The beauty product in stores are flooded with lotions, creams and face packs, which guarantee a fair and glowing skin. However, is it really possible for for these external application to give you lasting radiance? True, natural glow can come only from the within. That is why yoga is your best bet for a healthy and glowing skin.
Using a holistic approach, yoga asanas promote health and balance, which manifests outwardly as a glowing visage. Regular practice of yoga, along with a proper diet, a conscious way of living, and adequate rest, nurtures good health. Through yoga, the body is cleansed of toxins and negative energy which makes you look gorgeous effortlessly and naturally.
8 yoga asanas for beautiful glowing skin
These 8 yoga asanas benefit almost every major system in the body. Practising these poses on a regular basis can be the first step you take in achieving a balanced state of mind, body and spirit. The healthy and glowing skin will be a bonus!
1. Sukhasan
- Sit cross-legged on a mat
- Put your palms on your knees in a relaxed manner
- Keep your spine, neck and head erect
- Draw your abdomen in comfortably
- Close your eyes
- Observe your inhalation and exhalation
- Push away any thoughts that enter your mind. Stay focussed on your breathing
- Stay in the pose for 10 minutes.
Benefits of Sukhasan
This asana helps to correct posture and to increase flexibility of knees and ankles. Additionally, it regularises your respiration and pulse rate. Regular practice gives a sense of quietude and improves concentration.
Who should avoid: Not suitable for those with severe arthritis.
2. Padmasan
- Sit with legs stretched forward
- Fold one leg and place the foot on top of the opposite thigh
- Now repeat the step with the other leg
- The soles of your feet must face upwards and the heels should touch the pubic bone
- Place your hands on the knees, palms
facing upwards (see feature photo above) - Concentrate on the gentle movement of your breathing.
Benefit of Padmasan
Padmasan improves posture, digestion, and flexibility of joints and ligaments. It is also known to relax the mind and aid attentiveness.
Who should avoid: Avoid if you suffer from severe arthritis, sciatica, and slipped disc.
3. Vajrasan
- Fold both legs and sit down in a kneeling position
- Toes point out straight behind you, with the big toes touching each other
- Rest buttocks in the space formed by the heels, keeping your thighs together
- Keep your hands on your thighs
- Maintain your spine, head and neck erect
- Stay in the pose, taking long, relaxing breaths.
Benefits of Vajrasan
Vajrasan improves digestion and blood circulation. It especially helps in relieving excessive gas in the abdomen.
Who should avoid: Not suitable for those with severe arthritis.
4. Shavasan
- Lie down flat on a mat
- Keep your feet at least 20 inches or about a foot and a half apart. Your arms lie alongside your body, with your hands staying 10 inches or a foot away from your body. Palms face upwards
- Concentrate on keeping your whole body relaxed
- Beginning with your toes, relax each body part as you move your focus upward
- Maintain gentle and regular breathing.
Benefits of Shavasan
Shavasan, or the corpse pose, is ideal for relaxing all the muscles in the body. It helps reduce blood pressure and anxiety, and is the perfect stress buster. Additionally, this asana induces better sleep, which is a must for glowing skin.
Who should avoid: Avoid if you have low blood pressure.
5. Jalaneti
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into one glass or a jalaneti pot of lukewarm water
- Pour this water into a cupped hand or use the jalaneti pot and snort the water into one nostril, while blocking the other nostril with a finger
- Allow water to escape through the nostrils or the mouth. Repeat twice, on each side.
- Use each palm alternatively for each nostril
- Blow out all water discharge, one nostril at a time.
Benefits of Jalaneti
Jalaneti stimulates the nerves and mucous membrane in the nose. It keeps the membrane naturally moist. This practice also improves filtration of air in the nose. It prevents diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
Who should avoid: Not suitable for those suffering from respiratory infections, blocked sinuses or cold.
6. Kapalarandhra Dhouti
- With your fingers, massage around the eyes, the forehead and the ears
- Maintain gentle but firm pressure when you massage
- Repeat this technique at least three times.
Benefits of Kapaarandhra Dhouti
This kriya helps to relieve stress and prevent depression. Can be beneficial in case of chronic headaches and sinus problems.
Who should avoid: If you have any injury, don’t do this asana; also avoid doing it in a cold environment.
7. Karnarandhra Dhouti
- Rotate the index finger or the little finger in the ear canal
- Please ensure that the finger nails are clipped short before attempting this kriya
Benefits of Karnarandhra Dhouti
This kriya improves hearing.
Who should avoid: Those with ear infections or injuries and also people with vertigo.
8. Simhasan
- Sit in the padmasan position
- Lean forward and place your palms on the ground
- Palms are kept chest-width apart and focus between your eyebrows
- Open your mouth as wide as possible
- Stretch out your tongue as far as possible
- Breathe normally and deeply in this pose
- Hold the final position as long as possible
- Slowly retract the tongue in, close the mouth and come back to padmasana.
Benefits of Simhasan
Simhasan, or lion pose, improves balance and coordination. It strengthens the spine and thigh muscles. Furthermore, this pose helps calm the mind and release anger or tension. Simhasan also stimulates the central nervous system and helps overcome lethargy and depression.
Who should avoid: Not suitable for those suffering from severe arthritis, backache, or coordination disorders. Women who have crossed the first trimester of pregnancy should also avoid this pose.
The above 8 poses, when done regularly, will give you a healthy and glowing skin, inside-out.
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