PART – I
Stress is the leading cause of all hair problems.
Will discus about using asanas, breathing techniques and bandhas to address the problem of stress.
Will also show you a few asanas that increase blood circulation to the head, which, in turn, stimulates hair growth and prevents early graying. The following breathing exercises are to be performed slowly, with emphasis on complete relaxation.
Caution:
Those suffering from high blood pressure and respiratory illnesses should not practice Exercise 1
Those with low blood pressure or respiratory illnesses should not practice Exercise 2
Those with high blood pressure or heart problems should not hold their breath in Exercise 3.
Exercise 1A
- Sit with your legs stretched out and back straight
- Bend one leg, place the ankle on the opposite thigh, close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place that ankle on the thigh of bent leg, close to the groin. Place your hands on your knees
- Roll your tongue, as shown
- Slowly inhale to the count of five through the passage made by the tongue
- Press the chin against the chest and hold the position to the count of 10
- Raise the chin and exhale to the count of 10
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise 1B
(For those who find it hard to do Exercise 1A)
- Sit as directed in Steps 1 and 2 of Exercise 1
- Make a square with your lips, as shown, and bare your teeth
- Slowly inhale to the count of five through this passage made by the tongue
- Press the chin against the chest and hold the position to the count of 10
- Raise the chin and exhale to the count of ten
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Exercise 2
- Sit the way you did for exercise 1 and 2
- Bend the forefinger and middle finger of your right hand
- Place that thumb between the eyebrows, press your left nostril with the ring finger. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of 5
- Hold your breath to the count of 10
- Reverse positions as shown. Exhale through the left nostril to the count of 10
- Now inhale through the left nostril and hold your breath
- Now, reverse the position of fingers and exhale through the right nostril
- Repeat 12 times.
PART – II
Next asanas aim at increasing the blood flow to the head and the skull. As you practice them you will feel an increased flow of blood to your head. Bring your focus to it and hold the positions for 30 seconds, with complete concentration on your head.
Caution: Those with hernia, high blood pressure or spinal injury shouldn’t try Exercise 3
Exercise 1
- Lie down on your back with arms by your side. Slowly raise both legs to a 90 degree angle
- Lift your hips and back off the floor, lower your legs towards your head and support your hips with both hands
- Slowly lower your hands towards the shoulders and bring the legs back to a 90 degree angle
- Support the whole body from the shoulders so that the body and the legs are in a straight line. Keep your chin pressed against the chest
- Hold the position for 30-60 seconds, breathing normally
- Gradually lower your back and legs without straining them.
Exercise 2
- Sit with both legs stretched out and the back straight
- Bend one leg, place the ankle on the opposite thigh, close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place that ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin
- Lean back on the elbows and lower your head
- Bend your elbows behind the head and place your palms on the floor
- Apply pressure on your palms to raise your head and shoulders and balance with the crown of your head. Hold your toes with the fingers
- Hold the position for 10-30 seconds
- Release the toes, elbows, head and shoulders n Prop yourself up on elbows and straighten both arms one at a time to return to the starting position.
Exercise 3
- Lie flat on your back with arms by your side
- Slowly raise your legs to a 90 degree angle
- Lift your hips and support them with your hands, as shown
- Hold the position for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
- Slowly come back to the starting position.
Exercise 4
- Sit back on your heels
- Grasp the lower calves just above your ankle
- Slowly bend forward, placing the crown of the head on the floor, as shown
- Raise your hips till your thighs are vertical and your chin presses against the chest
- Hold the position for 5-20 seconds, breathing normally
- Slowly raise your head and upper body, and sit back on your heels.
PART – III
As you know, bandhas (neuro-muscular locks) are used to correct the hormone levels in a man. Balanced hormone levels will result in less stress and less emotional agitation, which are the leading causes of hair problems. The intensity with which you practice these asanas will determine the results.
Caution:
Pregnant women and those with heart problems and high blood pressure should avoid Exercise 1 and 2.
Those with cervical spondylosis, vertigo, high blood pressure and heart disease should avoid Exercise 3.
EXERCISE 1
- Sit with your legs stretched out and your back straight
- Bend one leg, place the ankle on the opposite thigh, close to the groin n Bend the other leg and place that ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin. Place your hands on your knees
- Exhale completely, pull up your groin and close the anal passage. Keep the abdominal muscles tight
- Release the lock and inhale
- Repeat only thrice.
EXERCISE 2
- Sit as directed in steps one and two of Exercise 1
- Lean forward slightly and exhale forcefully
- Suck in your stomach to create a hollow
- Hold your breath as long as you are comfortable
- Release and breathe in
- Repeat only thrice.
EXERCISE 3
- Sit as directed in steps one and two of Exercise 1
- Inhale deeply. Keeping the chest high, hold your breath and press your chin against the chest
- Hold the position for as long as you are comfortable
- Release, look up and exhale
- Repeat only thrice.
All these together will help for curing premature greying and hairfall.