Nail care might feel like an afterthought, but in Ayurveda, it’s a window into your inner health! Ancient texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita tell us that nails (nakha) are formed from asthi dhatu—the same tissue that makes up your bones. This means brittle, discolored, or weak nails aren’t just a cosmetic issue; they can signal imbalances in your dosha or even poor nutrition. Ayurveda emphasizes deep nourishment for strong, healthy nails through a balanced diet, rich in healthy fats and minerals, and the external application of herbal oils.
In today’s world, everyone loves to sit back in a spa and indulge in a luxurious manicure and pedicure session—after all, who doesn’t love fabulous nails and soft, pampered hands and feet? But, a few days into it, it starts to feel like all that pampering has vanished, leaving you wondering if you need to book these sessions regularly just to maintain that softness and glow!
Wouldn’t it be even more amazing if you could maintain that radiant glow for longer and not make manicure-pedicure sessions a ‘must have every month’ thing?
On top of that, I often hear from patients complaining about experiencing skin irritation after these treatments due to the presence of harsh chemicals in the process. The most common question I get is, “Doc, is there an authentic Ayurveda procedure to naturally take care of hands and feet?”
If only there was a way to elevate their post-spa experience and leave them with radiant, irritation-free skin!
Well, what if I told you that there’s an ancient, holistic approach to skincare that can do just that! Welcome to the world of Ayurveda, where centuries-old wisdom meets modern beauty rituals. Read along as we discover the Ayurvedic way to nail care, 100% naturally!
What Happens When Doshas Gets Aggravated?
At the core of Ayurveda are the three doshas1: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas govern various aspects of our being, including the health and well-being of our hands and feet.
Vata Dosha
Vata is associated with the air and ether elements and governs movement, circulation, and nerve impulses. When Vata is balanced, it promotes dexterity and agility in the hands and feet. However, an imbalance in Vata can lead to dryness, coldness, and erratic movements in these areas.
To put it out plainly, excess Vata can result in rough and cracked skin on your palms, tingling sensations, cold feet, numbness, and cracked heels.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta is associated with fire and water elements and governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation. A balanced Pitta enhances warmth and proper metabolism in the hands and feet. However, an excess of Pitta can cause inflammation and heat-related issues.
In the hands, imbalanced Pitta may lead to excessive sweating, redness, and sensitivity in the hands. It can also exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or hives. Additionally, one might experience excess burning sensations in the feet which may lead to conditions like athlete’s foot or foot odor.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is associated with the water and earth elements and governs stability, lubrication, and structure. Balanced Kapha provides strength and support to the hands and feet. However, an excess of Kapha can lead to heaviness and stagnation.
It may result in cold, clammy hands and a tendency to retain water. Individuals may experience a lack of sensitivity in the feet due to excessive dampness.
The key to maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being lies in balancing your dominant dosha because the dominant dosha is usually prone to aggravation. When the prakriti or the body constitution is in harmony, with your body, you’ll witness your skin flourish with radiance!
How to Prepare Your Hands & Feet for a Manicure and Pedicure?
Before we go on about what Ayurveda and the treasure of herbs can do for your feet and hands, let’s quickly take a glance the basic principles you should follow before you opt for a manicure and pedicure session:
- Go Chemical-Free – As a doctor, I recall a recent patient who developed a severe foot allergy after a pedicure session. It took us a full four months to restore her skin to its natural state. This incident highlighted the critical need for choosing gentle, chemical-free products that care for, rather than harm, your nails and skin.
- Understand your dominant dosha and choose products accordingly – Recognizing your dominant dosha and selecting products that align with your unique body constitution can be a game-changer. I have personally witnessed how identifying and honoring your body constitution will transform your pedicure-manicure routine into a joyful self-care ritual and enhance your nail care experience.
- Pre-treatment rituals – The foundation of a truly rejuvenating experience lies in pre-treatment rituals. These rituals lay the foundation for a deeply satisfying experience. Go for a meditation and relaxation session to find inner calm, reduce stress, and balance your doshas.
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How to Take Care of Nails Post Your Mani-Pedi Sessions?
Cleansing in Nail Care
Proper cleansing2 is essential after your manicure or pedicure. Failing to remove harsh chemical residues can allow them to penetrate deeper tissues, known in Ayurveda as asthi dhatu, leading to the formation of ama (toxins) and increasing the risk of fungal infections.
Opt for natural, homemade alternatives like honey, raw milk, rose water, or aloe vera. These not only cleanse but also nourish your skin and nails, preserving the delicacy and glow of your post-mani-pedi session.
Moisturizing through Abhyanga
Nourishment is the key to long-lasting radiance. It is advised to moisturize your hands and feet with Ayurvedic oils tailored to your dosha. Abhyanga3, or self-massage, is an integral part of the Ayurvedic daily routine (dinacharya4). Abhyangam not only helps in promoting blood circulation but also enhances the skin’s radiance.
- Vata – Almond oil or sesame oil is best for pacifying excessive dryness or cracked skin.
- Pitta – Coconut oil or clarified butter (Ghee) will help with the burning sensation due to excessive body heat
- Kapha – Aloe vera gel or mustard oil added with essential oils like cinnamon, and eucalyptus is hot and dry in nature, helpful in tackling any clamminess.
Herbal Steam
Treat your hands and feet to a warm herbal steam bath. Soak them in a bucket of boiled water infused with herbs like lavender, eucalyptus, or basil. This promotes detoxification and rejuvenation, leaving your skin refreshed while preventing microbial growth.
