|
For most of my life I've struggled with dry skin and
dandruff. I've gone through every cream and shampoo available on the
market without any acceptable results. I started to look to diet and
more alternative practices for help. I've realized that it is possible
to find solutions to dry skin and dandruff through diet, in combination
with other health models, such as the Eastern practice of Ayurvedic
medicine.
Ayurvedic is an ancient medical system from India which
empasizes more natural paths to healing through diet, massage and
holistic remedies. It classifies individuals according to a metabolic
body type or dosha. Each dosha is characterized by a combination of the
earth's elements like fire, water, wind, etc. When your doshas are out
of balance, ill health can occur. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and
Kapha.
Depending on what body type you are, you could be more
prone to dry skin and dandruff. For example, a person with an imbalance
in their Vata dosha is prone to dry skin. Various herbal rememdies and
oils can help to restore balance to specific problems. With Vata, a
regular body and scalp massage with sesame or sweet almond oil is
recommended. For Pitta the oil would be coconut and for Kapha try olive
oil. These can all be found in health food or grocery stores if you
don't have a store that specializes in Ayurvedic remedies. You can also
gently heat the oils in the microwave for a more intense moisturizer.
Another great natural moisturizer is a mixture of egg yolks and honey.
Thick and messy, but it works!
In addition to topical remedies, you can also work on
your body from the inside out. Diet has a great impact on dandruff. Try
these following dietary tips:
-Cut back on sugar and yeast. Foods that contain high
levels of these ingredients can encourage fungus growth that causes
dandruff. Unfortunately, that includes beer and wine!
-Pack your diet full of B-vitamin, Omega 3 fatty acids,
and zinc rich foods like egg yolks, fish, whole grains, bananas,
avocados, nuts, seeds, flaxseed, and spinach. These nutrients help
maintain healthy hair and skin and zinc is actually found in many
anti-dandruff shampoos.
-Use a tea tree oil shampoo on your hair. This is a very
popular natural product from Australia, and has been used as an
antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. This is the only
anti-dandruff shampoo that has worked for me!
These are only a few tips that can help to restore your
body to optimal health. Ayuvedic medicine is as vast as the Western
model requiring years of study and knowlege. I hope to have simply
provided an introduction to a wide range of help available.
Find out what your dosha is by visiting: http://www.ayurbalance.com/explore_articlethreedoshas.htm
Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time beauty
buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html
The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign
up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html
Brought to you by Ample Advice
Jane Arnold
|
