YOGA ASANAS TO GET GLOWING SKIN

"Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical"

- Sophia loren.

Namaste!!!

Who doesn't want a glowing and radiant skin???

Do you envy the celebs glowing skin.. Do u keep dreaming of having such a skin??

Have you thought what could be the secret behind it..??

No doubt part of the credit does go to make up. But these celebs do have to maintain themselves too and not depend wholly on cosmetics. The secret behind their healthy skin is yoga and gym workout ( we all see daily in the newspapers the post workout photographs clicked of your favourate celebs).

Workouts not only helps to keep the body slim and toned but also makes the skin rejuvenatingly radiant and beautiful. And yes it needs to be supplemented by a proper and nourishing diet. 

So stop investing in chemical based products rather invest in healthy eating.

Yes. People who eat lots of junk food are usually prone to unhealthy skin. Bad diet and regular usage of chemical based products will not only make your skin lose its charm but will totally damage the layers of your skin. Moreover these artificial products lead to a lot of breakouts making your skin look dull.

So why not dump those chemical based makeup products in the trash and start practicing some yoga asanas supplemented with a healthy diet.

P.S. This lockdown going to gym is anyway out of sight. So why not try these simple yoga asanas at home and get the gym like look both body and skin.

No no.. I am not exaggerating just try for yourself and feel the difference. Why put extra energy in the gym if you can get the same benefits in an easier way.

Hie there! I am Priyanka.V. and here I am this week to share some handy asanas to keep your skin fresh and rejuvenating all the time.

So come let's have a look at it...

1) SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER STAND):

SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER STAND)

This asana is very effective in improving the overall blood circulation of the body. Practicing this asana on regular basis will help in improving your skin conditions. And you can witness the improvement in a span of time.

It is considered as the most effective asana for  glowing skin.

HOW TO DO SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER STAND):

a)Lie down on your back, keeping legs and feet together with arms straight , palms resting on the ground.

b) Gently lift up both the legs straight without bending your knee towards the sky beyond 90 degree ,waist should be off the ground and support your waist with both the hands. Your elbows resting on the ground. Bring your chest closer to your chin. (You can also take support of wall). Keep your breath normal.

c) If you feel like coming up back, slowly bend your knees, get your knees close to your forehead and without lifting your head up slowly get your legs down. Rest for a while. Repeat.

d) Hold the posture for 1 to 2 minutes.

* After practicing this asana rest for a while in Shavasana.

BENEFITS OF SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER STAND):

Improves blood circulation Improves eyesight and vision.

It is considered as the most effective asana for glowing skin as during this pose lots of blood flows towards the face.

Reduces wrinkles. It is also good for hair problems such as hairfall, premature greying of the hair.

2) PASCHIMOTTANASANA (SEATED FORWARD BEND): 

PASCHIMOTTANASANA (SEATED FORWARD BEND)

It is a powerful, rejuvenating posture that calms the mind and all the muscles.

All the abdominal  muscles get vigorously contracted  which helps to shed off extra fat accumulated near your belly area.

HOW TO DO PASCHIMOTTANASANA (SEATED FORWARD BEND): 

a) Sit down on your mat keeping your legs in the front and knees straight, arms close to the head.

b) Slowly attempt to bend forward and try to hold the great toes with your hands and then try to put the face between the knees. Elbows should rest on the ground.

c) Hold the posture for 60 seconds and then relax and repeat thrice.

BENEFITS OF PASCHIMOTTANASANA (SEATED FORWARD BEND):   

This is a powerful abdominal exercise. It cures  abdominal diseases like constipation and other digestive disorders which in turn benefits your skin.

It relieves stress and anxiety which are considered as two major enemies of healthy glowing skin.

Regular practice of this asana purifies the blood, which gives natural glow to your skin.

Note: Instead of Paschimottanasana you can also go for Uttanasana. For this refer my previous blog.

