Asanas for skin care

The following asanas and mudras increase blood circulation of the whole body. Blood is the greatest detoxifier and by ensuring all-round blood circulation, we help detoxify the body.

Caution:  Those with backache or severe arthritis of the knee joints should not do Exercises 1 and 2. Those with severe back and neck problems, hernia, high blood pressure, heart problems and women who are menstruating, should avoid Exercise 3 and 4.

Exercise 1

• Sit with your legs stretched out and back straight. Bend one leg, place the ankle on opposite the thigh, close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place the ankle on thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin
• Take your hands behind the back, with one hand hold the other wrist
• Close your eyes, relax the body and inhale
• Exhale as you bend forward and rest the forehead on the floor
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds, breathe normally
• Inhale as you raise the body back to the starting position

Exercise 2

• Sit back on your heels with knees together, toes overlapping and back straight
• Inhale, slowly raise both the arms above your head
• Exhale and slowly bend forward, with arms straight and in line with your ears. Rest the forehead on the floor and bring both the palms together
• Hold for 30 seconds and relax
• Inhale, slowly raise your arms and upper body, slide both arms back to the starting position.

Exercise 3

• Lie flat on your back, arms by your side and palms down
• Raise both legs, keeping them straight
• Lift your back off the floor and bring the legs towards your head
• Slowly lower both legs, placing them behind your head to touch the floor
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds
• Slowly lower the legs.

Exercise 4

• Lie flat on your back with arms by your side Slowly raise both legs to 90-degree position
• Lift your hips and back off the floor, lower the legs towards your head to  support the hips with your hands
• Slowly bring your hands back towards the shoulders and place your legs at 90 degrees. Support the whole body from the shoulders so that the body and legs are in a straight line. Keep your chin pressed against the chest
• Hold the position for 30-60 seconds
• Lower your back and legs without jerky movements.