What are the benefits of yoga on hair loss?

Of the many complementary health benefits associated with yoga, the prevention of hair loss is one of the lesser known. Though this claim may raise a few eyebrows, there is solid physical reason behind the value of specific postures in aiding hair growth. It is certainly not a cure for baldness, but when you consider the host of other wellbeing benefits that come along with yoga, it certainly seems worth including in your wellness routine. The correct combination and regular practice of yoga postures is sure to counteract many of the effects of ageing.

Vajrasana – also known as ‘thunderbolt pose’, the posture involves sitting on bent knees with a straight back. Vajrasana comes highly recommended for solving digestive problems as it minimises blood flow to the legs, causing an increase of blood to the upper body. The extra blood flow to the head could be very effective for the health of your scalp.

Adho mukha svanasana – ‘downward facing dog’ is an inversion, meaning that an enhanced amount of blood is sent towards your head. When performed as part of the flowing ‘sun salutation’ sequence, you will benefit from the accelerated flow of blood and energy around your body.

Sarvangasana – the ‘shoulderstand’ is the most popular inversion, and also the one to bring maximum effect. Because you are directly inverted, you can expect maximum blood flow to your head. The benefits to breathing are also significant, as the pressure of your abdominal organs on your diaphragm forces you to breathe more deeply, thus enhancing lung capacity.

Sirsana – the ‘headstand’ scares some people at first, but is easily mastered under the guidance of a good yoga teacher. Even is you cannot manage to hold your legs straight in this pose, there are multiple adaptations that will allow you to get all its benefits.

Yoga is a superb practice to build into your life at any age, and most especially when approaching maturity. Take care to build a slow and steady practice that is tailored to your precise needs. You are likely to benefit from a wide range of wellness effects, of which the prevention of hair loss is merely one. Those who are particularly concerned about hair loss should consider massaging a vitamin E rich hair oil into their scalp, in addition to a suitable yoga therapy routine.

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