Yoga has a plethora of holistic health benefits.
This ancient fitness form, which is also a way of life, has been known to not just safeguard inner and mental health but also give cures to skin and hair issues. If you’re someone who is tired of the short bob and desires for your tresses to be longer, there are several yoga asanas that can actually help out with hair growth. In fact, yoga for hair growth and better health has been getting some popularity around the world due to the wonderful results it seems to achieve. Here are some yoga asanas that not just promote hair growth, but will also help in reducing hair fall and improving their health.
Kapalbhati
Kapalhbhati is derived from two Sanskrit words: Kapala, which means "skull," and Bhati, which means "light." It's a mind-body activity that rejuvenates, cleanses and invigorates. This breathing exercise helps cleanse the toxins from the kapal, meaning the entire head or face region, thus promoting better oxygen supply and reducing free radicals, enabling hair growth. Moreover, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are also contributing factors to hair fall.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana, better known as the downward facing pose, is among the 12 poses we practice during the Surya Namaskar. It is a transitional resting pose, which increases the blood flow. Due to this, there is a boost in the oxygen reaching the scalp and promotes hair growth. This asana has a range of other physical benefits as well. For example, it helps calm the mind, rejuvenate and energise the body.
Avoid doing this asana if you suffer from any of the following problems, Carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, retinal detachment, a dislocated shoulder, weak eye capillaries, diarrhea.
Sarvangasana
Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand is a full body exercise, which works on different muscle groups. It helps improve your balance as well as posture. But besides that, this asana enhances the blood circulation in your head. Daily practice of the pose has a long-lasting effect on your head and is especially beneficial for dry and thin hair.
Lie on your back against a wall and make a 90-degree angle with your legs. You then lift your hips off the ground, using your hands for support, and then balance the entire body on your shoulders. If you suffer from slip disc, heart problems or high blood pressure, do consult your doctor before practicing this pose.
Balasana
Before you get any ideas, Balasana literally means child’s pose and does not refer to the hair. However, it combats the two biggest factors that cause hair fall: stress and digestive issues. Balasana is commonly recommended to provide relief from any stomach-related issues and it is known to help with anxiety as well. Daily practice of this pose can have a positive impact on both your digestive and mental health, thus cutting down the risk of hair loss considerably.
Sit on your mat with your knees folded and your legs touching your hips. Inhale, stretch your hands upwards and then exhale, and bend down with your core, until your forehead and palms are touching the ground. If you can rest your elbows on the ground, that’s a bonus! Concentrate on your breathing and stay in the pose for 30 seconds to a minute. If you suffer from problems such as diarrhea, knee injury, severe neck or back pain, high blood pressure, vertigo or slipped disc, you should avoid this asana.
Sirsasana
Also known as the headstand, Sirsasana improves blood circulation in the scalp which helps in reducing hair loss, thinning of hair and balding. This asana helps in new hair growth and prevents greying of hair. It helps the dormant hair follicles to reach their maximum growth capacity and thus improve hair growth.
Kneel down, interlock your fingers and place them behind your head. Now, bend down and touch your forehead to the ground. Supporting the crown of your head with your interlocked hands, raise your legs up slowly to stand upside down perpendicular to the floor. Keep your legs close and arms straight. Once your body is stable in this pose, try and maintain the balance for a few seconds. This pose requires a lot of practice to perfect. Try and take the help of another person or lean against a wall if you’re a beginner.