yummy!!!

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Categories Ayurvedic Recipes

DoshaVibes Transforms Beauty Into Wellness

June 20, 2009 //
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Authentically Radiant Skin Achieved with a Holistic Service Approach
Visit DoshaCare at the Discovey Beauty Section of Cosmoprof North America to Learn about DoshaVibes

In the centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, authentic beauty is achieved through lifestyle choices that nourish the body and fulfill the mind. This healing system addresses all factors that influence the quality of life, such as maintaining a consistent daily routine, engaging in meditation and regular exercise, sustaining a healthy diet, and being in harmony with nature. In the professional environment authentically radiant skin is achieved by engaging all five senses through customized Ayurvedic Facial Services provided by DoshaCare and the new DoshaVibes. 

The DoshaVibes CD that was composed to complement DoshaCare Facial Services, specifically addressing each of the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Ayurveda combines the five elements in nature (water, earth, wind, fire and space) into three distinctive categories.  
-Vata, the air principal, is comprised of space and air. When we have too much Vata in our body, our skin is dry.  
-Pitta, the fire principal, is comprised of fire and water. Too much Pitta in our system will result in skin that can be sensitive.
-Kapha, the earth principal, is comprised of earth and water. Too much Kapha can result in oily, congested skin conditions.

Each DoshaVibe CD meets the unique needs of each dosha, resonating with the individual’s nervous system to bring them into the deepest level of relaxation possible. For the esthetician giving the service, each music composition provides cues to move to the next segment of the treatment. This allows the esthetician to perform the most relaxing manipulation in concert with the deepest relaxation of the nervous system, giving the client a meditative and restorative service that supports authentically radiant skin. The last segments of each CD are designed to gently guide the client out of the supremely relaxed state to a balanced consciousness of rejuvenated clarity.

The Vata Service is designed for dehydrated skin that requires nourishment to bring the natural function of sebum and moisture into balance. Skin is returned to balance with a breathing ritual and head massage inspired from India’s ancient traditions incorporated with deep cleansing and hydration treatment.

The Pitta Service is designed for sensitive skin that requires nourishment to soothe the over-heated system,  reducing inflammation, the biggest sources of premature aging, by incorporating gem stones and single note essential oils for the Pitta mind, body and spirit. Balance is restored by decreasing inflammation and increasing hydration.

The Kapha Service is designed for skin that is congested due to overactive sebaceous glands. Skin becomes nourished by decongesting pores, stimulating healthy circulation and strengthening the immune system. The rich tradition of Ayurveda incorporates Marma therapy (Ayurvedic version of acupressure) to balance Kapha mind, body and spirit.

Each of the three DoshaCare protocols have unique add-on features that can be performed in 55 or 75 minute format.

With DoshaCare Customized Ayurvedic Facial Services estheticians move from beauty services to wellness services providing clients the benefit of inner peace, outer radiance and ageless living.   DoshaCare is seeking professionals who are looking to offer a deeper level of customizable service by believing and practicing the following core concepts:
*True health is more than the absence of illness; it is a balanced state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
*Balance is achieved by following a lifestyle that nourishes our body and fulfills our mind.
*Quiet introspection, or meditation, can be one of the most powerful tools for relaxing the mind and igniting our internal pharmacy.
*Our business thrives upon creating an experience that indulges the five senses – sound, sight, taste, touch, and smell. 
*Indulging the five senses allows us to reach a deeper level of being which is therapeutic, holistic and health supporting.
*By thoroughly educating and training our staff, we can provide a haven for health that supports inner and outer radiance.
*We don’t simply sell products; we take care of people.

 
If you are a beauty industry professional contact us for a meeting at Cosmoprof North America July 18th-21st in Las Vegas to become a DoshaCare Wellness center.  If you are a not in the professional beauty industry and would like to experience a DoshaCare service, visit your favorite salon or spa and tell them about DoshaCare and your desire to have one of our wellness services.  You can make a difference by letting your local beauty professional know that you are no longer interested in getting just a facial.  Times have changes and now you can have a treatment that restores your inner, outer and ageless health.

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Categories Ayurveda, Facial Services, Holistic Health, Kapha, Pitta, Vata, aromatherapy, doshas, skincare

Glowing Winter Skin!

