Acne- Ayurvedic treatment, Diet, Yoga and Home remedies.

Ayurveda, a prehistoric medical science defines acne as Youvana Pitikas. The vata, pitta, kapha doshas controls the entire body activities and its aggravation leads to acne. When one leads a life with an unhealthy diet and irregular lifestyle, vata dosha is imbalanced and it thereby affects the other two doshas too.

Pitta imbalance leads to vititation of blood which then leads to excess oil secretion from sebaceous glands in the skin and it is generally red, small and tends to aggravate in hot climate..

Kapha imbalance leads to stickiness of the oil secretion from the sebaceous glands in the skin and in the skin pores and hair follicles a thick plugs are formed. This erupts acne which are pale, hard, large and in the cold climate it aggravates.

There is a sebaceous glands under the skin and they produce oils. Puberty or menopause harmones causes sex harmones changes. At this time the glands tend to produce more oily secretion. This clogs the pore of the skin or hair follicle’s pit, and thus acne is formed. In these places bacterias are formed and its infection causes inflammation leading to acne eruption.

By adopting the modified diet and life styles,herbal decoctions, herbal tablets, massaging face regularly with herbal oils one can fight acne.Also one has to find constructive ways to let off go of his negative emotions like anger and be calm and collected as this also is one of the reason for acne.

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells get trapped in the pit of the hair follicle. Bacteria then begins to multiply and the area becomes inflamed producing pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the face and upper body

Few tips to modify life style and diet which helps to balance the aggravated doshas and treat acne are :

** A diet high in raw vegetables and fruits to be taken in plenty. Drink at least 15 glasses of water daily.

** All forms of sugar, alcohol, butter, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, fat, fried foods, margarine, hydrogenated oils, soft drinks, iodized salt and processed foods, spicy, dry and oily food are to be avoided.

** 15 minutes of sunshine along with a regular exercise regimen and sufficient sleep is recommended.

The pathology of the disease is considered due to vitiated Blood (Rakta Dushti) along with vitiated Kapha and Vata and it deals with the diseases by applying various Medical, Surgical and Parasurgical methods of treatment.

** Blood letting is a well-accepted treatment for Vitiated Rakta Dosha, the process of removing this stagnated blood i.e. Raktamokshan proves significant to treat the disease.

** Leech application for Raktamokshan is one of the Para surgical methods described by Sushruta. It improves microcirculation to tissues by removing this stagnated and vitiated blood.

** Hirudotherapy improves capillary tissue perfusion and thus supplying proper levels of Oxygen and Nourishment to skin.

** Similarly, the Sheeta and Madhur properties of Jalauka (Leech) calms down the provoked Rakta resulting into resolution of the disease. Better results can be obtained with supplementation of internal medicine and local application of Lepa (Face pack).

** Face pack made up of Lodhra(Symlocos racemosus), Vacha(Acorus Calamus), and smooth paste of Jatiphala(Myristica Fragrance) helps to remove black spots of remnants of acne.

** Blood purifiers like Sariba(Hemidesmus Indicus), Anantmula(Tylophora Asthmatica) are used for internal medication.

** Digestive formula – Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Turmeric (equal parts organic powders). ½ tsp taken during meals (2-3 x per day) in a small glass of warm water along with 1 tsp of Ghee.

** Ayurvedic formula – Triphala can be taken 1-2 grams per day at bedtime in a little glass of warm water

** Applying the pastes of the fenu greek leaves , tender neem leaves with turmeric, face pack of ripe tomato pulp or besan flour (gram flour) with rose water on acne and then wash it off after it dries.

** Take time out of every day to relax — read a book, take a bath, practice yoga, or do whatever makes you feel happy and calm this indirectly contributes to health of your skin.

Ayurvedic line of treatment gives significant result in management of acne and is very beneficial to society by relieving the physical and psychological upset which is caused by this disease.

** Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly.

** Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.

** When makeup must be worn, use water-based, hypoallergenic products without harsh chemicals, dyes or oils.

** Neem acts as a deep cleanser and also improves your skin elasticity, and helpful in acne scar treatment.

** The face should be kept free from oil by washing with an herbal cleanser or with lemon juice three times per day.

** Hair should be kept clean, as well. Friction makes pimples more likely to erupt, so not over-scrub or touch the affected area whenever possible.

** Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands

** Ayurveda suggests meditation and yoga to balance the spiritual aspect as well as your emotions which reduces the stress levels so that the occurrence of acne may be prevented.