Morning yoga exercise: Modern-day living, with its break-neck speed and multiple distractions, takes a heavy toll on our physical and mental health. Sadly, while many of us walk the extra mile when it comes to taking care of our fitness needs, one area most people neglect is the health of our skin. You should try yoga for this.
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Research suggests that yoga, beyond its established health benefits, has a profound impact on your skin health, if done properly and regularly. Says Naveen Sharma, Yoga Lead, Cult.fit, “Yoga extends beyond relaxation and physical strength. Practising yoga regularly can benefit the mind, body, and soul. Additionally, some yoga asanas positively affect the skin through improved circulation, detoxification, and stress reduction.”
The yoga expert lists these seven asanas that will help you have a radiant and healthy skin.
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1. Uttanasana (Forward Bend)
How it helps: Helps in increasing oxygen supply to the skin cells, which aids in flushing out toxins from the system.
How to do it:
- Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart.
- Exhale as you bend forward from the hip joints, lengthening the torso.
- Allow your palms to rest on the ground or hold your ankles. Over time, try to deepen the bend.
- To exit, inhale and rise slowly, rolling your spine up and returning to a standing position.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
How it helps: This pose promotes blood circulation to the face, giving it a healthy glow. It also strengthens and tones the facial muscles.
How to do it:
- Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- Exhale as you lift your knees off the floor, pushing your hips up and back.
- Aim to straighten your legs and draw your heels toward the ground.
- Keep your head between your arms and look towards the tip of your nose.
- To exit, bend your knees and return to a tabletop position.
3. Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose)
How it helps: It promotes circulation to the face and alleviates tension. Increased blood flow can rejuvenate the skin, providing a healthy glow.
How to do it:
- Sit next to a wall with one side of your body touching it.
- Lie back and extend your legs up the wall.
- Ensure your back and head are resting on the floor. Your body should form an L-shape against the wall.
- To exit, bend your knees, roll to one side, and use your hands to push yourself up.
4. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
How it helps: Improves blood circulation to the face, aids the skin in receiving more oxygen, potentially prevents wrinkles and acne.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with arms by your side.
- Lift your legs, buttocks, and back upwards, supporting your back with your hands.
- Ensure your body weight rests on your shoulders and upper arms with your legs straight up.
- To exit, slowly lower your back to the ground, supporting with your hands, and bring your legs down last.
5. Halasana (Plow Pose)
How it helps: Boosts blood circulation to the face, helps in detoxification.
How to do it:
- Start by lying flat on your back with your arms by your sides and palms facing downward.
- Inhale and use your abdominal muscles to lift your feet off the ground, bringing them over your head.
- Continue to lift until your toes touch the floor behind you. Your back should be perpendicular to the ground.
- Support your back with your hands if necessary or let your arms remain on the floor.
- To exit, gently bring your legs back over your head and then lower them to the floor as you exhale. Release your arms from supporting your back if you were using them.
6. Sirsasana (Headstand)
How it helps: Promotes blood flow to the face and brain, nourishing the facial skin and balancing the hormonal system.
How to do it:
- Kneel on the floor, interlock your fingers and place them and your forearms on the ground.
- Place the crown of your head on the floor, cradled by your interlocked fingers.
- Lift your knees off the floor, straightening your legs.
- Gradually walk your feet toward your head, and then use your core muscles to lift your legs up into the air.
- To exit, bend your knees and slowly lower your legs back down to the floor, coming back into the kneeling position and getting into child's pose.
7. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
How it helps: This pose helps in detoxifying the body, which may lead to clearer skin.
How to do it:
- Kneel on the floor with your thighs together.
- Sit back on your heels.
- Exhale and lay your torso down on your thighs.
- Extend your arms in front of you, palms facing down.
- Let your forehead touch the floor.
- To exit, use your hands to press into the floor and lift your torso, returning to a kneeling position.
Try these rejuvenating yoga poses, focusing on those within your reach, to achieve a radiant skin. Keep in mind that maintaining a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, and ensuring sufficient sleep are equally vital for a healthy, glowing complexion.
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