Suffering From Hair Loss?
The last time I went to get my hair cut, my hairdresser told me: “You know what Drazen, some people would kill to have your hair. I have cut hair for the last 25 years and I can tell you that with confidence, I’ve heard the stories right here on this chair. How do you do it, especially at your age???”
I was taken by surprise with what he said. The quality of my hair??? That never crossed my mind.
I said: “To be honest, I am not sure. But… I can tell you one thing… I’ve been practicing yoga for the last 12 years and I can feel and see the definite improvements in my whole wellbeing, as explained in my books “Yoga for Over 40s” , “Yoga for Over 50s” and “Yoga for Over 60s”.
- My sex life has improved and my libido has increased.
- My weight control is just perfect.
- My blood results are ideal.
- My blood pressure is normal.
- My stress levels have decreased or completely gone.
- I have no signs of depression (“Using Yoga to Reduce the Symptoms of Depression”).
- I sleep like a log, and have no issues with sleep patterns.
- I’ve got none of those pains people experience when they reach a certain age, like back pain – they never happened or they have now completely disappeared.
And yes, my hair condition has stabilised and improved in the last 12 years too. So basically, I think that is the reason I do not think about my hair at all.”
While most of the population experiences some loss of hair thickness due to genetics and age factors, hair loss is also related to stress, anxiety, poor diet and lack of exercise.
Hair Loss Statistics
According to a 2014 survey by The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, approximately 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States are affected by hair loss, which is around 20 percent of the whole population (approximately 320 million). Men represent the majority of these people, with approximately 40 percent of men over 35 suffering from visible hair loss, increasing to 65 percent by the age of 60. So, essentially, almost half the men suffering from hair loss are in their late forties or early fifties.
Forty percent of women who suffer from hair loss are in their 40s and that grows to 80 percent by age 60.
According to data from 2016, worldwide, nearly 60% of males and females between the ages of 30 to 49 years with a hair loss problem opted for a surgical solution to the problem.
How Yoga Helps Hair Loss
As we mentioned earlier, apart from genetics and age factors, hair loss is mostly related to stress, anxiety, poor diet and lack of exercise.
The three major causes of stress are:
- the death of a family member.
- divorce (as explained in my book “ZAK MILO speaks of Divorce”).
- loss of a job or employment uncertainty (which is currently a major issue during the COVID-19 pandemic).
In general, every yoga position helps to improve our wellbeing, but some yoga positions may improve certain parts of the body more than others.
Yoga helps your hair grow by reducing stress and anxiety, and improving digestion, while also improving cellular oxygen levels and blood circulation to the scalp – all vital for the prevention of hair loss.
Yoga is considered one of the safest and most effective natural remedies for hair loss.
Do you want to help yourself or someone else to reduce their hair loss?
I recommend you practice the five yoga positions below at least three times per week, with five breaths in each position. Some of the positions are included in my books “Yoga for Over 40s” , “Yoga for Over 50s” and “Yoga for Over 60s”.
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- Balayam Yoga (Rubbing Nails)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
- Uttanasana (Forward Bend Camel Pose)
- Uttanpadasana (Raised Feet Pose)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Begin your practice with Balayam Yoga – Rubbing Nails.
1. Balayam Yoga (Rubbing Nails)
Balayam Yoga is one of the simplest and easiest ways to reduce hair loss. Do it every day for 5 to 10 minutes by rubbing your nails against each other.
Technical details and how to start:
- Curl the fingers of both your hands inwards towards your palm.
- Bring your nails in contact with each other.
- Start rubbing them.
- Make sure the thumbnails are left out.
- Duration: 5-10 minutes.
Benefits:
- Under the fingernails, there are nerve endings. Rubbing stimulates your brain to send a signal to revive dead and damaged hair follicles.
- Helps stimulate the blood flow to your scalp, reducing hair loss issues.
- Helps issues with dandruff.
- Helps premature greying.
2. Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
Technical details and how to start:
- Stand on all fours with your knees and palms on the yoga mat.
- Lift up on your feet and move your legs back to form an inverted 90-degree shape with your body.
- Feet are hip width apart.
- Spread your fingers with the middle finger pointing forward.
- Keep your head down and your eyes on your navel.
- Breathe in and out and stay in that position for 5 long breaths.
Benefits:
- The blood flows into the head and stimulates blood circulation to the scalp. This regenerates the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, assisting in hair regrowth.
- Increases blood and oxygen circulation to the head and face and helps stimulate the scalp’s nerves.
3. Uttanasana (Forward Bending Camel Pose)
Technical details and how to start:
- Stand straight. Feet together, big toes touching, heels slightly apart.
- Inhale and lift up your hands and bend forward, until your fingers and then your hands touch the floor, bend your knees if you have to.
- Hold this position for five breaths.
- To come out of this pose, inhale and stand up straight.
Benefits:
- Your head receives blood circulation as your head is below the heart.
- Provides oxygen to your hair cells and energises them.
- Relaxes your mind and relieves stress, one of the major causes for hair loss.
- Improves your digestive system.
- A good digestive system removes all toxins from your body. This results in the healthy growth of hair follicles.
4. Uttanpadasana (Raised Feet Pose)
Technical details and how to start:
- Lie on the ground with arms by your side and palms facing the floor.
- Stretch your body and slowly raise your legs, one leg at a time, at a 45-60-90 degree angle from the ground, using the strap if required.
- Keep your legs raised for five breaths and do that three times for each leg.
Benefits:
- As your head rests on the ground, there is blood circulation to the scalp which is beneficial for weak hair follicles.
- As fresh oxygen rushes to the hair cells, it provides nourishment which helps in reducing brittleness and dryness.
- It is very good for those suffering from back pain and stomach disorders.
- Strengthens the abdominal muscles.
5. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Technical details and how to start:
- Lie down on your back.
- Raise your legs and back up straight to 90 degrees for a full shoulder stand or 45 degrees for a half shoulder stand.
- Hands to the ribs for a full shoulder stand or to the hips for a half shoulder stand.
- Let your body rest on your shoulders with your hands keeping your spine straight.
- Keep your toes pointed, neck straight and your eyes on your feet.
- Hold the position for 12 inhalations and exhalations.
Benefits:
- Good for thyroid, which affects hair loss.
- Helps nourish hair by sending blood to the head, hydrating the scalp and gives moisture to the hair, especially helpful if you have dry and dull hair.
- Helps prevent hair loss and helps hair regrowth by turning your thin and dry hair into healthy looking hair.
This particular yoga pose (Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand) is one of the best remedies for hair growth.
Additional Tips I use to reduce hair loss:
- Drink 1.5L – 2L of water every day.
- Wash and brush your hair regularly.
- Have a healthy diet.
- I never use harsh chemicals and dyes.
Disclaimer:
Please note – yoga complements traditional therapies and it is not meant to be a sole treatment and cannot be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Consult your doctor in case of excessive hair loss.