Yoga is often associated with aligning the mind, body and soul, providing many worldwide with a spiritual lens. However, did you know that it has numerous health benefits such as smoother digestion, better sleep and hair growth? Read on to discover the advantages of practising yoga for your hair’s volume and strength!
What Causes Hair Loss?
Here are some common hair loss causes among women:
- Often, one’s genes and hereditary make-up are to blame for hair loss or pattern baldness.
- Numerous women go through significant changes after and during the pregnancy period, which may include hair loss.
- Certain types of medication such as antidepressants and tablets to treat cancer and heart complications can result in hair loss.
- Stress and the cortisol hormone is a prominent contributor and leading cause of hair fall among females.
Also read: 5 best ayurvedic oils for thick hair
Yoga Exercise for Hair Growth: 10 Effective Yoga Asanas for Hair Regrowth
Are you wondering how to use yoga for hair growth?
The asanas range from simple to advanced. Perform them as per individual stamina and flexibility.
1) Balayam Yoga Mudra (Rubbing Nails Pose)
How to perform:
It is one of the easiest mudras for hair growth. Bring the fingernails together and rub them vigorously. Perform for 5-10 minutes per day.
Benefits:
The rubbing movement stimulates nerve endings. These, in turn, revive hair follicles.
2) Kapalbhati
How to perform:
Sit cross-legged in a comfortable position. The back has to be kept straight. Palms can be placed on the knees, facing upwards. The pose entails a deep inhalation followed by forceful exhalation.
Benefits:
This breathing practice rejuvenates the body and mind. It improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the scalp and prevents free radical damage.
3) Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
How to perform:
The posture begins in a tabletop position. Lift the hips upwards to form an Inverted V. At this time, hands and legs must be straight. With the ears near the inner arms, gaze at the navel. Take a few deep breaths.
Benefits:
This inversion directly improves blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair growth.
Also Read: 10 Major Adho Mukha Svanasana Benefits That You Should Know!
4) Vajrasana (Diamond Pose/Thunderbolt Pose)
How to perform:
Fold the legs below the hips, with palms kept on the thighs. Maintain this posture for a few minutes with slow deep breaths.
Benefits:
Poor digestive capacity increases stress in the body. It also reduces the absorption of nutrients that are vital to hair growth. Thus, improving digestion is an effective method of using yoga for hair fall.
Perform this asana after every meal to improve digestion.
5) Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
How to perform:
This asana begins in Vajrasana position. The head is slowly bent forward with arms extended. Hold this forward bending posture for five breaths.
Benefits:
The extension of the neck and spine releases stress. All forward bending positions increase blood flow to the scalp, making them potent exercises for hair growth.
6) Uttanasana
How to perform:
While standing straight, lift the arms with a deep inhale. The body is then bent forward to touch the toes or hug the legs without exhaling. Hold your breath for a few seconds. This should be followed by a slow exhale while returning to the standing position.
Benefits:
Improved blood flow to the hair follicles ensures a good supply of oxygen and nutrients. For this reason, many yoga asanas for hair growth focus on forward bending.
7) Uttanpadasana
How to perform:
This posture begins from the lying down position. The legs have to be raised slowly to a 45 to 60-degree angle. Hold for one minute.
Benefits:
This yoga asana improves blood circulation to the scalp.
8) Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
How to perform:
It is a backbend performed from a kneeling position. The feet have to be grabbed by the hands while lifting the chest upwards. Hold for a few deep breaths.
Benefits:
It helps to reduce hair fall by improving blood flow to the scalp.
9) Pavanamuktasana (Wind-relieving pose)
How to perform:
This posture begins while lying down. With an inhale, bring one knee close to the chest. While supporting the knee, the forehead is lifted with a slow exhale. Hold for a few breaths. It can be performed one knee at a time or both together.
Benefits:
It can help with constipation or other digestive problems. The digestive system is linked closely to hair growth.
10) Mastyasana (Fish pose)
How to perform:
Bring the knees together while in a supine position. Lift the stomach without lifting the head off the floor. Ensure avoidance of strain on the back or neck.
Benefits:
This posture has the dual benefit of improving circulation as well as digestion.
11) Sirsasana (Headstand)
How to perform:
It is one of the most advanced yoga asanas for hair growth. It is a complete inversion. In this, the head supports the body. Using the forearms for support, lift the legs until the entire body is perpendicular to the floor in a straight line.
Benefits:
Sirsasana benefits the hair regrowth process by activating hair follicles. It allows them to reach their full growth potential.
Does Yoga for Hair Fall Really Work?
Yes. Yoga has been found to improve blood flow to the scalp, improve digestion, and reduce stress. It has been found to stimulate regrowth of hair and put an end to hair fall.
Other Best Exercises for Hair Growth
Lightly massaging the scalp after these asanas helps to boost the effect of yoga poses for hair growth.
But what if you are not a fan of yoga? Let us see some other options.
- Simple side-to-side and nodding movements of the neck can be effective.
- Simple cardiovascular exercises that induce sweating can help restore healthy hair.
- A deep scalp massage with coconut oil done twice a month might do the trick too!
- Proper Ayurvedic techniques during the massage also activate acupressure points that promote hair growth.
Summing Up...Exercises & Yoga Asanas for Hair Growth
Performing yoga mudras and asanas correctly and consistently is the key to hair growth through yoga. Yoga asanas for hair growth are responsible for stimulating hair follicles and improving blood flow to your scalp. However, make sure not to exert yourself more than your capacity.
Also read: Biotin for hair growth
FAQs
Which is the Ideal Yoga Asana for Healthy Hair?
There is no one ideal yoga asana for healthy hair. You can pick one that suits you best out of the following:
- Mastyasana (Fish pose)
- Sirsasana
- Pavanamuktasana (Wind-relieving pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
How Can I Increase My Hair Growth Naturally?
Growing hair naturally requires quite a bit of patience. Truthfully, there is no quick remedy that will provide excellent hair growth results overnight. However, follow these steps over time for a steady increase in hair length:
- Make sure you consume adequate amounts of protein.
- Research papers have indicated that the right amount of caffeine intake can assist hair growth.
- Consuming a diet rich in Biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc, and iron will provide your hair with the essential nutrients it needs to flourish.
Which Time is Best for Yoga?
The best time to perform any yoga asana is early in the morning, right before breakfast on an empty stomach. This best practice gives a beautiful and healthy kickstart to your day. If you cannot wake up early in the morning, the early evening, just around sunset, is another time you can choose to practice yoga mudras. Moreover, every woman’s body is different, so yoga can also be performed at the time of your choice.
What are the Best Mudras for Hair Growth?
- Balayam Yoga Mudra (Rubbing Nails Pose)
- Kapalbhati
- Uttanpadasana
