Yoga offers several holistic health advantages. This traditional style of physical activity, which is also a way of life, has been found to not only protect inner and mental health but also treat skin and hair conditions. Several yoga asanas can aid in hair development if you're sick of your short haircut and want longer locks. In reality, yoga for hair growth and improved health has been gaining popularity throughout the world due to its impressive outcomes. Here are certain yoga asanas that not only stimulate hair growth but also reduce hair loss and improve overall health.
1. Kapalabhati
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana
3. Sarvangasana
4. Balasana
5. Sirsasana
6. Vajrasana
7. Uttanasana
8. Matsyasana
1. Kapalabhati
Kapala, which means "skull," and Bhati, which means "light," are the origins of Kapalhbhati. It is a mind-body practise that refreshes, purifies, and energises. This breathing exercise assists in removing toxins from the kapal, which refers to the entire head or face region, so enhancing oxygen supply and decreasing free radicals, thereby boosting hair development. Additionally, it reduces stress and anxiety, which are important contributors to hair loss.
How To: Maintaining a straight back, neck, and head, sit with your legs crossed. Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing upward and relax every muscle in your body. Inhale deeply and then expel all the air while clenching your abdominal muscles. Perform this for a few minutes.
It is recommended to perform Kapalabhati in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana, often known as the downward-facing dog posture, is one of the twelve asanas performed during Surya Namaskar. It is a transitional stance that stimulates blood circulation. This increases the amount of oxygen reaching the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. This asana has several additional physical advantages. For instance, it assists in calming the mind, revitalising and energising the body.
How to: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands extended toward the floor. Take a few steps in reverse and extend your hands and legs. With your ears touching your arms, lie facedown. Maintain the position for 30 to 45 seconds. This is one of the most effective yoga asanas for preventing hair loss and increasing blood flow to the scalp.
Avoid doing this asana if you have any of the following conditions:
Diarrhea, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hypertension, Retinal Detachment, a Dislocated Shoulder, and Weak Eye Capillaries, and Retinal Detachment.
3. Sarvangasana
The shoulder stand, or Sarvangasana, is a full-body exercise that targets many muscle groups. It improves both your balance and posture. In addition, this asana improves your head's blood circulation. The stance has a long-lasting effect on the head and is especially useful for dry and weak hair.
How to: Lie on your back against a wall and bend your legs to a 90-degree angle. Then, using your hands for support, you lift your hips off the ground and balance your complete body on your shoulders.
Before performing this position, you should visit your physician if you have a herniated disc, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
4. Balasana
Balasana simply translates to "child's position" and has nothing to do with hair. However, it combats the two leading causes of hair loss: stress and digestion problems. Balasana is widely prescribed to alleviate stomach-related disorders, and it is also believed to reduce anxiety. This stance can have a great effect on both your digestive and mental health, hence reducing the chance of hair loss significantly.
How to Perform: Sit on your mat with your legs touching your hips and your knees bent. Inhale, extend your hands upwards, and then exhale as you bend forward from the waist until your forehead and palms contact the ground. It is advantageous if you can rest your elbows on the ground. Focus on your breathing and hold the position for thirty seconds to one minute.
This asana should be avoided if you suffer from diarrhea, knee injury, severe neck or back discomfort, high blood pressure, vertigo, or slipped disc.
5. Sirsasana
Sirsasana, also known as the headstand, increases blood flow to the scalp, which reduces hair loss, thinning hair, and balding. This asana promotes healthy hair development and avoids greying. It promotes hair development by allowing dormant hair follicles to attain their maximal growth potential.
How to: Kneel with your fingers interlaced and placed behind your head. Now, stoop and touch the ground with your forehead. Slowly lift your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor while supporting the crown of your head with your clasped hands. Maintain your legs together and arms straight. Once your body is steady in this position, attempt to maintain balance for several seconds.
This position demands extensive work to perfect. If you are a beginner, you should seek assistance from another person or lean on a wall.
6. Vajrasana
Vajrasana, often known as the thunderbolt stance, is a basic yet powerful asana. It directly addresses stomach-related disorders, which you may or may not feel play a significant role in hair loss. According to research, bad gut flora can promote hair thinning and ultimately contribute to hair loss. Vajrasana helps alleviate and treat a number of these conditions, and it also improves digestion. This is advantageous for hair development since nutrients are absorbed more efficiently when digestion is optimal. A balanced diet is required for long, thick, and healthy hair.
How to: Kneel and sit on your heels while maintaining a straight neck and back, heels close together. Keep your hands relaxed on your thighs with your palms facing down, and maintain a straight head and eyesight. Maintain this position for at least 30 seconds while taking slow, deep breaths. Relax and stretch after completion.
Consider sitting in Vajrasana daily for a flatter tummy.
7. Uttanasana
Mastering Uttanasana, or the camel posture, is a difficult yet powerful yoga asana. This yoga stance both stretches and relaxes the muscles, while simultaneously increasing oxygen levels and blood flow to the head. This, in turn, strengthens the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Not only does it enhance the quality and texture of your hair, but it also makes it shinier and more perfect.
How to: Maintain a straight stance with your feet touching. Raise your arms and inhale deeply. Keep your arms straight and do not exhale as you lean forward. Try to contact the mat, and if you feel comfortable, hug your knees while maintaining your head lowered the entire time. Maintain this position for 15-30 seconds. This yoga asana may require several repetitions to perfect. Don't forget to exhale as you rise.
If you have an injury to your lower back, knee, or ankle, you should avoid performing this asana.
8. Matsyasana
This is one of the most efficient and popular asanas for strong, long, and healthy hair. It is commonly known as the fish posture. As with the aforementioned positions, it is simple to perform and can be done quickly and at home without the need for any equipment. Daily practise of this yoga asana is known to alleviate the majority of hair issues.
How to Perform: For this asana, lie on your back and bend your knees inwards, as if you were sitting cross-legged. Now, position your palms pointing downward close to your hips. Now, raise yourself by activating your core, but make sure your head remains on the ground. Your neck should be arched completely. Stretch as much as possible and maintain the position for 15 to 30 seconds.
When bending, avoid placing stress on your back, since this might result in a catastrophic injury.