3) CHAKRASANA (WHEEL POSE):

CHAKRASANA (WHEEL POSE)

This posture strengthens the Wrists, Arms, Shoulders, Abdomen and upper back as well as increases Back flexibility and makes you feel energetic throughout the day. This is the great asana for healthy lungs.

HOW TO DO CHAKRASANA (WHEEL POSE):

a) lie down on your back like in shavasana.

b) Bend the arms at elbows and place the palms of the hand flat on the floor directly under each shoulder with the fingers pointing towards the back.

c) Slowly bend the knees and bring the feet close to the buttocks with the soles of the feet flat on the floor. Remember to keep feet parallel to each other.

d) Inhale, and slowly begin to raise your head , back and buttocks off the floor while keeping your spine straight raising the hips and stomach as high as possible.

e) Hold for atleast 1 minute.

f) Slowly return back to the floor and relax.

g) Repeat thrice.

BENEFITS OF CHAKRASANA (WHEEL POSE):

This asana Strengthens all the parts of the body such as your wrist, arms, buttocks, chest, shoulders,  abdomen, leg muscles, thyroid and pituitary glands , kidneys and liver.

This pose is Known to improve blood circulation. It provides blood flow to your scalp and facial muscles, contributing to a healthy glowing skin.

4) HALASANA (PLOUGH POSE):

HALASANA (PLOUGH POSE)

This is one of my favourite postures. There are numerous benefits of Halasana.

This pose increases blood circulation to the face and head, resulting in Glowing skin.

Hold this asana for atleast 2 minutes for that extra Glow!

Halasana completely calms your mind and relaxes your body. Practice it regularly and enjoy a stress-free lifestyle.

HOW TO DO HALASANA (PLOUGH POSE):

a) Lie down on your back, keeping your legs and feet together with arms straight , palms resting on the ground.

b) Gently lift up both the legs straight without bending your knee towards the sky , Now press the palms in the mat and raise your hips off the ground with both the legs going over the head, as far as possible toward the floor beyond the head. (You can also support your waist by placing the hands on your lower back. )

c) Slowly try touching your feet to the ground behind.

d) Once you are comfortable in this position then place your hands on the mat, palms facing down or  with the fingers interlocked.

e) Keep your breath normal. And hold the posture for atleast 60 seconds.

* You can also take support of the wall for this practice.

BENEFITS OF HALASANA (PLOUGH POSE):

This is one of the best yoga postures for beautiful and glowing skin.

This asana improves blood circulation of all over your body giving you relaxed body which will reflect on your  skin giving you a healthy glow on your face and body.

5) MATSYASANA (FISH POSE):

MATSYASANA (FISH POSE)

One of the most beneficial exercise for glowing skin.

In addition to being a great counter position for spine, it opens the chest, shoulders, neck,back and abdominal muscles. It stimulates abdominal organs and reduces anxiety and depression .It improves the blood circulation on your head which in turn results in healthy glowing skin.

To enjoy the glow of good health you must try this pose.

HOW TO DO MATSYASANA (FISH POSE):

a) Lie down on your back with your knees slightly bend and feet on the floor. Your hands are placed comfortably beside your body. 

b) Now place your palms under your Buttocks (such that the palms are facing the ground.)

c) Breathe in and lift your chest and head up and make sure that your crown of the head touches the floor.

d)Hold the position for atleast 30 to 60 seconds.  And release.

e) Repeat thrice for best results.

BENEFITS OF MATSYASANA (FISH POSE):

This asana is said to give you an instant glowing skin since it improves blood circulation on your face and head.

6) DHANURASANA (BOW POSE):

DHANURASANA (BOW POSE)

One of my favorite posture. This asana is great for reducing belly fat. It strengthens the back and abdomen. It is an excellent back bending asana which stretches the entire body. Again a powerful yoga asana for glowing skin.

HOW TO DO DHANURASANA (BOW POSE):

a) Lie down on your abdomen.

b) Keep your arms by your side. Palms facing towards the ceiling.

c)Slowly lift your legs off the mat and grab your ankles with your hands.

d) Now inhale and slowly lift your heels and thighs

away from the floor as much as you can. Breathe normally.

e) Hold the posture for atleast 60 seconds.

f) Relax and repeat the asana twice more.

