Try These Yoga Poses to Prevent Premature Greying of Hair

Does the thought of grey hair give you sleepless nights? Have you seen your sister or friends frantically colour hair to cover the greys and then settling into the four weeks colouring cycle? You need not worry yet. There are a few yoga poses that you can do daily to prevent premature greying of hair.  Celebrity yoga guru and Himalayan Siddha, Grand Master Akshar, says, “Mudras like Balayam mudra which involves rubbing of nails together is an ancient practice. This action is considered to improve the blood flow to the hair follicle, which strengthens it. When you have stronger hair follicles, this drastically reduces issues like premature greying and hair loss. While practising these mudras it is important to note that results will take time. With consistent practice for a span of 4 to 5 weeks, you will get visible results.”

He recommends three poses that can be practised to prevent thinning of hair, grey hair and hair fall. When done regularly, the mudras can help in the restoration and retention of the natural hair colour. 

Practice the following poses in the exact sequence given below. Hold each mudra for 10-15 minutes and remain consistent in your practice for 4-5 weeks to see the benefits of the poses.

Balayam Mudra

The ancient Indian practice of nail rubbing in Yoga terms is known as “Balayam.” The composite word Balayam is derived from two words – ‘bal’ which means hair, and ‘vyayam’ which means exercise. So basically Balayam, or nail rubbing, is an exercise for the hair.

Formation 

Form a half-fist by curling your fingers inwards. 

Stick your thumb out. 

Allow your fingers’ nails to touch each other by facing your palms against each other. 

Now, using swift up-down movement, rub the nails of one hand against each other. 

Remember, you only need to rub the nails of your fingers and not the thumb.

Prithvi Mudra

Formation 

Sit down in a meditative pose such as Sukhasana or Padmasana and keep your back straight.

Allow the tips of your thumb and ring fingers to gently touch each other 

Straighten the rest of your fingers 

Do this with both hands and place the back of your palms on your knees

Close your eyes and direct your attention to your breath

In this mudra, the elements (tattvas) Agni and Prithvi are connected at the mool (or the tip of your fingers).

Prana Mudra

Prana Mudra means “the energy or else spirit of life” in its own self. Amongst all the energies compulsory for maintain the balance of nature, Prana hold a much superior importance. Pran mudra defines our capacity and at the same time, it builds your capacity as per your practice. If you practice pran mudra for a longer duration of time, you will enhance the power of life within you.

Formation 

It is done with the help of both the hands.

Tips of ring plus little finger have to be joined by the tip of the thumb.

All other fingers must be extended straight.

Breathe in and exhale for same duration.

Perform the inhale and breathe out (by sound chanting) 

Hold this mudra once in the morning and once in the evening for 15 minutes

"Apart from the mudras, you can also practice other yoga asanas or physical postures that help in hair growth. These poses include Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend), Parvatasana (Mountain Pose), Vajrasana (Diamond Pose), Uttanpadasana (Raised Feet Pose), Halasana (Plough Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) and Sirsasana - (Inversion Pose/Head Stand). However, please consult an expert before you try any inverted or advanced level pose," says Akshar.