Yoga for Acne

(August 17, 2008)

I'm suffering from acne problem since last 8yrs; I want to get rid of it. Is there any ayurvedic and yoga remedy for it?

Acne is also called as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and zits that are formed on the face, chest, upper back and shoulders. They are recurring reddish blemishes that can occur on the face, chest, and buttocks. If these are spots that have dark open centers, then these spots are called as black heads. If these blemishes are formed under the skin and have no openings then these are called as white heads. Pimples are generally white heads that rupture and nodules are lumps that look like boils.

Acne occurs due to increased production of sebum that is a waxy substance that lubricates the skin. Sebum tends to plug the hair follicle and bacteria tend to grow in the blocked hair follicle leading to inflammation. Acne is the outbreak of pimples, whiteheads etc.

General care of the skin can be useful in reducing the outbreak of acne. Wash your face with a mild soap. Do not scrub the skin. Regularly shampoo the hair so that formation of dandruff does not take place that can fall on the face. Avoid plucking, squeezing or pinching of the pimple.

Certain remedies that can be useful in reducing acne are:

Apply a paste of chick pea which is prepared by mixing the flour with water on the face. Leave it for few minutes.

Combine 0.5 gms of cumin, coriander and fennel in a tea ball. Steep it in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Prepare a paste by mixing almond powder with goat's milk. Apply it on the face and allow it to dry. Wash it thoroughly.

Certain yoga poses that can be beneficial for acne are:

Padahasthasana (Foot to hand forward bend): - It is also called as standing sun pose. Stand straight with feet parallel to each other. Touch both the palms and hold it in front of you. Breathe out to the count of three. Breathe in to the count of three and stretch the arms to the sides and then later upwards above the head. Stretch and look up. Hold to the count of three and bend forward at the hips and breathe out at the count of three. Hold your breath. Catch your legs firmly with the hands and bend your elbows. Breathe in at the count of three and straighten up and release your arms.

Pavana mukhtasana (Wind relieving pose): It is also called as knee squeeze pose. Lie flat on the floor with hands on the sides. Breathe in at the count of three and fold right leg and bring it towards the right side of the chest. Wrap the leg with the hands and hold your breathe in the count of three. Squeeze the leg with the chest. Breathe out to the count of three and release the leg and lie straight as before. Repeat the same exercise with the left leg. This pose can be done in a similar manner by lifting both the legs simultaneously.

These yoga poses help in improving the circulation and remove the toxins present that can affect the body.

Submitted by R J on August 17, 2008 at 11:09