BENEFITS OF DHANURASANA (BOW POSE): 

This asana is great for improving stomach disorders. During this asana the pressure in your abdomen helps in detoxifying your body thus resulting in great glowing skin. It also helps in reducing fat accumulated around belly area and Strengthens the back muscles and abdomen.

7) USTRASANA  (CAMEL POSE):

USTRASANA  (CAMEL POSE)

It is the best asana for your skin and hairs. It provides blood flow to your scalp and face which helps your skin to glow and solves all your hair problems. Practicing this asana on daily basis will help you stay younger with radiant skin.

HOW TO DO USTRASANA (CAMEL POSE):

a) Sit in the vajrasana(Diamond pose) .

b)Now slowly stand on your knees keeping the back straight, with your legs and feet hip width apart.

c) Keeping the Hands on the lower back, slowly  push the hips forward, lengthen your back and if you are comfortable here , then drop your head back.

d) Now slowly bring your hands to the heels, roll the shoulders behind and open the chest. breathe normally.

e) Hold the postion for atleast 60 seconds.

f) If you feel like releasing the posture. keep your hands on the lower back (supporting the lower back with your hands) first and then release comfortably.

BENEFITS OF USTRASANA (CAMEL POSE):

Ustrasana has got a number of mental, emotional and physical healing benefits.

It relieves you of all the anxiety and gives you immense peace and calmness from within. The benefits are worth giving a try and cherish the experience. This asana opens up the entire front side of the body.

It makes your skin glow by enhancing blood flow to your face.

8) BREATHING EXERCISES:

One of the best breathing excercise for Glowing skin is KAPALBHATI PRANAYAMA.

KAPALBHATI (SKULL SHINING BREATH):

KAPALBHATI (SKULL SHINING BREATH)

KAPALBHATI comes from the word 'Kapal' (Forehead) and 'Bhati' (to shine)

This pranayama slows down the ageing process and extends the lifespan. 

While there are numerous skin care products available in the market you can easily take care of your skin just by practicing Kapalbhati kriya for atleast 20 minutes a day. This will not only enhance your beauty but also help to keep your entire system perfectly balanced.

HOW TO DO KAPALBHATI:

a) Sit in Padmasana (Lotus pose), keeping your spine, neck and head erect and eyes lightly closed.

b) Rest your hands on the knees in gyaan mudra.

c) Now slowly inhale. As you exhale, pull your stomach in towards the spine. Remember exhalation should be Quick and forceful. So just throw out your breath and throughout this practice keep your awareness on "Breathing out''.

* This technique involves "Active exhalation" and "Passive inhalation'.

Note: Do not contract your abdomen when you inhale.

BENEFITS OF KAPALBHATI:

This asana helps  to fight off all the infections and viruses. Boosts your immune system and brings emotional calmness and spiritual satisfaction.

It enhances the power of concentration, the circulation of blood and restores the healthy look of the aging skin.

Regular practice of Kapalbhati also helps to maintain weight. Great breathing excercise for reducing belly fat.

Thank You 🙏

P.S.  "Keep it natural"  because natural beauty is the elite beauty.

So basically you have to say no to junk and overly oily food. All of us at some point would have overly depended on outside food and must have even noticed that not only we put on weight with it but also gradually lose the charm in the face and skin. So the secret is tataaa Bahar ka khana.. *say hie to maa ke haath ka swaadhish khana* (i.e. Say goodbye to outside food and stick to homemade food.)

Some Additional Tips:

a) Keep yourself hydrated. Most important.

a) Stop taking sugar instead opt for Jaggery powder.

b) Eat home made foods.

c) Include fruits and veggies in your diet.

d) Have adequate sleep.

And lastly. love yourself. Be yourself.

Stay safe and have a lovely weekend with your loved ones.

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