Everyone is well aware of the fact that COVID-19 attacks the body’s immune system and makes a person very weak. And being a viral infection, its effects are prolonged and are visible even after recovery. Hair fall or hair shedding post-COVID is pretty worrisome. Experts and doctors, in this context, say that with the help of a good, nourishing diet, consisting of vitamins and with regular practice of yoga, one can deal with such a problem. In yoga, there are certain poses (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas), which help in increasing the blood flow throughout the body, from head to toe. Therefore, here are 6 such breathing exercises and poses, which can help you get back strong and shiny hair.
Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breathing)
- While sitting in either Sukhasana or Padmasana, breathe normally 2-3 times.
- After this, take a deep breath in and then exhale with force. The effect of your breathing and exhalation process should be seen on your stomach.
- As you exhale, pull your stomach and navel back towards your spine, as much you can do comfortably.
- Repeat it 10-20 times.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
- In this, while sitting in Sukhasana, use the thumb of your right hand to close your right nostril and inhale from your left nostril.
- Now close your left nostril using your ring and little finger, lift your thumb and exhale from your left nostril.
- While keeping your left nostril blocked, inhale from your right one and then block your right nostril and exhale from the left one.
- Now repeat the first step again and continue it 20-30 times.
Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
- Stand on all your fours on the mat, with your hand's shoulder-width apart
- Exhale and lift your hips up to make an inverted “V” and feel the stretch.
- Keep your head down, keep your gaze on the navel, hold the pose and take long deep breaths.
- Exhale, bend your knees, and come back to the normal position.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
- Stand with your feet in line with your waist and hands on the side.
- Now inhale and stretch both your hands up towards the ceiling.
- Slowly exhale, bend forward and place both your palms on the floor near your feet. Ensure that your knees do not bend.
- Now look in front, while standing in the position and take a deep breath.
- Exhale and bring your head as close to your knees as possible.
- Keep breathing normally and hold the position for a minute or so.
- Now first raise your head, take a deep breath, raise your hands and come back to the starting position.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
- Lie on your back with hands on your sides.
- In one movement, lift your legs, hips, and back up in the air, balancing your body on your shoulders.
- Hold your back with your hands for support and bring your elbows to close.
- Keep your legs close and straight with your toes pointed towards the ceiling.
- If you feel any strain, come back to the normal position, otherwise, you can hold the pose for 30-60 seconds.
- Very slowly come down by lowering your knees, placing your palms on the floor, followed by your back, hips, and legs.
Vajrasana (Adamantine Pose)
- Kneel down on the floor, with your toes pointing outwards. Use a yoga mat for more comfort.
- Touch both the toes to each other and heels at a distance.
- Move all your weight on your feet and sit erect, with both hands on your thighs.
- Sit in this position for a while and take long breaths. Start with sitting like this for 2 minutes and gradually increase the time.
Also read: Post-COVID Healing Yoga Asanas.