Hey there friends!
Are you familiar Ayurveda? If not, I'm so excited to introduce you to this beautiful world. I was first introduced to the principals of Ayurveda through a trusted yoga instructor and have got to experience first hand the benefits of yoga. Leaving me super excited to book my first facial using Ayurvedic practices with Mara Sarena, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach & Holistic Esthetician, Owner Sundara Ayurveda in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.
Here's some background per our trusted friend Mara...
Rejuvenation Beyond the Surface
An Ayurvedic facial is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill facial experience. It is a treatment that provides benefits far beyond your skin’s appearance, far beyond a beauty treatment. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Ayurvedic Facial Rejuvenation and uncover the plethora of amazing benefits it brings to those seeking a holistic approach to skincare.
Ayurveda, a holistic medical tradition that originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, revolves around the balance of bioenergetics both within and without one’s being, called Doshas. The three Doshas represent different combinations of the five elements and how they influence health and well-being in the body, mind and spirit. It is from this perspective that we treat a person based on their bio-individuality, their unique constitution, including how we treat the skin.
An Ayurvedic facial isn’t just about cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing, rather it’s about working to balance the energies in one’s presentation to promote and instigate healing from within. When we achieve balance and harmony within one’s doshas, the body, including the skin, can heal, regenerate and rejuvenate. In Ayurvedic skincare, and in Ayurvedic treatment in general, a practitioner works to help restore balance, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit, guiding one’s entire being into a state of equilibrium and vitality.
Components of Ayurvedic Facial Rejuvenation
An Ayurvedic facial treatment begins with an in-depth assessment of your skin’s current condition and your Prakriti (constitution), to tailor the service to what your skin needs.
Normally, the skin is categorized by the western world as dry, oily or combination. Most people fall under one of these categories and have additional skin problems which are dealt with accordingly. Ayurveda differentiates skin in a different way.
Once the skin assessment, a person’s Prakriti, and any imbalances are taken into account, the magic begins!
Rooted in the ancient beauty practices of Ayurveda, facial rejuvenation makes use of natural and traditional formulations that deeply cleanse, rejuvenate and enhance skin radiance, as well as tools and techniques that support lymph, blood and energetic flow. A practitioner begins with guiding the individual to take some deep breaths, arrive in the present moment, and relax and surrender into the held space. Once the practitioner senses that the person has decompressed and the body-mind becomes receptive, the facial treatment can proceed.
Step 1: Garshana- Using raw silk gloves, the face is gently massaged to encourage circulation, relax the muscles, and promote lymphatic flow. This signals the skin to start moving metabolic waste and to create space in order to receive nutrients and deep nourishment.
Step 2: Oil Massage- A constitution specific oil is massaged into the skin to further relax the muscles, drive moisture into the tissues and prepare it for Marma Therapy.
Step 3: Marma Therapy- Energetic points on the face, scalp, neck and chest are massaged and held with light pressure. These points are similar to the meridians in Chinese Medicine and when activated, help the body to energetically realign to its natural homeostasis.
Step 4: Swedana (steam)- While the face is wrapped in hot, moist towels, the arms and hands are massaged with oil. The steam promotes pore opening and softening, priming the skin for deep cleansing.
Step 5: Cleansing/Toning- a cleanser composed of all natural ingredients is massaged into skin to exfoliate and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Once the cleanser is removed, the face is misted with a potent herbal toner or hydrosol.
Step 6: Facial Mask- A nutrient rich formulated with detoxifying and medicinal herbs in applied to the face, neck and decollete and allowed to set while the feet are massaged with oil.
Step 7: Nourishment- After the mask is removed completely, a deeply hydrating moisturizer is applied, further promoting lymphatic drainage and infusing the skin with a range of protective and nourishing nutrients.
Once the practitioner has completed the facial rejuvenation treatment, they will apply various methods to signal the body to gently come back to the space and feel ready to re-emerge. Often, additional modalities and techniques are integrated into the session to further enhance rejuvenation like Kansa Wands, Gua-sha or facial cupping.
Authentic & Embodied Beauty
In conclusion, Ayurvedic Facial Rejuvenation is not just a skincare treatment; it's a holistic journey towards wellness. From assessment and dosha balancing, to the use of nature's finest formulations and ancient practices, every element is intentionally personalized to your needs. The results are undeniable - glowing skin, inner harmony, and a sense of well-being that extends far beyond the surface.
If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey and experience the amazing benefits of Ayurvedic Facial Rejuvenation, book an appointment today with me or a practitioner in your area. Discover the power of Ayurveda in revitalizing your skin and rejuvenating your spirit and allowing your intrinsic beauty to radiate from inside out. You will feel deeply nurtured, nourished and uplifted, and your skin will show it!
Mara Sarena, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach & Holistic Esthetician, Owner Sundara Ayurveda.
www.marasarena.com
Sundara Ayurveda is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in Felton, CA.
* If you're curious what your Prakriti (constitution) might be, join us next week! 🥰
