Ayurvedic Ritual of Light
Authored by Jeena Dhanjal, founder of inūra
Ayurveda, translating to "the science of life," is a holistic healing system that originated in South Asia over 3,000 years ago. It emphasizes that true wellness arises from balance—between body, mind, spirit, and nature.
Central to Ayurvedic philosophy is the concept of the five elements: Ether (Space), Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. As illustrated to the right, these elements combine in various ways to form “three doshas”—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern our physical and emotional well-being. The balance of these elements is essential for maintaining health and well-being.
In Ayurveda, the balance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—not only shapes your inner well-being but is also reflected through your skin’s appearance:
Vata (Air + Ether): This dosha governs movement and is light, dry, and changeable by nature. When Vata is in balance, skin appears clear and vibrant. An imbalance will consist of dryness, dullness and signs of premature aging.
Pitta (Fire + Water): Associated with heat and transformation, balanced Pitta results in a healthy, radiant glow. If imbalanced, it can manifest as sensitivity, redness, inflammation, or breakouts due to its fiery nature.
Kapha (Water + Earth): Known for its grounding, nourishing qualities, a balanced Kapha skin type is soft, supple, and well-hydrated. When out of sync, this may lead to excess oil, clogged pores and a lackluster complexion due to its dense and moist properties.
Ayurvedic face care cleansing rituals involve gentle methods employing natural ingredients to purify the skin. Ayurvedic face care places importance on cleansing—not as a harsh process, but as a daily ritual of purification and renewal. Gentle methods using natural ingredients are chosen based on one’s dosha to detoxify and energize the skin without disrupting its natural barrier.
Vata: Oil-based cleansers infused with nourishing herbs like ashwagandha or sesame are used to counteract dryness and support skin elasticity.
Pitta: Cooling ingredients like aloe vera, rose water and sandalwood help soothe irritation and maintain clarity.
Kapha: Stimulating cleansers with turmeric or clay are preferred to balance excess oil and decongest the pores.
These rituals are often performed with mindfulness—using lukewarm water, soft cloths, and gentle massage—to awaken circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage, aligning the external routine with inner harmony.
A Daily Ayurvedic Ritual of Light
The inūra turmeric+ glow serum is our modern-day product ecompassing several ingredients and benefits of the Ayurvedic philosophy:
Turmeric (Haldi): A golden powerhouse known to support ojas—your inner vitality. Brightening, purifying, and healing, turmeric helps your skin reset and radiate.
Licorice Root: Celebrated for enhancing sattva—a sense of harmony and clarity. It gently fades dark spots and evens out your skin tone without irritation.
Saffron: Considered a Tridoshic herb — meaning it helps balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It is used to enhance glow, even tone, and purify the skin.
Jojoba Oil: A plant oil that mirrors your skin’s own sebum. It nourishes while balancing both Vata and Kapha energies, supporting hydration without congestion.
Three Doshas in Ayurveda: A Path to Balance and Radiance
