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Have you ever woken up in the morning and found your eyes or even your entire face to look... puffy?
You'll know that simply splashing cold water on your face and applying cucumber slices or a cold spoon on your eyes, doesn't really work.
But why is that?
And what really causes the face and eyes to swell overnight?
And what can you do to get rid of that puffiness so you can start your day looking fresh and well-rested?
Here are some interesting Ayurvedic tips and tricks you can try!
What causes “puffy” eyes, according to Ayurveda?
The eye is the jewel of the body and in Ayurveda, the eyes are considered to be the seat of fire, and connected to the fiery dosha associated with it, Pitta.
When your eyes are too fatigued or overworked, this enrages Pitta to go out of balance which leads to redness, burning and other similar discomforts.
To compensate for this, Kapha, the dosha associated with the elements of water and earth, takes charge but also ultimately revs up, and ends up causing puffy eyes in the morning!
With respect to the eyes, Ayurveda maintains that it’s both a Pitta and Kapha imbalance that leads to a puffy and swollen appearance.
To revive your tired-looking eyes, you should care for them in such a way that it brings down both Pitta, element of fire or heat, and Kapha, the element of water and earth, to a naturally balanced state.
In today's article, we'll share some tips and tricks so you'll be better equipped to tackle that puffiness!
The first tip may not be for everyone (don't worry, there are more further down on this page) because it's a truly Ayurvedic practice that's almost unheard of in the West!
And that is...a Triphala eye wash!
Triphala is an Ayurvedic trio combining three different herbs: Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan) and Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan).
It is generally known as a one-pot solution as it’s equally useful in skincareand haircare, according to ancient Ayurvedic texts.
Triphala has an instant cooling and refreshing effectand helps with extreme stress and fatigueof the eye as it soothes and calms their puffy appearance.
The original practice involves actually washing the eyes with Triphala, but we wouldn't recommend doing that at home without the supervision of a practitioner.
So here are the steps for an easier way to still get the puffiness-reducing benefits!
But have you noticed that at times, you get this kind of puffiness not just around your eyes but all over your face?
Well, there’s help for that too!
What does Ayurveda say about a “puffy” face?
Sometimes, puffiness can occur not just locally around your eyes but also generally affecting your entire face.
Usually, such kind of puffiness is attributed to lack of or oversleeping, too much or too little activity, sun sensitivity, various medical and physiological conditions and even your diet!
But here, we will be focusing on the occasional swelling of the face which you get off and on, overnight.
So, let’s see...
What causes this puffiness?
According to centuries of vast knowledge in Ayurveda, one of the eight components of physical examination include studying a person’s form or ‘Akruti Pariksha’. In Ayurvedic terms, this also extends to facial examination.
In Ayurveda, conducting a quick ‘Akruti Pariksha’ would help you assess what your body and mind need in order to regain their balance.
If your ‘Akruti Pariksha’ reveals that you have a swollen or “puffy” face in the morning, then that is because of edema or ‘Shotha’ , which occurs due to accumulation of fluid or water retentionduring the night.
As about 60% of your body constitutes water, lying down at night causes this to rest and collect around your face which makes it appear swollen in the morning. Apart from this, your respective sleeping positions (did you know that sleeping on your belly increases the chance of puffy-looking face?), allergies or even medical conditions may result in puffiness.
But that’s not the end of the story!
Ayurveda also explains puffiness with respect to an imbalance of the three doshas.
Yes, the doshas come into play again!
How do the doshas reveal themselves in your face?
In Ayurveda, any change to the skin or the body is identified as an imbalance of the 5 fundamental elements of nature: Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. According to Ayurvedic ideology, these 5 elements are found in a unique combination in each human body that manifests itself in the form of 3 Doshas or causes – Vata (Space +Air), Pitta (Fire + Water) and Kapha (Water + Earth).
