In the recent times, when beauty is often equated with ‘fair’ complexion or a fashionably thin figure or a particular shape of nose, it is interesting to look back to an era when beauty was defined in holistic terms, and that beauty was within every woman’s reach.

Positives thoughts, clear speech, consonant actions, regulated and refined body ­language are all essential parts of true beauty.

Ayurveda, the most ancient healing system of India, has a unique perspective on beauty. It is holistic and all-encompassing. The Ayurvedic definition of beauty thus reads –Roopam, Gunam, Vayastyag - Iti – Shubhanga Soundarya Kaaranam.

According to Ayurveda, there are three foundations of beauty:

• Roopam is outer beauty - personified by shining healthy hair and a clear radiant complexion with sparkling eyes.
• Gunam refers to inner beauty – the beauty that shines from within, characterized by a warm pleasing personality and innocence of mind and heart.
• Vayastyag means lasting beauty looking, and feeling younger than your chronological age.

Thus, Ayurveda does not focus only on cosmetics to achieve the state of true beauty.
Roopam does not specify a type of figure or the color of the skin or the length or style of the hair. Outer beauty, according to Ayurveda, is a reflection of good health – Mental & Physical. The frame of the body is what you are born with. Each type of body structure can be beautiful as long as good health exists.

"You are what you eat”  - Ayurveda takes this notion very seriously. In fact, it goes a step further to say - “You are what you digest and assimilate.” A radiant clear complexion begins with proper nutrition, efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients by the body and regular elimination of toxins. Ayurveda states ­Yadha Bhojanam, Thadha Vyakthithwam meaning - the way you eat is the way you become!”

There are simple Ayurvedic principles you can follow. Some of the Ayurvedic tips that we strongly recommend are -

1. Never eat when not hungry
2. Never skip a meal when hungry
3. Eat slowly; chewing, tasting & nurturing the food
4. Stop eating as soon as the hunger is pacified
5. Serve very small but never large quantities on your plate
6. Never feel obliged to clean up the plate by consumption
7. Relax for a short while after eating
8. Drink enough water in between meals
9. Totally avoid aerated waters & colas
10. Try and sweat as much as possible with workouts
11. Never control and postpone urination or defecation
12. Make sure you get a minimum of 7­ - 8 hrs of good sleep daily
13. Learn something new every day
14. Try to see only what is good in the people you meet
15. Love as many people as you can