Can Ancient Practises Heal Your Skin? Discover Yoga For Skin Diseases

In today’s fast-paced world, skin diseases are becoming increasingly common, affecting over 900 million people worldwide. Traditional treatments play a key role in managing these conditions, however, growing research suggests that yoga for skin diseases can significantly support skin health. 

Additionally, a study from the Journal of Dermatology found that yoga reduced stress and improved skin conditions in participants by up to 40%. In this blog, we’ll explore how yoga’s unique combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation can help heal the skin, alleviate symptoms, and promote a glowing, healthier complexion.”

Different Types Of Skin Diseases

There are numerous types of skin diseases that can affect individuals, including:

1. Acne: A common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, often occurring on the face, chest, and back.
2. Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens or irritants.
3. Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, and scaly patches. Thus psoriasis can occur on any part of the body.
4. Rosacea: A chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, leading to redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and flushing.
5. Dermatitis: A general term referring to inflammation of the skin, which can be caused by various factors, including irritants, allergies, or genetic predisposition.
6. Vitiligo: A skin disorder characterized by the loss of skin pigment, leading to white patches on different parts of the body.
7. Hives: Also known as urticaria, hives are itchy, raised welts on the skin that are usually caused by an allergic reaction.
8. Fungal Infections: Various types of fungal infections can affect the skin, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections.
9. Warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts are skin growths that can appear on different parts of the body.
10. Skin Cancer: There are different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which require prompt medical attention and treatment.

Causes And Triggers

Skin diseases can arise from various factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, allergies, poor hygiene, and immune system dysfunction. Certain triggers, like stress, diet, climate, and exposure to irritants, can exacerbate symptoms.

The Role Of Yoga For Skin Disease

Yoga offers a holistic approach to skin health, addressing both physical and emotional aspects. Through its combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, yoga can positively influence the body’s response to stress, boost immune function, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation.

So, let’s see How Yoga For Skin Disease Helps

Yoga for skin diseases offers multiple benefits that contribute to improved skin health and overall well-being. Here are some ways in which yoga can help individuals dealing with skin diseases:

1. Stress Reduction

Stress is a common trigger for skin diseases, and moreover, chronic stress can worsen symptoms. However, yoga incorporates various relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices that, in turn, help calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote a sense of inner peace.

By managing stress, yoga can help alleviate skin flare-ups and improve overall skin health. Furthermore, how to reduce stress this blog is your best guide to life.

2. Improved Blood Circulation

Certain yoga postures and movements promote blood circulation throughout the body, including the skin. 

Enhanced blood flow brings vital nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the skin, facilitating the healing process and supporting a healthy complexion. 

Thus improved circulation also aids in the removal of toxins and waste products, contributing to clearer and healthier skin.

3. Balancing The Immune System

Many skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema, involve irregular functioning of the immune system. 

Thus yoga practices, including asanas (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques), can help balance the immune system by reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses. 

Moreover, this immune-regulating effect can alleviate symptoms and promote the healing of skin diseases.

4. Detoxification

Yoga stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from the body. 

Through specific yoga postures and movements, lymphatic flow can be enhanced, supporting detoxification processes. Thus by promoting detoxification, yoga helps purify the body and may contribute to improved skin health.

5. Emotional Well-Being

Skin diseases not only affect the physical body but also impact emotional well-being. Firstly yoga incorporates meditation, mindfulness, and breathing practices that promote emotional balance, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance self-awareness. 

Secondly, by fostering a positive mental state, yoga can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges associated with skin diseases, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

6. Body Awareness And Self-Care

Practicing yoga encourages individuals to develop a deeper connection with their bodies. As a result, by cultivating body awareness, they become more attuned to their skin’s needs and can, therefore, adopt effective self-care routines.

Thus this may include adopting a healthy diet, staying hydrated, using natural skin care products, and practicing proper hygiene, all of which contribute to skin health.

