Yoga enhances blood circulation throughout the body, including the scalp, aiding in the management of premature hair greying, hair loss, and lackluster, lifeless hair.
Experiencing hair loss can be distressing, especially when even the simple act of combing sends shivers down your body. For many women, their hair is a source of pride, making it heartbreaking to witness clumps of hair left behind every time they manage their tresses. Various factors like stress, hormonal disorders, poor diet, illnesses, medication, hair treatments, genetic predispositions, or smoking can contribute to hair loss, making it a direct reflection of one’s overall health.
Yoga offers a holistic approach to addressing hair loss, not only promoting healthy hair but also improving physical and mental well-being. By incorporating yoga practices specifically designed for hair loss, you can better manage these issues. Drawing from ancient yoga texts, here are some exercises known as asanas that can aid in hair growth.
Balayam Yoga (Rubbing nails)
In addition to addressing hair loss, Balayam yoga is believed to alleviate dandruff and prevent premature greying of hair. This practice involves stimulating the roots of the hair follicles by rubbing the fingernails together, which helps energize the scalp and promotes hair growth. To perform Balayam yoga, simply bring the nails of both hands into contact with each other and vigorously rub them together, excluding the thumbnails. Continuously rub your nails for 5-7 minutes without interruption.
Uttanasana (Stand forward bend pose)
This yoga asana, Uttanasana, promotes improved hair growth by facilitating proper blood circulation to the scalp. In this pose, your head is positioned below your heart, allowing blood to flow more efficiently to the scalp, which supports healthy hair growth. To practice Uttanasana, stand straight with your feet together, ensuring your knees, heels, feet, and toes touch. Then, raise your arms overhead and slowly bend forward, reaching towards the floor until your fingers and hands touch the ground. Hold this position while maintaining normal breathing.
Sasangasana (Rabbit pose)
This yoga asana, Balasana or Child’s Pose, is beneficial for addressing hair loss as well. By positioning the crown of the head on the ground, blood flow to the head is enhanced. Improved blood circulation to the scalp is vital for fostering healthy hair growth. To perform Balasana, begin by sitting on your heels with your knees resting on the floor. Lower your torso forward, placing your forehead on the ground and extending your arms back to hold your heels. Slowly inhale and lift your hips while maintaining the position. Hold this pose for five breaths to maximize its benefits.
Kapalbhati Pranayam
This particular yoga asana, listed for addressing hair loss, aids in eliminating toxins from the air passages, cleansing the body and mind. It purifies the frontal portion of the brain, enhancing blood circulation and reducing hair greyness as a result. To practice this, sit in Padmasana or Sukhasana with your back and neck straight and eyes closed. Place your hands on your knees in Gyan Mudra. Exhale forcefully through both nostrils while simultaneously pulling your stomach in. Avoid making an effort to inhale. This asana can be performed up to 60 times in a minute.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
This pranayama technique, known as Anulom Vilom, purifies the nerves in the skull, benefiting the brain, lungs, heart, and skin, while also addressing issues like depression and insomnia, which are often linked to hair fall and greying. Begin by sitting in either padmasana or sukhasana. Using the right hand, close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale gently through the left nostril. Then, close the left nostril with the ring finger and middle finger of the right hand, exhaling completely through the right nostril after a full inhalation. Gradually increase the speed of inhalation and exhalation from moderate to vigorous. In addition to practicing these simple yoga asanas for promoting hair growth, it’s important to be cautious with styling products like gels and creams, as they can clog pores. When swimming, wear a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, and wash your hair immediately after swimming.