December 15, 2008 //
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DoshaCare

Customized Ayurvedic Skincare

 

Around this time of year, the ravages of dry winter weather begin to take their toll on skin. Many of us, in an attempt to combat this dehydration, lather on the heavy moisturizers, which isn’t the most effective solution. Often, it’s the built up dead skin  cells on the top layers of the skin that can hinder moisturizer from reaching the deeper layers. An effective exfoliating regimen can be the boost your skin needs in order to get all the benefits of a good moisturizer, and the side effect of a gorgeous glow doesn’t hurt either. DoshaCare’s founder, Patty Schmucker, has created this 3 step regimen to give you that healthy radiant glow that could rival any microdermabrasion treatment out there.

 

Use this Exfoliation Ritual as an effective anti-aging system that will address hyperpigmentation, boost radiance, and keep blemishes at bay. 

dc_sakala-ama-release-tonic-50-ml2 

 

Exfoliation Ritual

Day 1 – Apply Sakala Ama Release Tonic to dry skin, massage gently over the face, neck and décolletage.  Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser over the Sakala Ama Release Tonic and massage gently.  Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth.  Follow with elixir and moisturizer.

 

Day 2 – Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser and massage gently over the face, neck and décolletage.  Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth. Apply Sakala Exfoliant, as vigorously as your skin will tolerate over the face, neck and décolletage.  Pay special attention to the sides of the nose, the cleft of the chin, cheek area where blush is applied, and around the hairline where makeup and body oils accumulate and create build up. Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth.  Follow with elixir and moisturizer.

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Day 3 – Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser and massage gentle over the face, neck and décolletage.  Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth. Follow with elixir and moisturizer.

 

Day #4 Repeat Ritual steps 1-3

 

Should I do this ritual morning or night? 

It can be done either as part of your morning ritual or night ritual, but not both.  Choose which you will be more consistent with and incorporate this ritual at that time. 

 

Can I just repeat Day 1 and 2 Ritual every day?

No, because over-exfoliation is the number one reason (second only to a lack of liquid intake) for the skin having a shiny, oily appearance by mid afternoon.  Over-exfoliation breaks the acid mantle of the skin (a thin protective film naturally made by your body) and forces the skin to overwork to replenish this protective barrier. 

 

My skin is very sensitive and manual exfoliation irritates my skin.

Follow this ritual and pay attention to your skin’s reaction.  If redness or irritations occur, try these options.  Apply Ama Release tonic on wet skin or mixed with your cleanser.  If irritation still occurs, discontinue use of this product.  Apply Sakala Exfoliant over your cleanser, massage very lightly, or apply just in areas were there is build up.  If irrational still occurs, discontinue use of this product. 

 

I am oily by mid-afternoon every day.

Make sure you are getting enough liquids into your body.  Water is good, but any type of liquid found in foods, like soups, fruits, and vegetables also count for liquids.  The more clear the liquid you consume, the better.  If you are following this advice and practicing the DoshaCare Exfoliation Ritual, repeat the Day 3 Ritual for two or more consecutive days, until you see a balance restored to your skin.   For example, your Ritual might be Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 3, Day3, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 3, Day3.

 

Do I need to clean my skin at night?

Cleaning your skin at night before you go to bed is VERY important as your skin is most active at night when other organs are resting and as a result, whatever is on your skin at night is deeply absorbed. 

 

What if I have active acne?

For active acne conditions, apply Sakala Ama Release Tonic at night as a spot treatment to dry, clean skin.  Follow with elixir and moisturizer.  

Customized Ayurvedic Skincare

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Categories skincare

Autumn: The Season to get our Vata in check and stay healthy

October 21, 2008 //
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It seems at the beginning of each new season I know at least three people who get sick. For those of us who can’t afford to take time off when our bodies start to drag, here’s some wisdom from Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Robert Svoboda on ways to make the seasonal transition a bit smoother. Check out his book Ayurveda for Women.

“Ayurveda tells us that diseases are generated at the junctions of the seasons, the moments when one season changes into another. Whenever our environment (internal or external) changes, our systems must change with it, and every time we adapt poorly we expose ourselves to the possibility of disease….One of the strongest determinants of intensity, both in the thing that affects you and the degree to which you are affected by it, will be the season in which it occurs…. Plants and animals, which have no conscious time sense, have Nature to keep them “in sync” with the seasons…. Ayurveda recognizes four main “seasonal” cycles that apply to men and women alike. Establishing a rhythm in each of these cycles is essential to continued physical health, for it helps you to flow in the direction that is most appropriate for you”.

 ”Vata which waxes during the summer, climaxes in the autumn…”  therefore Autumn is the season in which people should be reducing Vata in their system.

