Brides, Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Closer Attention To Ayurveda

There’s a reason our age-old rituals have found modern rebranding — the kansa wand has made its way to the ‘face gym’, while haldi doodh is a global powerhouse by the name of turmeric latte. Our humble champi has found an even less glamorous iteration through ‘hair slugging’. They endure because they are effective.

As a beauty editor, organic skincare formulator, and clinical cosmetologist who’s gathered too many beauty secrets for her own good, I often wondered which rituals I would rely on for my wedding. Sure, the bridal glow can come by way of a dermatologist’s clinic — there’s no dearth of hydra facials, peels, and fillers — but there’s a certain allure to rituals that have stood the test of time.

Skin Secrets

Among oils and herbs, each is an alchemist’s potion, though not every mix is meant

for every complexion or hair type. Kumkumadi thailam is a centuries-old Ayurvedic

gem and simply unmatched by modern formulations. Steeped in copper for days,

it’s infused with kumkum for radiance, chandan for fading scars, and haldi to soothe

inflammation, alongside over 10 other ingredients. It brightens like vitamin C and

smoothens texture like retinol, only far more gently. The new vegan versions, though

well-intentioned, miss that touch of lactic acid from goat’s milk and deep hydration

from ghee, which, for me, completes its magic.

The trick, I’ve learned, lies in applying facial oils on damp skin — for brides with acne-prone skin, a sandalwood-based serum may be kinder. Multani mitti, though drying to the skin, draws out impurities without the frills of synthetic formulas. Mix it with red sandalwood and rose water for oily skin, and liquorice and milk for dry skin. For those open to dairy, there’s a natural exfoliating yoghurt or milk mask that rivals AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Smooth a thin layer over the skin, let it set, then reapply, building up to three layers. After the final application, wash it off — your skin will feel softly polished. This was one of the recipes passed down by princesses and queens.

Think of the kansa wand as a magic wand. With its cooling metal that calms irritation,

it sculps and depuffs your face, giving it a natural lift and snatched look without needles

or high-tech gadgets, only if you are committed to it a few times a week.

While we tirelessly reapply lip balms all day, a single warm application of ghee at

night quietly repairs without the fuss. If the taste feels too strong, add a dab of honey

or simply smooth a bit of honey over your lips (just be sure it’s never warmed!).

For screen-weary eyes, splash pure rose water (it needs to be eye-safe) or plain old

cold water to refresh them. A blend of castor or coconut oil with a dash of rosemary

works wonders for thick lashes and brows, drawing attention to the eyes.

Body Beautiful

A weekly abhyanga is a ritualistic body massage. As warm coconut or sesame oil glides

across the body, it not only softens the skin but relaxes the mind too. The technique

works through the knots and stimulates blood circulation, enhancing oxygen flow and thereby inner glow. It is also an all-natural, cellulite-reducing and toning treatment. Don’t

forget the feet — according to Ayurveda, your feet are home to countless nerve endings that connect the entire body. A good therapist will know how to give them the time and honour they deserve.

Mane Maintenance

A Sunday champi, something my dadi swore by, still holds a strong place for healthy hair. Bringadi thailam may not be the most fragrant oil, but its magic lies in its nurturing strength with an intangible shine — one that stays despite the heat tools and styling gels. If you’re experiencing pre-wedding stress, then brahmi thailam works wonders in calming you down.

Gut Feeling

In the world of Ayurveda, nourishment, and digestion reign supreme. They’ve actually been

quietly championing the now-trendy ‘fat first’ approach for centuries. Start your morning with a spoonful of ghee or coconut oil, with a pinch of turmeric and black pepper in hot water. This aids in digestion, clearer skin, and healthier hair. Ghee is an excellent source of omega 3.

Ayurveda’s approach to detox runs far deeper than juice cleanses, and it’s best to stay away from coffee enemas. Ayurvedic enemas, although intensive, promise to cleanse and reset digestion, leading to clearer skin and steady energy. In line with its focus on the gut, there’s an old tradition of massaging a touch of ghee into the navel, the nabhi — it connects with nerve endings throughout the body, supporting digestion and enhancing energy flow.

Mind Matters

The ritual of Shirodhara — a slow stream of warm oil flowing across your forehead — might be the best secret behind ‘beauty sleep’. The less popular treatment is the four-hand massage for a complete nervous system reset. Beyond the rituals of oils, herbs, and massages, chakra meditation aligns your energies, radiating a calm aura and positive glow. 

These Ayurvedic rituals don’t clash with modern treatments; so if you want to keep your micro-needling appointments alongside your weekly abhyanga, there’s nothing stopping you. After all, there’s a beauty to the balance itself — a bridge between two worlds of old and new. Stay happy and calm — the glow, without fail, will follow.