The skin is an outward reflection of our internal health. Dull skin, for instance, may indicate dehydration, a lack of essential nutrients, or an inconsistent skincare routine. As the most visible organ, the skin also provides insight into the health of the body tissues it protects. It's more than just an aesthetic aspect—it’s a window into overall well-being. Disorders of the gut, blood, hormones, and even the heart can manifest as skin issues, such as rashes.

Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of skincare. In today's fast-paced world, a proper skincare routine is indispensable, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. While modern skincare offers a plethora of products, many come with side effects. Ayurveda provides a holistic solution, addressing skincare concerns naturally and sustainably.

Ayurvedic Skin Types

Ayurveda classifies skin types based on the three doshas:

1. Vata (Wind) Vata

Vatadominant individuals tend to have dry, rough skin that wrinkles easily if not properly moisturized.

• Oil application: Pinda taila is ideal for moisturizing dry skin.
• Internal care: Mahatiktaka ghrita helps reduce dryness.
• Face pack: Use Eladi churna or Navara rice face packs to moisturize and reduce dryness.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration.

2. Pitta (Fire) Pitta

Pitta dominant individuals often have oily skin, prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration.

• Oil application: Nalpamaradi tailam is best for pitta skin.
• Cleansing: Wash your face with Eladi or Manjishtadi water to reduce discoloration and tone the skin.
• Cooling elements: Use aloe vera, turmeric, and sandalwood to combat inflammation, pimples, and redness.

3. Kapha (Water and Earth)

Kapha skin tends to be cold, oily, and prone to pimples, whiteheads, and water retention.

• Avoid oil-based creams: Use face masks regularly to control sebum production.
• Therapy: Dhara with Triphala churna or Eladi water is beneficial.
• Oil application: Eladi coconut oil is ideal.

Panchakarma for Healthy, Radiant Skin

Panchakarma therapies help detoxify the body and enhance skin health. Key treatments include:

Abhyanga and Pizhichil: These therapies pacify doshas, enhance skin tone, and act as natural moisturizers.

Navara Kizhi: Improves skin softness and complexion.

Snehapana: Internal lubrication with ghee to maintain hydration and promote a natural glow.

Ubtan: A traditional herbal paste for exfoliation and nourishment.

Lepam: Herbal poultices to soothe inflammation and heal skin conditions.

Garshan/Udwarthanam: Dry brushing to stimulate circulation and exfoliate dead cells.

Shirodhara: Oil pouring therapy to relax, de-stress, and improve sleep quality.

Panchakarma Detox: A five-step detoxification process to cleanse the body and rejuvenate the skin.

Internal Routine for Healthy Skin

1. Stay hydrated and drink 2–3 liters of water daily. Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges. Herbal teas with ginger, lemon, or chamomile aid digestion and promote glowing skin.

2. Follow a balanced diet based on your Ayurvedic prakriti and elevated doshas. Include whole grains, dairy, seasonal fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes, broccoli, and papaya. Avoid fried, refined, and processed foods, as well as excessive sugar, salt, and red meat.

3. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation, detoxification, and skin nourishment. Activities like yoga, walking, or dancing improve oxygen flow, flushing out toxins and revitalizing the skin.

4. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Restful sleep stimulates growth hormones, promoting collagen and elastin production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.

Small, gradual adjustments in daily routines can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Embrace an Ayurvedic skincare regimen, complemented by panchakarma therapies, to achieve sustainable and natural skin health.

India today carries one of the heaviest diabetes burden in the world. This is a crisis that is not just driven by genetics, but also by rapid urbanization, sedentary routines, shifting diets, stress, and late diagnosis. With over 101 million Indians currently living with diabetes in India, and 136 million in the pre-diabetic stage, as stated by the latest ICMR estimates, the country is facing an epidemic. This threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system in the coming years.

Why Is Diabetes In India Rising So Rapidly?

India’s diabetes epidemic is no longer limited to middle-aged adults or people with a family history. Younger Indians, those in their 20s and 30s, are increasingly being diagnosed.

According to Dr. Hetashvi Gondaliya, the surge is largely due to “unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, stress, and obesity,” adding that India is witnessing a rise in both Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among younger people.

She emphasizes that early screening, lifestyle modification, and weight management are no longer optional, they are essential.

The biggest challenge in India’s diabetes landscape is late diagnosis. Many people discover their condition only after developing complications.

Dr. Ankur Gehlot, Additional Director of Diabetes & Endocrinology at CK Birla Hospitals, stresses that early recognition, especially in high-risk groups, can prevent long-term complications.