Ayurvedic Masks
After the abhyanga and steam therapy, your hands and feet need some essential rest. To solve purpose pamper them with these delightful DIY Ayurvedic masks:
- Create a mask using soothing powdered oatmeal added with sesame/coconut oil for Vata dosha, prone to dry skin and rough nails.
- A cooling cucumber mask or Aloe vera mask is perfect for a Pitta person, has sensitive skin to reduce any inflammation.
- A multani mitti (fuller’s earth) mask is a good choice for a Kapha person prone to excessive moisture or unctuousness in the skin.
How to Take Care of Your Cuticles as per Ayurveda?
Ayurveda beautifully encapsulates the essence of life with the phrase, “dosha dhatu malam moolam hi shariram”.7 It reminds us that our body’s balance relies not only on tissues and energy but also on wastes and by-products. Nails are a reflection of your bones, the sturdy foundation of your being (Asthi dhatu5). Just as brittle nails may hint at fragile bones, strong and healthy nails can mirror robust bones.
Allow me to share a patient’s experience that highlights the power of Nakha Pariksha6(Examination of Nails).
A dear soul once visited my clinic, perplexed by her persistent issue of brittle nails. Upon conducting a thorough examination, I discovered that she also suffered from on and off joint pain, while her blood analysis indicated deficiencies in calcium and iron. All of these symptoms pointed towards an imbalance in her Vata dosha.
To provide her with the best possible care, I devised a tailored treatment plan, encompassing both internal and external remedies. I suggested that she include ghee in all her meals, as this would aid in pacifying the Vata dosha as well as promote balance within her body.
For a nutrient-rich start to her day, I recommended she consume a handful of almonds and raisins, which are excellent sources of magnesium and iron. These essential minerals would help strengthen her nails and address the deficiencies detected in her blood analysis.
Furthermore, I advised her to incorporate foods such as milk, eggs, and green vegetables into her diet. These choices were specifically aimed at replenishing the depleted calcium and iron levels and supporting her overall well-being, all the while using sesame oil as a cuticle oil to nurture her nails.
As she diligently adhered to the treatment plan, she was delighted to witness significant improvements in her condition. Her nails gradually regained their strength, serving as a reflection of the positive changes occurring within her body.
Decoding Nail Abnormalities: What They Reveal About Your Health!
- Longitudinal Lines: Vishama agni (weak digestive fire) leading to ama (Toxin buildup) causing malabsorption of nutrients.
- Absence of Moons (Lunula): Weak digestion and potential toxin buildup.
- Large Moons (Lunula): Strong and good digestion but watch for Pitta imbalances due to overactive agni.
- White Spots: Calcium, zinc, or magnesium deficiency; one can also look into malabsorption causes.
- Pitting of the Nail: Psoriasis or skin disorders that often originate from Pitta imbalance.
- Nail Biting: High Vata; indicates anxiety or worry.
- Pale Nails: Anemia or impairment in rasa dhatu and rakta dhatu (plasma and blood tissues).8
More information on nail is on this blog: Are Your Nails Trying To Tell You Something: Ayurvedic Insights
Secrets of Healthy Nail Care – Ayurvedic Tips
Your nails are not just for aesthetic appeal—they serve as protectors and indicators of your overall health. In Ayurveda, nail care is closely tied to your dosha:
- Vata Nails: Often thin, brittle, or dry.
- Pitta Nails: Typically smooth, pink, and soft.
- Kapha Nails: Strong, thick, and resilient.
Here are a few tips you can follow to help keep up the health and well-being of your nails:
- Keep them Clean: Clean and dry nails regularly to prevent infections and fungus.
- Trim Wisely: Cut nails straight across, slightly rounding the tips for strength.
- Nourish with Cuticle Oil: Massage nails and cuticles with coconut, sesame or mustard oil to keep them strong and shiny.
- Mind Your Diet: Boost nail health with dark green leafy veggies, nuts, dairy, and seeds as these foods directly strengthen your asthi dhatu (bone tissue), thus strengthening your nails too.
- Hydration Matters: Drink plenty of water for healthy nails and overall well-being.
- Natural Stain Remover: You can try soaking your nails in a mix of lemon juice and water to remove stains.
- Gentle Polish Remover: Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers with moisturizing oils.
In the journey of Ayurvedic skincare, your nails are like the jewels that adorn your hands and feet, reflecting the harmony within. With the wisdom of Nakha Pariksha, we’ve learned to decode the tales they tell.
As you pamper yourself with Ayurvedic nail care practices, remember, just like a lotus blooms in pristine waters, your nails will blossom with health when nurtured with Ayurveda. Embrace the power of natural, chemical-free products, harmonize your doshas, and indulge in pre-treatment rituals to balance your inner and outer beauty. With Ayurveda by your side, the world becomes your canvas, and your nails – the brush to paint a masterpiece of radiant self-care.
Lately, I’ve seen videos where nail enthusiasts are stating all nail polishes are filled with only toxins. Is this true? The youtubers mention that companies in the USA are not made to have to share all of the ingredients so it’s easy to hide ingredients that are hormone disruptors and toxic.
That’s a really thoughtful observation 🙏🌿 While there are many opinions about modern nail products, Ayurveda focuses more on nurturing nails naturally through diet, gentle oils, and self-care practices rather than cosmetic coverings. Supporting nail health from within and choosing simple, natural care externally can go a long way.