Fernando K.S.S.P., Fiaz Shamsa
Vol. 8, Jul-Dec 2019
Abstract:
Beauty is not only a source of joy but also boosts self-confidence and pride to some extent. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Since time immemorial beauty has occupied an important criterion in ones life style. Beautification is an important aspect for personal grooming which existed since ancient times. The various techniques for beautification of skin especially of face, eyes and hair are key areas which are primarily focused and highlighted in Ayurvedic literature especially in Shalakya Tantra. The Shalakya Tantra is an important branch of Ayurveda which is also termed as Urdhvanga Chikitsa since it deals with the upper body parts above the clavicle and mainly described in Ayurvedic texts such as; Sushrut Samhita, Charak Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya. As Mukha includes the area from Chibuka to Lalata which includes the entire face and diseases arising in this area along with its beautification are highlighted through various Kriya Kalpa procedures. The concept of beauty in Ayurveda is not only directed towards achieving an attractive external appearance but also to achieve good health. This starts when the child is in the mother’s wombs by following Sadvrittha i.e. Dinacharya, ratricharya, ritucharya along with the use of medicinal herbs and minerals. In this article the various procedures and techniques for enhancing the beauty of face, eyes and hair are considered along with internal medications, Pathya and Apathya Viveshana. Hence the role of Shalakya Tantra in enhancing the beauty of face, eyes and hair will be highlighted through review of literature pertaining to this. The various Kriya Kalpaprocedures for beautification of Mukha (Face), Netra (eyes) and Kesha (hair) by adopting procedures like Abyanga, Swedana, Mukha lepa (Face packs), Vidalaka, Anjana, Nethra Parisheka, Shiroabyanga, Shirolepa (Hair pack) etc. will be considered in detail.