Signs of Vata Imbalance courtesy of www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda:

  Worried
  Tired, yet can’t relax, Fatigue, Poor stamina
  Nervous, Can’t concentrate
  Anxious, fearful
  Agitated mind
  Impatient, Antsy or Hyperactive
  Spaced out
  Self-defeating
  Shy, insecure, restless
  Cannot make decisions
  Weight loss, under weight
  Insomnia; wake up at night and can’t go back to sleep
  Generalized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints
  Agitated movement
  Very sensitive to cold
  Nail biting
  Rough, flaky skin, Chapped lips
  Fainting spells
  Heart palpitations
  Constipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups
  Dry, sore throat, Dry eyes

It’s important to create or stick to a routine in times of imbalance. Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same times every day.

 

Also schedule your workouts and meals for the sames times every day, if possible. This creates a consistent rhythm that the body and mind respond well to, especially in times of change. The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.

Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t’ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.

When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. Meditate every day for deep relaxation.

With these tips, hopefully we can all avoid the seasonal cold or flu and maintain balance.

 

For more information on these and other ways to balance your dosha, check out www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda.

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Categories Uncategorized

A Formal Introduction to DoshaCare and the Beauty Benefits of Ayurveda.

October 9, 2008 //
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According to centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, beauty is achieved through lifestyle choices that nourish the body and fulfill the mind. This healing system addresses all factors that influence the quality of life, such as maintaining a consistent daily routine, engaging in meditation and regular exercise, and sustaining a healthy diet.

 

The innovative formulations of the DoshaCare skincare line combine this Ayurvedic philosophy with the best of Western technology to produce an effective, powerful hybrid that reveals healthy, nourished skin. This truly customizable skincare line caters to the three Ayurvedic constitutions: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Based on the results of a brief DoshaCare skincare survey, you’ll discover how your specific mental and physical characteristics determine your constitution, or Dosha.

 

The DoshaCare line addresses more than your skin type; its formulators take into account your diet, exercise routine and personality traits to select the most appropriate skincare system.

 

The same care and dedication applied to formulating these products was also given to the sourcing, production and packaging of the entire DoshaCare line. Each DoshaCare product, made up of 98 percent botanical ingredients, comes from socially and environmentally sustainable sources and meets fair trade and vegan standards. The packaging yields to the highest standards of environmental responsibility, with tubes made of 70 percent recycled materials, bottles made of 100 percent recyclable materials and labels printed with environmentally-conscious soy ink. When producing its product boxes, DoshaCare uses recycled paper to construct the inner packaging and virgin paper sourced from managed forests for its outer packaging.

 

Dosha Profiles

Your Dosha not only reflects the characteristics of your skin, but also reflects your personality and general nature. Through a series of questions, the Dosha survey determines your primary and secondary Doshas. As people often discover their secondary Dosha differs greatly from their primary—DoshaCare’s  customizable skincare line allots for these differences and allows you to create a skincare regimen to address all of your skin’s characteristics.

 

 

Dry skin generally characterizes people with a predominance of Vata in their nature. Also, as we age, our skin tends to become more Vata in terms of its condition. While an out-of-balance Vata can be characterized as easily excitable and anxious, they are also known for their adaptable The green yet beautifully modern look of DoshaCare.and flexible nature when balanced. An irregular, inconsistent appetite generally accompanies the small, slender Vata frame.

 

When out of balance, inflamed and acne-prone skin accompanies the irritable and critical nature of Pittas. On the contrary, balanced Pittas are known for their strong, determined, goal-oriented mindsets.

 

People with a predominance of Kapha in their nature commonly experience congested, oily skin. Kaphas, generally known for their easy going, steady nature, can become withdrawn when out of balance.

 

The DoshaCare system offers a comprehensive skincare regimen of mix-and-match products to be tailored to your primary and secondary Doshas, including: cleansers, exfoliants, masques, moisturizers and elixirs.

 

The DoshaCare Sakala line presents an array of products appropriate for all Doshas, including: an exfoliant, refining tonic, eye and neck balm, environmental shield and a sunscreen.

 

The heart of Ayurvedic philosophy is based on the belief that all aspects of wellness, both internal and external, greatly affect our inner being. To this point, DoshaCare assembled an advisory board to provide a valuable resource for consumers: The Holistic Lifestyle Report. Ideas and information from experts in fields such as holistic dentistry, aromatherapy, nutrition, herbology and social and environmental responsibility convene on the pages of this bi-annual report to encourage consumers to apply Ayurvedic principals to all aspects of their lives.

 

DoshaCare products are available at doshacare.com.

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Categories Uncategorized