Spa+Clinic Team The health and skincare benefits of the precious metal silver are derived from its electrical and thermal conductivity – that is, its ability to generate an electrical field that distributes electricity and heat around the body.
Positively-charged silver ions create a conductive field that reflects electromagnetic radiation away from the body, much like a mirror reflects light.
This field stimulates the body’s existing conductivity, improving blood circulation, temperature balance and general healing.
These positive silver ions also bind to negatively charged oxygen receptors in bacteria, destabilising their metabolic enzymes and causing them to suffocate.
Silver can be worn against the skin, where it is able to interact with the skin’s natural conductivity and provide the most benefits for any potential skin irritations, circulation trouble, or temperature imbalance.
Worn externally it provides a “shield” against everyday germs and bacteria, as well electromagnetic radiation.
Silver is best worn when either the immune system is weak or when the body faces a particularly challenging environment, such as travel, toxic urban environments, or hyper-connected office spaces, where we face heightened exposure to both germs and electronics.
You can experience more balanced energy levels and moods while wearing silver during the day, at your computer or during travel – as you offset WiFi and electrical disturbances, improve overall temperature balance and circulation, and maintain optimum hygiene and immunity.
Symbolically, silver is connected to the moon, and yin modalities of Chinese philosophy. The colour is said to stimulate calmness and tranquility, as it evokes the qualities of reflection, coolness and space.
Used directly in skincare, it can have even more potent benefits.
The OmVeda Precious Silver Facial, for instance, is an ideal treatment to subdue excess heat, reduce redness and settle irritation.
This traditional Ayurvedic treatment offers exceptional results in minimising redness, rosacea and the tight uncomfortable feeling often associated with inflamed complexions.
It cocoons skin in the cooling and rejuvenating properties of pure silver to soothe, revive and prolong the youthful appearance of the most sensitive skins.
This facial is also a deeply sensory experience, with skin emerges calm, supple and renewed with a soft incandescent glow.
Restoring the natural pH balance, the Precious Silver Facial returns moisture and evens out tone, tackling concerns that often show with Pitta imbalances.
In the ancient Indian heath philosophy of Ayurveda, some 5,000 years old and being re-embraced in modern wellness offerings, the Pitta dosha [body type] governs all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body.
It controls how we digest foods, how we metabolise our sensory perceptions, and how we discriminate between right and wrong.
Pitta governs the important digestive “agnis”, or fires of the body.
In classic OmVeda style, this traditional Ayurvedic facial incorporates a soothing signature marma point facial massage using the Silver Day Cream, a rich and pure blend of finely ground silver, sesame oil, saffron and almond oil.
The facial begins with a cleanse suited to the individual skin type.
It follows with compresses of Silver Toner to cool the skin and remove excess traces of cleanser.
The facial continues with an application of the OmVeda Silver Gel combined with finely grated cucumber and the Silver Herbal Mask, which is freshly blended with organic yoghurt and brushed onto the face and neck. The mask is removed after 20 minutes.
The session ends with an application of the Silver Day Cream, Eye Cream and Sandalwood Protective Base.
The result: previously aggravated and irritated skin emerges hydrated, calm, radiant with improved tone.
Treatment time: 90 minutes.
Recommended home care: OmVeda Cleanser, Silver Toner and Silver Day Cream.
FAST FACTS
Did you know it takes 28 days to make OmVeda Ayurvedic herbal oils?
They are prepared using traditional and time-honoured methods to ensure the healing properties remain intact.
All OmVeda products are formulated from the bases of the Vedic scriptures and traditional health and beauty recipes that have been used for over 5,000 years. They are made from nature’s ingredients, are not tested on animals and are free of nasties.
OmVeda exfoliants are eco-friendly and do not contain any microbeads that can have an impact on our waterways or harm our sea life.
OmVeda founder Yasmin Sadikot answers a few more SPA+CLINIC questions:
How and where were you when you started using silver in your skincare?
Silver is an integral part of Ayurveda as is the use of metals. Metals used are in their purest form – eg. pure silver, not stirling silver. Given many people suffer from inflammatory skin conditions – in particular with our strong sun and heat – it made commonsense to have silver treatment and home care products. The line is very popular.
From a formula perspective, how is silver as a metal “distilled” into something light enough to be used in skincare?
All metals in Ayurveda go through a very special process. It takes months to make it into a substance which is fit for human consumption. It can be made into a varak (soft leaf) which is commonly used on sweets, or in a powder form, called bhasma.
What are the benefits of using it as an ingredient?
It has exceptional cooling properties, helps to calm irritated skins and also constricts the capillaries. It should be noted that in Ayurveda it is rare to use just one ingredient, whether metal, gem or herb. It is always a combination of ingredients which helps to provide the most effective result.
Can you achieve the same thing by rubbing a piece of silver on your skin?
No, not at all. As a hard metal in its original form, silver will not penetrate the skin. However, pure silver glasses and containers are used for their cooling properties.
It is suggested that if you leave water overnight in a pure silver glass/container and drink it the next morning it will provide the benefit of calming the system.
This applies to other metals like pure gold and copper. The OmVeda Gold and Silver toners, for example, are based on this principle. Therefore, any water stored overnight in containers should be drunk with caution so that there is no adverse reaction.
Gold can assist in maintaining balanced health. It is also heating and beneficial for those who have a cold constitution:
- Strengthens the nervous system
- Improves memory and intelligence
- Increases circulation and stamina
- Beneficial in arthritis
Silver, which has cooling properties, is recommended for those who suffer from inflammatory concerns or excess heat. Given its cooling nature, it should be avoided in cases of colds and heavy damp conditions:
- It possesses antiseptic, antibacterial and disinfectant properties
- Increases strength and stamina
- Beneficial in emaciation
- Beneficial in inflammatory conditions
Copper is used for its health benefits. In India, it is common to store water overnight in copper vessels. Copper is said to reduce joint aches and pains, and maintain good health. It helps with:
- Obesity
- Joint issues
- Hypertension
- Stress and mental tension
- Benefits the nervous and circulatory system
- Aids in bone health
From an Ayurvedic perspective, why is silver so great for Pitta imbalances?
This is due to the fact that Pitta imbalances in general are of an inflammatory nature. Pitta is ruled by fire and water. Water extinguishes the fire and fire makes the water boil.
Excess Pitta (generally) creates excess heat in the body and is reflected visibly on the skin, scalp or eyes as an inflammatory condition.
Those experiencing excess Pitta can have red eyes, or redness on the skin and scalp, which is highly sensitive.
