Yoga for Hair Health: What You Can Do to Enhance Your Hair’s Growth-Capacity
Hair loss, reduced rate of growth, and thin-looking hair have become increasingly common in today’s society, primarily because of the excessive amount of stress we deal with, along with unhealthy lifestyle habits and a growing number of hormonal imbalances. We all tend to rely on hair oils, shampoos, and treatments, which work well for us from the outside, but are ineffective in terms of promoting real hair health, as hair health starts from the inside. This is where yoga comes into play regarding the promotion of hair growth through yoga.
Yoga improves the blood circulation to the scalp, reduces the stress and anxiety associated with hair loss (which is often a main cause of hair loss), helps balance the hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation and menopause, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, and provides a way to promote overall wellness, both physically and mentally. While yoga takes time to create a lasting effect, it does create long-term, viable solutions for issues associated with hair loss.
Types of yoga for hair growth:
1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose):
This pose provides increased circulation of blood to the head and scalp, thus providing nourishment to hair follicles and strengthening hair roots. Adho Mukha Svanasana also offers many other health benefits including decreasing hair loss and strengthening hair roots as well as improving overall scalp health through better blood circulation. When performing this pose, remember to breathe deeply throughout the entire duration of your practice, which should be 30–60 seconds long.
Uttanasana (Forward Bend Pose):
Uttanasana encourages the same fresh blood that enters into the head and scalp through Adho Mukha Svanasana, by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. Increased blood circulation brings about oxygen to the hair and scalp, thus allowing for hair growth by supplying the hair withthe necessary oxygen. Other Benefits Associated With This Pose Are: Stimulating Hair Follicles – Reducing Stress and Fatigue, Improving Digestion. When practicing this pose, it is best to hold the pose for at least 20 – 30 seconds and avoid jerky movements.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose):
Good digestion is essential for healthy hair growth, and the Vajrasana helps through improved digestion and nutrient absorption.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose):
The Sarvangasana is often called the “Queen of Asanas” due to its amazing effect on the body; it helps stimulate circulation of blood to the head and scalp while simultaneously improving hormone balance.
Benefits of this yoga:
Stimulating hair to regenerate
Preventing premature greyness
Reducing dandruff
Beginner practitioners should do this pose under the supervision of a qualified teacher.
Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Stress is one of the largest contributors to hair loss; Balasana provides a deep sense of relaxation to the mind and the nervous system.
Benefits of this pose are as follows:
Reduces the amount of hair lost due to stress
Calms the mind
Provides improved quality of sleep
Hold this position for 1-2 minutes with slow and steady breathing.
Pranayama for Growing Hair:
Anulom Vilo
m (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This is a breath awareness technique that helps to increase the supply of oxygen to the body, helps to bring balance to hormones and decreases stress.
Benefits Include:
Prevention of hair loss
Increased circulation to the scalp
Lowered levels of anxiety
Practice this technique for between 5-10 minutes each day.
Kapalbhati
This breathing technique cleanses the body and enhances digestion (two important factors that affect the overall health of your hair).
Benefits Include:
IncreasedStrength in Hair Follicles
Enhanced metabolism
Stopping Hair Thinning
Avoid using either technique if you are experiencing any health issues unless advised by a healthcare professional.
To Enhance Your Results:
Yoga is most effective when it is done in combination with:
A healthy, nutritious diet containing proteins, iron, and vitamins
Staying Hydrated
Limiting the Use of Hot Tools and Chemical Products
Getting at least 7-8 hours of Sleep Every Night
Consistency is key. Be Patient; Results Take Time.
Conclusion:
Through its ability to stimulate circulation, relieve stress, regulate hormones, and aid digestion, yoga provides an excellent foundation for growing healthy hair. Beyond providing beauty benefits, practicing yoga regularly with pranayama (breath work) as part of your wellness routine can have a positive impact on many of the issues associated with unhealthy hair (such as baldness, thinning hair, greying prematurely), when combined with all other healthy living habits (like good nutrition), will nourish the body internally. Being patient and showing commitment to developing a regularly scheduled yoga practice will provide not only healthier hair, but improved overall health and well-being (both mentally and physically).
