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Expand your menu safely with ASCP's Advanced Esthetics Insurance at ascpskincare.com/aei 83 When you're coming up with a skin care regimen for yourself or a client, ask yourself three times before finalizing, "Can this be simplified in any way?" MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Ayurveda is a rich and historic form of a holistic science. It teaches that if we aren't viewing and considering all aspects of an individual, we will never be able to find the perfect protocol for them. Take the time to learn, understand, and start with yourself first. See what works. What changes can you make in your own life? This has been the greatest lesson for me as a practitioner—starting with a small change in my life and growing from there. Common Myths Knowing some of the common myths surrounding Ayurveda can help you when clients ask you for more information. They might hear misinformation based on misrepresentations of Ayurveda as a traditional medicine. It's important to note that a weekend workshop or a study of an Ayurvedic textbook is an incredible way to get started, but there is much more than meets the eye. Myth No. 1: "Ayurveda Is All About Herbs" Herbs alone won't support an individual's healing. Ayurveda believes diet and lifestyle is 70–80 percent of the magic. Often, bodies aren't ready for herbs. Ayurveda teaches starting inside first and considering what changes can be made there. Myth No. 2: "Ayurveda Has No Place in Today's Age" Ayurveda and the foundational principles of the five elements are timeless. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to how we view both ourselves and our relation to the external world. Can we live in harmony with our environment? If so, we are practicing Ayurveda. Myth No. 3: "Ayurveda Requires an Overhaul of My Current Lifestyle." The beauty of Ayurveda is meeting the individual where they are. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, a good practitioner will create an effective protocol. The practice of Ayurveda requires a true understanding of what an individual is going through. Even something like not processing emotions in a healthy manner can throw off the body. SIMPLICITY IS KEY The Ayurvedic paradigm is quite simple: Look at what is happening, understand the imbalance, and employ the appropriate mechanisms to treat. Often, this looks like using the theory of "opposites balance" to support healing. Experiencing dry skin? Use lubrication and hydration to balance. Oily skin? Things that are astringent in nature are going to be your first go-to. Ayurveda recommends looking for the vitamins, minerals, and other key ingredients through Mother Nature. Whether it's what we are eating, drinking, or putting on topically, Ayurveda teaches simplicity. Fruits, teas, herbs, and single-ingredient oils (olive, avocado, almond) are some basic ingredients that can pack a punch. A 20-step skin care routine can overcomplicate and might be hard on the body (and the mind).