Prasanna Mudra: How to Do It and Health Benefits

Last Updated on September 30th, 2020

Let’s face the fact, we love our hair! But due to many reasons, such as pollution or genes, hair loss is on the rise.

Losing up to 100 strands a day is normal. So, there is no reason to worry. However, if you notice more hair loss on pillow or brush or thinning of hair, it may mean you have hair loss.

The good news is yoga can help you to get off the hook.

Balayam yoga or Prasanna mudra is one of the effective yoga exercises to improve hair health.

Let’s understand what Prasanna Mudra is, how to do it, and health benefits.

Prasanna Mudra

Prasanna Mudra is commonly known as Nail Rubbing Exercise or Balayam yoga. It is a natural and straightforward yoga technique described in the works of Ayurveda and yoga by ancient Indians.

But this is unlike other yoga asanas where you have to carry out body movements. It is a reflexology therapy that involves rubbing fingernails against each other with some force.

Acupressure doctors, Ayurveda practitioners, and Yoga masters recommend Prasanna Mudra for treating hair problems, such as premature graying, hair fall, and baldness. It even treats insomnia and nourishes the brain.

Besides, studies have also proved the effectiveness of this yoga mudra.

Whether you are working or sitting on your sofa, practice this mudra. It not only triggers hair growth but also heals you emotionally.

Nowadays, Prasanna Mudra is also known as the Hairdo Posture.

How does it Work?

Rubbing fingernails boost blood circulation of your scalp, strengthening hair follicles and preventing hair loss and greying.

The Ayurvedic and Yogic Theory

In Ayurveda, nails and hair are considered as waste products (malas) of the metabolic processes, which go into the formation of bones/skeletal system (Ashi Dhatu)

So, the effect of three doshas, Vatta, Pitta, Kapha on ashi dhatu, also impact nails and hair. Extreme influence of any dosha, especially Vata and Pitta, can cause distress signals of premature graying, dandruff, hair thinning, or hair loss.

Prasanna Mudra aids in balancing these doshas, strengthening asthi dhatu, thus promoting hair growth.

Yoga Science in Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative medicine where you need to apply pressure on specific points, also known as reflex areas, on hands and feet, and hand techniques to resolve distress in various body parts.

This boosts overall relaxation and brings your body organs and systems in a state of optimal functioning. Reflexology also improves blood circulation, providing adequate nutrients and oxygen to cells, and promotes waste removal.

According to reflexology, nerves present in the nail are associated with your hair follicles in the scalp.

Prasanna mudra thus triggers blood circulation of the scalp, improving blood supply and hair growth and nourishment.

How to Do it?

It is a simple exercise but needs to be done correctly for optimal results.

Here are the steps to do it.

Step 1

Start by placing your hands at the level of your chest. Now, form a half fist (curling your finger inwards, towards the chest). The thumb should be outward and pointing towards your chest.

Step 2

Next, your fingers’ nails should touch each other and palms against each other.

Step 3

Now, with swift up and down movements, rub your nails against each other. Of note, just rub your fingernails and not thumb.

Step 4

You can continue this movement for at least five to seven times.

While rubbing, do it vigorously so that nerves under your nails get enough friction.

Some points to remember:

• Do not use thumbs while doing this exercise
• Carry out this mudra on an empty stomach or three hours after a meal

Health Benefits

So, you know that this mudra is beneficial for your hair. But what are the actual results?

Let’s have a look at it:

• Promotes hair growth
• Provides glow and shine to your hair
• Makes your hair dense, thick, and glowing
• Slows down graying of hair
• May reverse baldness
• Combats hair loss without having to use harsh chemicals
• Treats hereditary hair problems, alopecia areata, and pattern baldness
• Strengthens your hair follicles
• Promotes brain health
• Improves sleep

Other benefits include:

• There are no side-effects of Prasanna Mudra
• It helps everyone, irrespective of your age and gender
• It also has relaxing effects
• You do not have to follow any special precautions or preparations to carry out this mudra

And the best part…

It can be done at any time and in any place. So, if you are watching TV, listening to music, or even at work, you can practice Prasanna Mudra. All in all, it is exceptionally convenient to practice it.

Final Thoughts

Prasanna Mudra is easy to practice exercise with substantial benefits, especially for your hair. This yoga practice is used for ages, and its effects are backed by science. Besides, it has no side-effects so that you can do this without any concerns.

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Dr Kinjal Shah

Dr. Kinjal. Creative Writer/Ardent Reader/Loves Nature

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