Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India and is based on the principles of natural healing. In Ayurveda, the skin is considered an important organ of the body and is referred to as “Twak” in Sanskrit. According to Ayurveda, the skin is the outermost layer of the body and is responsible for protecting the body from external factors such as heat, cold, and pollutants.
Skin Structure in Ayurveda: Ayurveda describes the skin as having seven layers or “dhatus” that correspond to the seven layers of tissue in the body. These layers are:
- Avabhasini: The outermost layer of the skin, which reflects light.
- Lohita: The layer beneath Avabhasini that is responsible for the color of the skin.
- Shweta: The layer beneath Lohita that gives the skin its white color.
- Tamra: The layer beneath Shweta that gives the skin a coppery color.
- Vedini: The layer beneath Tamra that is responsible for sensation.
- Rohini: The layer beneath Vedini that nourishes the skin.
- Mamsadhara: The innermost layer of the skin that contains muscle tissue.
Skin Function in Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda, the skin has several functions, including:
- Protection: The skin protects the body from external factors such as heat, cold, and pollutants.
- Sensation: The skin contains nerve endings that allow us to feel sensations such as touch, pressure, and temperature.
- Thermoregulation: The skin helps regulate body temperature by controlling the amount of heat that is lost through the skin.
- Absorption: The skin can absorb certain substances such as oils and herbal extracts.
- Elimination: The skin is also responsible for eliminating toxins from the body through sweat.
Ayurveda also recognizes that different skin types require different types of care. For example, individuals with Vata skin tend to have dry and thin skin and should use warm and nourishing oils to keep their skin moisturized. Individuals with Pitta skin tend to have sensitive and oily skin and should avoid hot and spicy foods to prevent inflammation. Individuals with Kapha skin tend to have thick and oily skin and should use light and stimulating oils to prevent congestion
