Select Principles of Ayurveda

Select Principles of Ayurveda

The increased popularity of yoga has ignited an interest in its sister science, Ayurveda. Dating back thousands of years, Ayurveda is thought to be one of the most ancient and complete forms of natural healing on the planet. In this module students are introduced to the basic principles tenants so that they are better able to converse with clients and other practitioners about Ayurveda.

What is Ayurveda?

This lesson will begin with a brief history of Ayurveda, its geographical origins, and source materials. Students will be introduced to the concept of the doshas and learn how these give us our unique body/mind characteristics. We will briefly discuss the four classic treatment approaches and how they are used in an integrative approach to skincare. 

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify where Ayurveda comes from and how and where it is practiced today in the spa and beauty industry
• Define how the doshas shape our bodies, work with our personalities, and give us our own unique behaviors and preferences
• Recall the four main treatment approaches of Ayurveda and how they are used in a spa and beauty treatment setting

Ayurvedic Skin Physiology

Thousands of years ago, skin conditions were outlined in Vedic texts. Acharya Sushruta, the author of Sushruta Samhita, one of the main textbooks of Ayurveda, describes the seven layers of the skin. Ayurvedic physiology is Dosha (bioenergy) centric. Ayurveda also provides a unique way of classifying skin types.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recall how Ayurveda defines the seven layers of the skin
• Differentiate the parallels between Ayurveda and Modern sciences
• Recall the layers of skin and their Dosha (bioenergy) relation
• Define how to recognize skin types as understood by Ayurveda
• Restate how to analyze facial skin problems with reference to Ayurvedic skin types

Ayurvedic Skin Care Remedies

This lesson teaches students how to utilize Ayurveda in the treatment room. It covers how to customize seasonal skincare to address their client’s dosha as well as the doshic characteristics of the weather.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe customizing treatments for each Dosha
• Organize ingredients and foods to correct skin imbalances
• Recall the heating and cooling properties of certain oils

How to Identify Marma Points on the Face and Use Them in a Kansa Wand Face Massage

This lesson is an introduction to the benefits of working with marma points and why they are a useful addition to skincare treatments. We will identify the main marma points on the face and discuss their specific uses then show how they are integrated into a kansa wand face massage.

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the marma points on the face
• Define the benefits of some key marma points
• Identify these marma points on your own face and experience the benefits
• Demonstrate a simple kansa wand massage on marma points in a treatment setting