However, experts say that there is still hope. With early screening, community support, technological advances, and sustained lifestyle changes, the trajectory can be reversed.

Diabetes, A Silent Killer

Endocrinologist Dr. Kalyan Kumar Gangopadhyay describes diabetes as “a silent killer” because its early stages rarely trigger noticeable symptoms. As he puts it, many people assume diabetes only affects blood sugar, but in reality, “it quietly damages the body’s vital systems, from the heart and kidneys to the eyes, nerves, and even sexual health.”

He cautions that in men, prolonged, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction, nerve damage, and hormonal imbalance. In women, it increases risks of heart disease, bone weakness, and vision problems. What makes it more dangerous is the misconception that diabetes always announces itself.

“Another common myth is that early diabetes has obvious symptoms; in reality, up to 80% of people may not notice any signs until serious complications appear,” he explains.

This delay in diagnosis is one of the biggest reasons India sees high numbers of kidney failure, amputations, heart disease, and blindness linked to diabetes.

Diabetes And Heart, A Connection Most People Underestimate

Cardiovascular complications remain the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. Dr. Anjan Siotia, Director of Cardiology at BM Birla Heart Hospital, warns that diabetes affects the heart “in more ways than most people realize.” High blood sugar damages blood vessels, accelerates artery blockages, and raises bad cholesterol (LDL).

He advises that diabetic individuals must keep their LDL cholesterol below 2.6 mmol/L, alongside maintaining regular physical activity and a balanced diet.

While heart risk is present year-round, he notes that winter months are particularly dangerous. Cold temperatures constrict arteries and increase cortisol levels, forcing the heart to work harder, especially risky for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. “We often see a spike in cardiovascular cases during winter,” he stresses.

Dr. Siotia explains that diabetes doesn’t just affect large arteries but also small vessels, leading to peripheral vascular disease, kidney problems, retinopathy, stroke, and heart failure.

His key message: routine monitoring saves lives. Diabetic patients should complete blood tests on time and get an annual ECG to detect early abnormalities.

The Hope, The Innovation, The Awareness, and The Empowerment

For decades, diabetes care depended heavily on intermittent monitoring and patient self-discipline. But technology is now reshaping diabetes management in ways that reduce burden, improve outcomes, and make daily care more seamless.

Endocrinologist Dr. Sanjay Kalra explains that diabetes care is shifting from periodic checks to “continuous, real-time, data-driven management.”

According to him, the biggest breakthrough has been the widespread adoption of:

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

These provide real-time readings and trend insights, reducing finger pricks and helping patients and caregivers make timely decisions.

AI-enabled platforms

These analyze glucose patterns, diet, physical activity, and medication history, offering predictive insights that help prevent fluctuations rather than react to them.

Smart insulin pens

They automatically track dose and timing and remind patients about missed doses through connected apps.

Closed-loop insulin pumps

Often described as the closest to an “artificial pancreas,” these pumps automatically increase or decrease insulin delivery using CGM data, even while the patient sleeps.

Dr. Kalra emphasizes that these systems reduce the cognitive load of living with diabetes and consistently improve accuracy, treatment satisfaction, and glycemic outcomes. The key, he says, is to individualize the technology based on each patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Dr. Kalra notes that peer-support and community-led models are extremely effective, especially in underserved regions where specialist care is limited. He points out that patients participating in peer groups:

• have better glycemic outcomes
• ask informed questions
• maintain long-term motivation
• and show improved adherence to medications, diet, and monitoring routines

Doctors unanimously agree that India must strengthen routine screening for people who:

• are overweight
• have a family history of diabetes
• live sedentary lifestyles
• have PCOS
• have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• experience frequent fatigue, excessive thirst, or slow wound healing

As flu season kicks off, health experts around the world are sounding the alarm over a new strain of the virus that appeared in June, four months after the composition of this year’s flu vaccines had already been set. This new variant, a version of H3N2, is triggering outbreaks in Canada and the U.K., where authorities are warning of an early wave sending people to hospitals.

“Since its appearance, it has spread quickly and is now the dominant strain in several Northern Hemisphere countries,” said Dr. Wenqing Zhang, head of the World Health Organization’s Global Respiratory Threats Unit, during a briefing on Wednesday. The concern comes because the flu strain has mutated. With many people already vaccinated, the question now is: will the flu shot still offer protection?

What Is H3N2 Strain That Is Spreading In UK And Canada?