Yoga Asanas For Skin Disease

A review article published in the World Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmaceutical Sciences says, 60% of skin diseases, especially psoriasis are due to stress. Yoga helps by calming the mind with the practice of asanas and pranayama.

Here are four yoga poses for skin problems. Additionally, these poses are highly beneficial for skin health, and we’ve included step-by-step instructions on how to perform them:

1. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Sarvangasana, also known as the Shoulder Stand, is a yoga pose where the entire body is balanced on the shoulders, with the legs extended vertically upward.

1. To begin with, lie on your back with your arms alongside your body, preparing for the pose.
2. Next, bend your knees and place your hands on your lower back for support.
3. Then, lift your legs and hips off the ground, raising them towards the ceiling.
4. As you do this, support your lower back with your hands and straighten your legs vertically.
5. Meanwhile, engage your core muscles and lengthen your spine, ensuring your neck stays relaxed.
6. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, gradually increasing the duration as you progress.
7. Finally, to come out of the pose, slowly lower your legs back down to the ground with control.

Benefits: Sarvangasana improves blood circulation to the face and head, promoting a healthy glow and nourishing the skin. Moreover, it also helps with lymphatic drainage and detoxification, which can contribute to clearer skin.

2. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Matsyasana, also known as Fish Pose, is a yoga posture that opens the chest, stretches the neck and throat, and promotes hormonal balance.

1. Firstly, lie on your back with your legs extended and arms relaxed by your sides.
2. Next, place your hands under your hips, palms facing down.
3. Then, press your forearms and elbows into the ground, lifting your chest and upper body off the floor.
4. As you do this, arch your back and tilt your head backward, allowing the top of your head to rest on the floor.
5. Meanwhile, keep your legs and buttocks engaged, ensuring your weight rests on your forearms and head.
6. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply throughout.
7. Finally, to release, gently lift your head off the floor, lower your chest, and slowly relax back down onto the ground.

Benefits: Matsyasana stretches the neck and throat, improving thyroid function and promoting hormonal balance, which can positively impact skin health. In addition, it also opens the chest, enhancing lung capacity and oxygenation of the blood, contributing to a healthy complexion.

3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Bhujangasana, also known as Cobra Pose, is a yoga posture that involves lifting the chest off the ground while keeping the legs and pelvis grounded, promoting back strength and opening the chest.

1. To begin with, lie on your stomach with your legs extended and the tops of your feet touching the ground.
2. Next, place your palms on the floor beside your shoulders, ensuring your fingers are pointing forward.
3. Then, press into your hands and gently lift your upper body off the ground, while keeping your pelvis and lower body grounded.
4. As you rise, lengthen your spine, roll your shoulders back, and lift your chest, making sure to keep your neck relaxed.
5. Meanwhile, engage your core muscles and distribute the extension evenly along your spine.
6. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply throughout.
7. Finally, to release, exhale, and slowly lower your upper body back down to the ground.

Benefits: Bhujangasana improves circulation to the face, stimulating the facial muscles and promoting a healthy complexion. Moreover, it also strengthens the core and back muscles, supporting proper posture, which can positively impact skin health.

4. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani, also known as the Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose, is a yoga posture where the legs are elevated against a wall, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and improved circulation.

1. Sit with your side next to a wall, bending your knees and gently lying down on your back.
2. Swing your legs up against the wall, with your feet pointing toward the ceiling.
3. Adjust your position to ensure your hips are as close to the wall as comfortable.
4. Rest your arms by your sides with palms facing up or place your hands on your abdomen for grounding.
5. Relax your body and allow your breath to deepen.
6. Stay in the pose for 5 to 10 minutes, focusing on deep, slow breaths.
7. To come out of the pose, bend your knees and roll onto your side before gently sitting up.

Benefits: Viparita Karani promotes relaxation and reduces stress, helping to balance hormones and alleviate skin issues related to stress. The pose also facilitates blood circulation to the face and upper body, promoting a healthy glow and reducing puffiness.

5. Uttanasana (Forward Bend)

Uttanasana, or Forward Bend, is a yoga pose that stretches the entire back, calms the mind, and improves blood flow to the face and head.

• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and inhale to lengthen your spine.
• As you exhale, bend forward from your hips, keeping your knees slightly bent if needed, and let your head and neck relax toward the floor.
• Place your hands on the floor, on your ankles, or on your calves, depending on your flexibility.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe deeply, focusing on releasing tension in the back and neck.
• Stay in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slowly rise back up.

Benefits: Uttanasana enhances circulation to the face, reduces tension, and helps to clear toxins, promoting healthy skin. It also reduces stress and anxiety, which can alleviate skin flare-ups caused by emotional factors.

6. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

Pawanmuktasana, or Wind-Relieving Pose, is a simple yet effective pose for relieving gas and bloating, and it also enhances digestion and detoxification.

• Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms by your sides.
• Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, bring both knees toward your chest, wrapping your arms around your legs.
• Try to lift your head and chest toward your knees, engaging your abdominal muscles.
• Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds while breathing deeply, then release and extend your legs back to the floor.
• Repeat the pose 2 to 3 times.

Benefits: Pawanmuktasana promotes better digestion and detoxification, helping to eliminate waste from the body, which can improve skin health. It also relieves stress and tension, which supports overall emotional well-being and reduces skin flare-ups.

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) For Clear Skin

Pranayama is a practice of controlled breathing in yoga. It has many health benefits including skin diseases. This practice promotes overall health by reducing stress, improving circulation, and enhancing oxygenation, which can positively impact the skin. 

A research article by NIH says pranayama also helps to reverse the molecular aging of your skin. So, here are a few specific pranayama techniques that are particularly beneficial for skin health:

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath)

It helps to detoxify the body and improve blood circulation. This results in natural glowing skin.

Technique

• Sit comfortably with your spine erect. Pull your stomach in and let out a strong nasal exhale.
• Then, inhale passively, and continue this cycle at a steady pace.

2. Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

It helps to balance the body and mind, reduces stress, and improves overall oxygenation, which benefits the skin.

Technique

• Using your thumb to close your right nostril, take a deep breath through your left. Next, close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through your right nostril.
• Later, inhale through your right nostril, then close it and exhale through your left nostril. This completes one cycle.

3. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

This pranayama calms the mind, reduces stress, and promotes healthy skin. Let’s understand the technique to practice it!

Technique

• Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Press your index fingers on your ears, closing your ears completely.
• At this point, take a deep breath in and hum like a bee when you exhale.

4. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)

As the name suggests this pranayama helps to cool your body. It reduces inflammation and is beneficial for skin conditions caused by heat.

Technique

• Sit in a comfortable position. Roll your tongue into a tube and stick it out slightly.
• Then, inhale through the tube, close your mouth, and exhale through your nose.

5. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Channel Cleaning Breath)

It is known to purify the energy channels of our body. It also improves circulation and enhances your skin health. The technique is simple, let’s understand!

Technique

It is very similar to Anulom Vilom, where you inhale from the left nostril and exhale from the right keeping the other nostril closed. The only difference is in nadi shodhana you need to focus on your breath which is cleansing your channels through each nostril.

Lifestyle Changes To Support Skin Healing

Lifestyle changes play a vital role in supporting skin healing and improving overall skin health. So here are some lifestyle changes that you keep in consideration: 

1. Proper Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for skin repair. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to allow the skin to heal and regenerate. Sleep reduces stress and balances hormones, promoting healthier skin.
2. Ayurvedic Skincare Routine: Follow an Ayurvedic routine tailored to your skin type (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Use natural ingredients like turmeric, aloe vera, and rose water to soothe and nourish your skin.
3. Avoid Stress: Stress can trigger flare-ups like acne and eczema. Manage stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
4. Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet supports skin health. Include foods high in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), omega-3s (walnuts, flaxseeds), and vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers) to promote healing.
5. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Proper hydration helps flush out toxins and supports the skin’s moisture barrier.
6. Regular Exercise: Exercise boosts blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Sweating also helps clear pores and improve skin clarity.
7. Sun Protection: Overexposure to the sun can damage the skin. Use natural sunscreens with zinc oxide and wear protective clothing to minimize UV damage.
8. Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to the skin, accelerating aging. Quitting smoking can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
9. Limit Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can trigger inflammation. Limiting intake helps maintain a clear, healthy complexion.
10. Natural Skincare Products: Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for natural, cruelty-free products that hydrate and soothe your skin effectively.

