Asanas for skin care

Kriyas or cleansing techniques are the biggest detoxifiers in yoga.  They remove impurities from the system through different channels like breath, sweat and vomiting.  They are radical ways to instantly remove toxins which have accumulated over months or even years. Though some like Kunjal Kriya are harsh methods, they are highly effective and the results will be seen on your face within 10 minutes.

Caution: Those with high blood pressure, gynaecological problems, stomach ailments or who have had recent surgery, should consult their doctor before doing exercise one and two.  Exercise three should be avoided by people with hernia, high blood pressure, heart disease, peptic ulcers and diabetes and eye problems.

Exercise 1

• Sit back on your heels as shown, place palms on knees as shown, keep back straight and close your eyes

• Exhale forcefully and rapidly through the nose in quick succession, pulling the stomach in towards the spine as you exhale. Inhalation will be automatic and passive between every two exhalations

• Practise 50 inhalations at a stretch

• Repeat three times

Exercise 2

• Stand straight with your feet spread apart

• Bend the knees, place palms on thighs, fingers facing in as shown

• Exhale deeply through the mouth, hold your breath and move your abdominal muscles in and out as many times (10-50) as possible

• Repeat three times.

Exercise 3

This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and should be done once a week

• Add two teaspoons of salt to two litres lukewarm water and drink at least six glasses at one stretch

• Make sure your hands and nails are clean. Stand near a sink with your legs apart, back bent forward. Place index and middle fingers in the mouth and rub the back of the tongue. This will induce the vomiting process and the water will gush out of your mouth. Ensure that all the water comes out

• Relax, you can lie down if you want, and practice deep breathing for a while.