Since we know that Kapha dosha exhibits ‘heavy’ characteristics, an imbalance of Kapha dosha is primarily responsible for the accumulation of fluids that make your face appear swollen and puffy in the morning. Though rarely, it can occur due to imbalances of Pitta, such as with the eyes, as seen above, and occasionally due to Vata dosha too.
Knowing this integral connection now makes you better equipped to deal with most changes on your face... including puffiness!
Now that you understand how puffiness develops, you see exactly why using a cucumber, cold spoon or a tea bag alone won’t reduce puffiness in the morning!
So what can you do to naturally reduce the look of a puffy face?
Ayurveda recommends a number of solutions to make sure you have normal, puffy-free appearance in the morning. We have curated a few of the easiest and most affordable ways to help you out with this:
Abhyanga
Abhyanga or “self-massage” is a therapeutic technique in Ayurveda that involves carrying out a relaxing massage on your face or body, using oils. For depuffing the look of your swollen face, you can use your fingers but make sure they're clean and well-washed before you start.
Start with your index and middle fingers in a gentle J-like motion from behind your jawbone. Continue for about 3 times following this pattern. Make sure that you’re neither just grazing your skin nor crushing your lymphatic tubes as your fingers glide along.
Next, move to your neck, using a downward sliding motion from your neck to your collarbone. This is to drain the accumulation as much possible. It is vital that you don’t forget your neck as this is where the excess fluid finally drains out of.
Finish your abhyanga ritual in a circular motion but with firm pressure, starting across your forehead to your temples and to your cheeks. And then, with ease, you can massage under your eye inward to outward.
Ensure that you have left out no part and that you repeat each motion 5-7 times.
Or, if you want to upgrade your abhyanga, try the Layuna Massage Wand for a calm, relaxing and spa-like experience even when you’re massaging your face in the morning. Not only does it help reduce the puffy appearance but it also provides for a pleasurable and relaxing experience. A massage with this all-natural, non-electronic (no batteries, no wires) wand will give you a smooth and tightened look while it helps reduce the puffy appearance and any accumulation of fluids in the morning.
Follow the same manner of massage using the Layuna Wand.
To support the gentle gliding motion of the wand and for extra support and a brightened look, apply iYURA Kesaradi Oil to the face before the massage begins. Enriched with the all-time best nourishing herb, Saffron, this oil is Ayurveda’s perfect solution for a dewy, glowy look in the morning right before you start your day.
Together, these two make a dream-team to ward off any look of puffiness and bring an even-toned shine, at the same time!
A Signature Blend of Precious Saffron + Rose + Turmeric + 16 Ayurvedic Herbs
Keeping the modern western user in mind, iYURA Kesaradi Oil has been designed to be light and gentle on the skin and have aromatic benefits too.
With base oils cooked meticulously with a number of herbs, this is rightly called 'the beauty elixir'.
A massage with this Layuna Wand works wonders for giving you a youthful face, relaxation and rejuvenated looking skin! Whether used as a part of a facial or a stand-alone experience, this wand will give you a natural, gentle face-tightening and an experience like never before!
Quantity: 30 ml
A Signature Blend of Precious Saffron + Rose + Turmeric + 16 Ayurvedic Herbs
Keeping the modern western user in mind, iYURA Kesaradi Oil has been designed to be light and gentle on the skin and have aromatic benefits too.
With base oils cooked meticulously with a number of herbs, this is rightly called 'the beauty elixir'.
A massage with this Layuna Wand works wonders for giving you a youthful face, relaxation and rejuvenated looking skin! Whether used as a part of a facial or a stand-alone experience, this wand will give you a natural, gentle face-tightening and an experience like never before!
Quantity: 30 ml
Turmeric
Yes, you read it right! Turmeric does indeed help depuff the face too! Besides its obvious use in flavoring and cooking, this ‘Golden Spice’, when used in the right way, not only reduces puffy appearance of the face but also brightens the very look of your skin, especially in the morning.