Meal Plan To Nourish Your Skin And Prevent Skin Diseases

Here’s a basic one-day diet plan for glowing skin:

Meal	Food Items
Breakfast	Vegetable Poha (Flattened Rice), Freshly squeezed Orange Juice
Snack	Mixed Fruit Bowl
Lunch	Spinach Dal (Lentil Soup) with Brown Rice, Cucumber Raita (Yogurt Dip with Cucumber), Mixed Vegetable Salad
Snack	Sprouts Chaat (Mixed Sprouts Salad)
Dinner	Grilled Tandoori Chicken/Fish, Quinoa Pilaf with Vegetables, Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Before Bed	Herbal Tea (Chamomile, Turmeric, or Neem)

Please note that this is a basic sample meal plan and individual nutritional needs may vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to create a personalized meal plan that suits your specific requirements.

Notes:

• Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods and incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
• Opt for lean protein sources like chicken or fish and include vegetarian options such as lentils or sprouts.
• Use minimal oil and choose healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, or steaming.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Customize the portion sizes based on your individual needs and dietary requirements.

Wrapping It Up For Yoga For Skin Diseases

In short, Yoga for skin diseases improves skin health by reducing stress, boosting circulation, and promoting detoxification for a natural glow.

Types of Skin Diseases:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Dermatitis
• Vitiligo
• Hives
• Fungal Infections
• Warts
• Skin Cancer

Causes and Triggers:

• Genetic factors, environmental elements, hormonal imbalances, allergies, poor hygiene, and immune dysfunction.
• Triggers: Stress, diet, climate, and exposure to irritants.

Role of Yoga for Skin Diseases:

• Yoga offers a holistic approach to skin health by addressing both physical and emotional aspects.
• Benefits of Yoga:
  1. Reduces stress
  2. Improves blood circulation
  3. Balances the immune system
  4. Helps with detoxification
  5. Improves emotional well-being
  6. Promotes body awareness and self-care

Yoga Asanas for Skin Disease:

1. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
2. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
4. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
5. Uttanasana (Forward Bend)
6. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) for Clear Skin:

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama
2. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
3. Bhramari Pranayama
4. Sheetali Pranayama
5. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Lifestyle Changes to Support Skin Healing:

1. Proper sleep
2. Ayurvedic skincare routine
3. Avoid stress
4. Balanced diet
5. Hydration
6. Regular exercise
7. Sun protection

Meal Plan To Nourish Your Skin And Prevent Skin Diseases

A nourishing meal plan for glowing skin includes whole foods like vegetable poha, spinach dal, grilled chicken or fish, and sprouts chaat. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and hydration for healthy skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cure Genetic Skin Diseases With Yoga?

Yoga cannot cure genetic skin diseases as they are primarily caused by inherited genetic factors. However, yoga can help manage symptoms, improve overall skin health, and promote emotional well-being.

How To Cure Skin Disease By Yoga?

Yoga can help in the management and potential healing of skin diseases through its holistic approach. By reducing stress levels, improving blood circulation, and promoting a balanced immune system, yoga supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Which Pranayama Is Best For Skin Disease? 

Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is excellent for skin health as it detoxifies the body and calms the mind. Kapalbhati, a rapid breathing technique, helps clear toxins and improve circulation, promoting healthy skin.

Which Yoga Is Best For Skin Care? 

Uttanasana (standing forward bend) helps improve blood circulation to the skin, promoting a healthy glow. Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) stimulates the lymphatic system and supports skin rejuvenation.

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Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy as well as Enjoy a long happy life.