7 Yoga Asanas And Pranayama Exercises To Stop Hair Loss

Hair loss is frustrating. Your locks are a big part of who you are! Even partial hair loss is upsetting, so it’s worth trying to fix.

Did you know that yoga can help? You’ll need to do poses that promote circulation. After all, herbs like gingko are used to treat hair loss by increasing blood flow.¹ Yoga can do the exact same thing.

While all yoga improves circulation, certain moves take the cake. Here’s your guide to yoga moves and breathing exercises that stop hair loss.

Asanas

1. Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Downward-facing dog or Adho Mukha Svanasana is a classic pose. It’s probably one of the first moves you have learned. Because of the inverted position, downward-facing dog directs blood flow to your head.

• Start on all fours. Straighten your back, and place the tops of your feet flat on the floor. Keep your wrists shoulder-width apart.
• Tuck in your toes, then lift your hips upward.
• Try your best to flatten your heels on the floor. Your body will form an upside down “V” shape.

2. Big Toe Pose

You will also benefit from big toe pose or Padangusthasana. This is ideal for beginner yogis because it’s easy to do. Plus, big toe offers a nice full body stretch.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keeping your legs and back straight. Bend forward from your torso. The goal is to have your forehead and knees touch.
• Touch your toes and breathe. The inverted position will encourage blood flow to your head.

3. Seated Forward Bend Pose

Seated forward bend or Paschimottanasana is like a seated version of big toe pose. It stimulates blood and oxygen supply to the scalp, reducing the hairfall. It’s also perfect for loosening up tight hamstrings.

• Sit down and straighten your legs in front of you. Keep them together, while straightening your back. Stretch your hands upward.
• Bend forward at the hips. Flex your feet, and hold onto your toes, feet, or ankles. Rest your forehead on your legs.

4. Camel Pose

To stretch out your back, do camel pose or Ustrasana. Your body will love this after sitting or standing all day. And because it rushes blood to the head, it’ll also slow down hair loss.

• Start by kneeling down on your mat. Keep your hips over your knees, and put your hands at the base of your spine.
• Bring your elbows and shoulder blades toward each other. While lifting up your chest, bend your back downward.

5. Corpse Pose

Corpse pose or Savasana might not seem like much. But it can really encourage meditation and calmness. This will combat stress, one of the major causes of hair loss.² The focused breathing will also stimulate circulation.

• Begin by lying down on your back. Relax your body, keeping your feet hip-width apart. Place your arms at your sides and face your palms upward.
• Let your body “drop” into the ground. Surrender yourself in the moment, and just breathe. Corpse pose is excellent for ending a routine.

Pranayama Exercises

1. Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal breathing or belly breathing is simple. It’s called Adham Pranayama in Sanskrit. This easy technique is amazing for relieving stress, a common cause of hair loss.³

• Sit or lay down in a comfortable position. Place your hand on your belly. While counting to three, take a slow and deep breath in. You should feel your belly moving inward.
• Exhale slowly and deeply, also counting to three. Repeat as much as you’d like.

2. Alternate Nostril Breathing

Release tension and stress with alternate nostril breathing or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. Focusing on each breath is extremely calming. Your circulation will also get a boost!

• Sit in a cross-legged, comfortable position. Release tension from your shoulders and jaw. Rest the left hand on your left knee with the palm facing upward.
• With the right hand, place the thumb on the right nostril. Place the ring and little fingers on the left nostril. The tips of your index and middle fingers should rest in between the brows.
• On the next exhale, close the right nostril with your thumb. Breathe out through the left.
• Inhale through the left nostril, then use the ring finger to close. At the same time, lift the right nostril, and breathe out through the right.

Breathe in through the right nostril and close with the thumb. Exhale from the left. This completes one set.

Yoga is just one part of stress relief. Work on getting enough sleep and eating well. Natural remedies like peppermint and rosemary oil can also treat hair loss.^4 5