If you’ve highly sensitive skin that is prone to frequent breakouts and acne, and have been searching for a simple depuffing trick, you’ve hit jackpot! The answer to all your troubles is just one powerful herb – turmeric!
To reduce the look of a swollen face with puffiness:
Remember to use only a very small amount of turmeric in this mixture as it is yellow-golden in color, it may temporarily stain the skin if left long. We also advise you to do a patch test such as in the corner of your jaw.
Being one of the most nutritious herbs in existence, turmeric also to provide a natural and glow to your skin. It even contains bioactive compounds that help tighten the look of your skin for a firm, younger-looking golden glow almost instantly!
A genius, VEGAN, ancient formulation- Bharanyu Radiant Oil, for a brilliant glow on every part of your face. Use it for 7 days or more, and see the difference!
This oil is your sunshine! It exudes the time-tested, ancient wisdom of Ayurveda on your face, and in your smile. Bharanyu Sunny-Brilliance Face Oil employs the intelligence of Ayurveda in a way to meet the demands of modern skincare to radiate an eternal, natural glow.
This oil is light, non-sticky and free of any added fragrance. It’s the kind of oil that'll disappear into your skin but will still give you a sort of softness that's different than what a cream gives!
If the thought of applying makeup on any day when you’ve just depuffed your face makes you cringe, here’s the perfect tip for you - Ajara Turmeric Tangerine Youth Concentrate!
This uber-light formula for mature, aging skin is so effective in moisturizing and restoring the natural balance of your skin, you literally need only a very small amount.
As a final touch to make sure that your face is fully depuffed and well-taken care of, you can apply a little bit of this concentrate, as a light protection, before applying makeup, for a silky-smooth feel and perfectly moisturized look.
Shilajit
Shilajit or Asphaltum is a wonder component that is actually a herbo-mineral revered in Ayurveda as a ‘Destroyer of Weakness’ for its incredible capacity to help the body regain its internal balance. This seldom heard-about substance is a completely natural element that occurs primarily in the mountains by way of being compressed over long periods of time.
It has, for long, been recommended in Ayurveda as a natural substitute to help with puffiness and swollen look of the face too!
As an additional benefit, Shilajit is also given a sanctified status for its power to stimulate body’s natural metabolism and help improve gut health, which indirectly helps your outer skin stay healthy too. As Ayurveda holds that your skin reflects your inner health, taking care of it is not just an option but an integral part of your well-being.
But are you confused how you can include Shilajit to your healthy Ayurvedic routine?
We’ve got it for you right here!
Now in the form of easy-to-consume caplets, Ayuttva Shilajit Rejuvenative and Dietary Supplement brings to you Shilajit in all its original glory without compromising its innate properties at all!
To get an optimum benefit, all you need is just 2 capsules a day, in the morning, right after your breakfast, preferably with a glass of milk.
This 100% natural, non-GMO, GMP certified supplement is not only your dependable means to never wake up with a puffy-looking face but also the perfect step to incorporate in your Ayurvedic lifestyle for improving your general health too!
If you’re still not feeling confident that you can tackle puffiness or if you’re experiencing puffiness frequently, don’t worry at all.
We’ll help sort it all out!
Lepas
Application of ‘Mukha Lepas’ or face packs made of herbal paste is a helpful way in which you can quickly reduce puffiness of the face. It is specifically recommended in Ayurveda as a simple and effective skincare treatment, that uses rejuvenating herbs for a nourished and healthy appearance. In fact, Ayurveda maintains this so highly that it has a specific field of study called ‘Lepa Kalpana’ that directs the theories and practices of applying herbal pastes.
Not only do they significantly reduce the swollen look but also moisturize the face and give it a bright, illuminated appearance that is much needed in the morning.
Lepas work best when the puffiness is due to the excess of Pitta dosha, as they cool down the fiery-feel of the face too. For this reason, Ayurveda suggests a Mukha Lepa that specifically contains sandalwood, among other herbs as it easily soothes the puffy look and brightens your appearance.