H3N2 is a type of influenza virus and is recognized as one of the two main strains circulating widely. Also referred to as subclade K, it is currently the most prevalent strain in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Symptoms Of H3N2 Strain

The H3N2 strain can cause a sudden high fever, persistent cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Other typical symptoms include chills, headaches, and nasal congestion. While most people recover within a few days, H3N2 infections can linger longer than other flu strains, with cough and weakness sometimes lasting for weeks.

Is This Flu Strain Already In The U.S.?

H3N2 is classified as an influenza A strain. Although anecdotal reports suggest some people across the U.S. have tested positive for flu A, detailed nationwide data is limited. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hasn’t released a full report on flu activity since September 26, largely due to the government shutdown.

Will This Year’s Flu Shot Be Helpful?

Each year in February, global health authorities and pharmaceutical companies decide which viral strains to include in fall flu vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere, based on circulating strains observed in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s flu shot protects against three influenza strains — two types of influenza A and one type of influenza B.

It’s important to note that the flu vaccine does not completely prevent infection. Its primary role is to reduce the severity of illness. Last year, vaccines were up to 55% effective in keeping adults out of hospitals. Preliminary data released by U.K. health authorities on Tuesday shows this year’s vaccine is around 40% effective in preventing hospitalization among adults, according to the NHS.

Despite the mismatch, experts still encourage vaccination. Schaffner said, “Decades of data show that even when the match isn’t perfect, the vaccine helps prevent hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and can literally save lives.”

What Happens If You Skip A Flu Shot?

Skipping vaccination leaves people at higher risk of severe illness. During the last flu season, two-thirds of hospitalized patients in the U.S. were not vaccinated, according to CDC data. Even more concerning, 90% of children who died from the flu hadn’t received a full course of vaccines. Guidance recommends that children under nine who have never been vaccinated should get two doses, while everyone else receives a single annual shot.

Doctors are urging people to take extra precautions this season to protect themselves and their families from a new and aggressive strain of flu. Data from Australia shows that the H3N2 strain has caused its worst flu outbreak on record, and experts warn that the same could happen in Britain as winter begins.

UK health officials say flu cases have appeared nearly a month earlier than expected, and vaccination rates are worryingly low, especially in care homes where two out of five residents remain unvaccinated. Described by health authorities as “particularly unpleasant,” H3N2 is already driving up hospital admissions across the country.

What Is the H3N2 Strain?

H3N2 is one of two major strains of the influenza virus currently in wide circulation. Known scientifically as subclade K, it is the most dominant strain in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This subtype of influenza A first appeared in 1968 and has re-emerged seasonally ever since. It should not be confused with a variant linked to pigs that infected humans in 2011, which primarily affects those in direct contact with infected animals.

How High Are the Flu Rates at the Moment?

The UKHSA reports that hospital admissions linked to flu in England have risen to 3.8 per 100,000 people, compared to 2.4 the previous week. Although this is still below the peaks seen in recent years, it represents levels that typically occur later in the season.

Experts told The Independent that this early surge suggests the flu season has begun unusually early and could lead to a more severe winter ahead.

Symptoms of the H3N2 Strain Spreading in the UK

Like other flu viruses, H3N2 tends to cause a sudden onset of symptoms such as:

• Fever or chills
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Body and muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue or general weakness

However, people infected with H3N2 often experience higher fevers, typically above 38°C, and more intense symptoms than those seen with strains like H1N1.

Unique Symptom of the H3N2 Strain Spreading in the UK

While the typical symptoms are similar to other forms of influenza, H3N2 infections are known for being longer-lasting and more exhausting. Patients often find the cough and weakness linger for several days after the fever subsides. In some cases, particularly among children, gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting may also occur, according to the UKHSA.

How To Tell the Difference Between A Cold And The Flu

Flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and are more severe, marked by fever, chills, body aches, and extreme tiredness, while cold symptoms develop gradually and are generally milder. A blocked or runny nose is more common with colds, and colds rarely cause serious health problems, unlike the flu, which can lead to complications.

H3N2 Flu Strain: Vulnerable Groups

Although most healthy adults and children may only experience mild to moderate illness, doctors warn that older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those with weakened immunity are at higher risk of serious complications. The early arrival of H3N2 and its stronger symptoms could strain the healthcare system further this season.

Health experts emphasise that prevention remains the best defence: getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical care promptly if symptoms worsen can all reduce risk. Staying alert and prepared can make a significant difference in managing the spread of this year’s flu strain.