Detox Time: Ayurveda secrets to purify body and skin with the arrival of winter

Ayurveda, the “science of long life”, originates from ancient Indian wisdom and represents one of the most complete natural healing systems, aimed at detoxifying body and mind while enhancing beauty at any age. Western culture is increasingly embracing Ayurvedic techniques — beauty tips, nutrition plans, and massages — as a complement to traditional aesthetic treatments.

During the colder months, a great way to detox and relax is by drinking warm herbal infusions made with fresh ginger root, cinnamon, or tulsi (holy basil), which aids digestion and strengthens the immune system. In winter, it’s best to eat more cooked and less raw food (which “cools” the body), favouring cooked vegetables and soups, perhaps paired with rice seasoned with cumin and turmeric — a powerful digestive aid, especially for those suffering from irritable bowel.

Nuts and seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, or chia are perfect to enjoy with yoghurt at breakfast. To fight wrinkles, the ultimate anti-ageing fruit is amla — rich in vitamin C and native to India. It can be found in herbal stores as a jam-like supplement called Chyawanprash: one teaspoon in the morning boosts immunity and energy at any age.

Among Ayurvedic wellness techniques, in addition to relaxing and revitalising massages with orange, almond, or argan oils, one must mention Shirodhara — a treatment of deep relaxation where warm oil gently drips onto the forehead. Popular in Kerala, it’s a staple in the best wellness spas, including in Italy.

Ayurveda, over 3,000 years old, originates from the sacred Indian texts known as the Vedas. Its foundation lies in three vital energies called doshas: Vata (linked to breathing), Pitta (governing digestion), and Kapha (related to physical structure). When these energies are balanced, we feel well; when imbalanced, physical discomfort may appear — headaches, poor digestion, or insomnia.

Each individual corresponds to one predominant dosha type, influenced by food, climate, pollution, and social environment. According to Ayurveda, the intestine is our “second brain”, where 95% of serotonin — the happiness hormone — is produced. Drinking warm water in the morning before breakfast improves intestinal function and, as a result, mood.

Another key Ayurvedic dietary aspect is cooking with ghee — clarified butter from Indian cuisine, free of animal proteins.

The ideal practice combines Ayurvedic dietary advice with specific massages performed by expert therapists, tailored to each person’s needs. The Ayurvedic holistic massage is a gentle treatment that promotes blood circulation and vital energy flow. The therapist manually stimulates the chakras (energy points), producing benefits for muscles, circulation, and the nervous system. Energy rebalancing also affects the psyche, helping to release anxiety, stress, and fear — feelings especially present in today’s post-pandemic era.

Ayurvedic massages are also recommended for psychosomatic tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, and stomach. To enhance detox or beauty treatments, it’s important to complement them with physical activity — long walks in nature, leg and abdominal exercises, or a few minutes in the lotus position, breathing deeply and calmly to quiet the mind.

This combination of natural diet, body treatments, and conscious breathing creates a deep detox effect for the skin, which within about six months reveals a brighter complexion and smoother facial features.

Maria Serena Patriarca