By Athulya Mohandas
Posted on November 21, 2018
Every person, dreams of achieving healthy and glowing skin but today’s world which is polluted and full of toxins, makes this dream hard to achieve. The harsh weather and UV rays take a toll on your skin while the excessive tension and unhealthy eating also contributes to dull and acne ridden skin. The ultimate solution for obtaining glowing skin is none other than Yoga and Pranayama. The results can be noticed within just a few weeks of getting started with the asanas.
Yoga provides a natural glow to your skin by flushing out toxins from the body. Regulation of the digestive and excretory system ensures better internal purification. Yoga also helps you to relax and in the process soothe your mind. Yoga rejuvenates and revitalises the skin by drastically reducing the stress level. Yoga helps in healing skin infections and allergies by maintaining proper blood circulation and also helps you sleep better leading to a naturally shining skin.
Pranayama and meditation involve a lot of simple breathing exercises that supplies more oxygen to your system and regenerates and rejuvenates the skin cells. Here’s a look at 5 Pranayama techniques to help you achieve glowing skin.
1. Kapalbhati
This one of the most common pranayama practised by everyday people, and it helps to increase stamina and develop a healthy and glowing skin. The word “Kapal refers to skull or head and Bhati refers to ‘light’ or ‘shining’. Kapalbhati is also a very essential part of the process of Shatkriya or Shatkarma.
Daily practice of Kapalbhati, keeps negative emotions away helping your skin stay clear and exude a warm and natural glow. Kapalbhati also helps digestion and in the process of blood purification. People with high blood pressure and those who have recently undergone a stomach surgery should refrain from performing this asana.
How
- Sit upright with your legs crossed and place your hands on your lower belly.
- Take a deep breath through your nose, and exhale from your mouth.
- Inhale deeply such that your belly is ¾ full with air.
- Forcefully exhale all the air, drawing your navel upwards.
- Allow the lungs to fill up without any effort as your belly expands.
- Repeat this 10 times.
- Repeat this cycle three to four times
2. Nadishodan Pranayama
This pranayama can be done sitting in Ardha Padmasana or Purna Padmasana.
How
- Place your left hand on the knee with the thumb and index finger touching while the other three fingers are stretched.
- Put the index and middle finger of the right hand between the eyebrows, breath in from one nostril while keeping the other blocked and vice-versa.
- Use your thumb and ring finger to close the inactive nostril.
