Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

Concept of Beauty and Ayurveda Medicine

Jayram Hazra and Ashok Kumar Panda

Beauty consciousness and the knowledge of application of herbs, minerals and animals products are as old phenomena as the human existence. Beauty of person gives perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. Ayurveda never isolate the involvement of metal and spiritual well being from the concept of beauty. Ayurveda determined beauty by prakriti (Body constitution), sara (structural predominance), sanhanan (compactness of body), twak (skin completion), Praman (Measurement) and dirghayu lakshyana (symptom of long life). Beauty is not only a source of jay but gives confidence and proud in some extent. Ayurveda cosmetology started from mother wombs, dinacharya, ratricharya, ritu charya with the practice of medicinal herbs and minerals. Ayurveda physician believe that toxic materials inside our body make a person ugly and disease and Sodhana (Purification) is the best therapeutic intervention to eliminate body toxins. Charak samhita classified cosmetics drugs as Varnya, Kustagna, Kandugna, bayasthapak, udardaprasamana, etc and many alepam (poultice) are described in Susruta Samhita and astanga hrudaya. Some medicinal plants like- Haridra, Manjistha, Sariba, Chandana, Amalaki, Gritkumari , Babul, Lavanga,Sikakai, Aritha, Brinaraj etc has been prescribed for beautification of skin, hair, teeth, nails etc. Diet has a special role to improve and maintain beauty of an individual. Panchakarma procedures are employed for beatification of skin –the marker of overall condition of individual as per Ayurveda. Snehana and Swedan are believed to be inhibiting trans-epidermal water loss, restoring the lipid barrier and restore the amino-lipid of the skin. There are significant evidences already generated for Ayurveda skin care in vitiligo, psoriasis, and eczema and acne vulgaris. Consumer trends suggest a gradual shift from chemical-based products to Ayurvedic beauty products. India could emerge as a major contributor to the global cosmetic industry. This will possible, as one of the strengths of India is Ayurvedic tradition.