Yoga is more than just a form of exercise that you do to gain flexibility. It’s a form of overall body and mind wellness that is being practiced since centuries. It consists of physical, mental and even spiritual disciplines that are known to make you calm, composed and healthy.
Even when it comes to skin, yoga proves to be a powerful means of exercise that helps the overall wellness of the largest organ of your body. Want to know how? Scroll down to read…
Yoga enhances blood circulation
Practising yoga helps in the blood circulation of the body which is why you will see an instant glow to your face after your yoga session. It helps more and more oxygen reach different parts of your body and flushes out toxins. Practising yoga regularly helps maintain the glow on your skin.
Elasticity and collagen
Ever wondered how actresses on celluloid always have such great skin even after being in the industry for over 10 years? Take Kareena Kapoor Khan, for example. The answer is yoga! Yoga not only gives you an enviable, radiant glow but also improves your skin’s elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen–the protein that’s responsible to keep your skin young looking. Face yoga is a branch of yoga that speeds the process hence giving you younger looking skin!
How can I do it?
Pranayam
Any yoga routine begins with a bunch of breathing exercises (Pranayam) followed by ‘Om’ chanting, post which you get into the stretching and exercises. Some types of Pranayams include:
‘Kapalbhati’ - Releases toxins through short exhalations, improves digestion and cleanses the lungs. Sit cross-legged on your yoga mat with hands relaxed on your knees. Take a deep breath in and exhale in short breaths making stomach contractions.
‘Bhastrika Pranayam’ - Increases metabolism and increases the amount of oxygen you inhale making your lungs feel full. Sit in a comfortable position and slowly take a deep breath until you feel your lungs are full. Exhale until your lungs are empty. You can do minor contractions too.
‘Anulom Vilom’ - This is the alternate nostril breathing exercise that provides your body with a fresh supply of oxygen hence cleansing your system and making you calm and stress-free. For this, place your index finger on your left nostril and take a deep breath from your right nostril. Then, place your thumb on your right nostril and exhale from the left.
Repeat these 3-5 times.
Practice Surya namaskaras or Sun Salutations
Surya namaskaras are a 12-step exercise routine that are known to benefit the wellness of your entire body as opposed to targeting just one problem area. It’s always advisable to include the, in your yoga routine. They stimulate the nervous system, prevent memory loss, build concentration and increase blood circulation–the most important part for rejuvenated, glowing skin.
Practice matsyasana
Matsyasana or the ‘Fish Pose’ is one of the asanas you can do for good skin. It provides the necessary stretches to your neck muscles which prevents double chin and throat. The positioning of the crown of your head also channelizes the blood to rush upwards to your facial skin. Apart from that, it strengthens your back, hip flexors and navel area.
Practice Sarvangasana
Sarvangasana or the ‘Shoulder Stand’ is also known to be known to be the most effective asana for glowing skin. This is because it’s primary function is to channelize blood circulation towards your face that helps skin texture and gives you glowing skin. It also increases your concentration by helping you balance your feet up in the air.
All of the above-mentioned asanas are helpful for skin and apart from the ones mentioned above here are a few more asanas you can try for glowing skin. So, if you’ve ever thought about taking up yoga, go ahead and join a class. If you’re thinking of doing these exercises at home, have an instructor come over till you get your breathing and balance right. Once you feel like you are ready (probably in a few months), you can then use Youtube tutorials to guide your movements.
Image credits: imgur.com, yogawithsubhash.com, thehealthorange.com, yoffielife.com
Written by Vaishnavi Thakur on Dec 04, 2017