Stress is the leading cause of all hair problems. In this series, we will be using asanas, breathing techniques and bandhas to address the problem of stress. We 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.