For a quick remedy:
As we’ve already opened the box of Ayurvedic secrets about puffiness,
we thought why not just tip over all the useful knowledge in there...
So, we’ve curated a custom Ayurvedic routine for you that you can follow every day to avoid waking up to see a stranger staring back at you when you look in the mirror.
Kick-start your mornings following these 3 simple Ayurvedic steps
that go beyond your usual cleanser-toner-moisturizer drill, to enjoy a balanced and healthy routine!
1. Exfoliate using a gentle scrub
Ayurveda recommends that skincare should start with a gentle clarifying process that won’t strip your skin of its natural oil or hydration levels. The best kind of natural scrubs are those derived from whole grains and cereals as they have an innate quality to revitalize your tired-looking skin as it naturally comes power-packed with nutrients.
2. Spritz a calming mist
To get a gentle, soothing glow, after your exfoliation, you can spritz a cool mist that has a serum-like light texture and feel ultra-soft on your skin. Since, puffiness occur mainly due to the imbalance of Kapha dosha that is aggravated by Pitta dosha, the element of fire, such a cooling mist will surely pacify Pitta while it also keeps your face refreshed and glowy throughout the day.
Moreover, the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs, in a mist-form, gives you an all-round coverage and optimum protection needed before you start your day.
For a natural and effective but easier way to nurture your skin, you can try Ajara Geranium Rose Toner
Geranium Rose Toner is perfect for dry skin type. The cooling qualities of rose and rose geranium support the skin, while glycerin provides a dewy, youthful look and feel by hydrate the outer layers of the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. Enriched with the goodness of rose and rose geranium, this toner gives the face a radiant, clean look. It also gives a soft feel and a cared for complexion
GET AJARA GERANIUM ROSE TONER, HERE!
Or, if you have sensitive skin, our Sweetgrass Aloe Refreshing Toner is perfect for you.
An uber-gentle toner that has a special, unique fragrance and an even more special freshening property. Formulated especially for sensitive skin, this toner gently hydrates your skin, and is also great as a quick refreshing pick-me-up or even as a makeup finishing spray for a fresh, dewy look. Enriched with the goodness of Helichrysum – or the ‘immortal, ever-lasting’ flower, sweet-smelling, soothing Sweetgrass, and Soy-glycerin, the effects of this toner lasts
GET AJARA SWEETGRASS ALOE TONER, HERE!3. Nourish with a face oil
Oils are hallmarks of Ayurveda as they’re the primary means of skincare on which everything else is built.
For best results, Ayurveda recommends that the best option would be to choose an oil that is rich in hydrating-herbs that also work well to give a perfect glowy sheen over time.
Using an oil also gives you an excuse and a reason to massage your face. This is a crucial element of Ayurvedic skincare and essentially recognized to be not just soothing for the skin but also highly effective in maintaining the tone, firmness and youthful look of your face.
Consider it a lavish indulgence of few minutes of self-care where you just allow your body and mind to be.
For Apparent Smoothness and Vibrancy, you can try iYURA’s Vegan Protein Serum- Yauvari Youth Spring.
It is enriched with potent black gram and a combination of 3 base oils which adds moisture to your skin and makes it supple, glowy and ‘bouncy’. This light, easy on the skin texture, Natural Ayurvedic Magnus Opus of Youthful Vitality in a bottle intensely moisturizes dry, aging skin and plumps up the ‘crepey’ look, specifically on your face, neck and décolleté. With this particular face oil in your skincare routine, you won’t have to deal with dry and crepey skin deprived of a natural glow!
GET iYURA YAUVARI YOUTH SPRING, HERE!Armed with these sure-to-work Ayurvedic tips and tricks, not only will you never EVER see a puffy-looking face in the morning, but you can also enjoy a healthy-looking, silky-smooth and glowy skin that fetches you compliments all day every day!
