So I guess if you are one of my clients in the clinic, or follow me on social media, you will know that this year I have become OBSESSED with yoga. I made a vow at the beginning of the year, a new years resolution if you will, that I would practice yoga at least 3 to 4 days a week (or at least do around 5 hours a week). I have stuck to this and I'm actually really proud of myself.
My yoga has improved no end and I actually feel so confident now attending classes that I've never been to before - I can hold my own! Hoorah!
I can honestly say, that I've had a whale of a time doing it too (well within reason, how much can anybody really enjoy holding plank!) I have 3 amazing yoga teachers I see on a weekly basis and I feel so much more at peace with the world, my body and as cheesy as it sounds, with myself.
I'm sure you're wondering how this relates to skin though right? Like, all that's great and all but how can doing Yoga actually affect my skin? Well it can...
Bring the blood to your head
Firstly, doing yoga postures can really increase the blood flow to our heads. Anything that provides an inverted posture or forward bend will make us glow. Think about all that blood flowing to your head. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to cells and this is why you always have a lovely radiance after a practice.
Practice your detox moves
Yoga can detoxify your body. This is so true too! The last week we have been doing a 'detox' yoga practice in my regular class. This has included lots of folding, stretching and also twisting. It almost 'wrings' out the bowls and digestive system, helps to remove blockages and allow toxins to pass through the body so much easier. This then in turn can have a massive impact on your overall gut health, which then can impact on your skin. Healthy, happy gut will lead you to healthy, happy skin.
Bring on the stress relief
Yoga Nidras and meditation (even if just for 10 minutes a day) can really help with stress. I personally know when I am stressed it comes out in my skin. If I have a lot on at work or even in my personal life it can really bring out blemishes, breakouts and sometimes acne. For me, Yoga gives me some time to break away from that constant whirling stress that can go round and round in my brain. Having to focus when doing balances allows you to stop thinking about everything that's going on and live in that moment instead. Similarly, when meditating it's so easy for your mind to wander, but always try and bring it back to your breath - it always calms me down.
Let it chill you out
Sometimes our skin can quite easily breakout in the warm Summer months. Especially at night when it can be hard to sleep in the heat. This excess sweating can cause breakouts on our skin and lead to acne. To help us cool down we can do cooling pranayamas or breathing exercises. Place your tongue to the back of your palate and inhale through your teeth with your lips apart. Then exhale through your nose. Repeat. This can be so cooling on the body, especially in the warmth.
This can also really help with women who are starting with hot flushes. It can focus the mind and also cool you down.
Practice Facial Yoga
Doing just 20 minutes of facial yoga each day can really improve your skin tone and firm up your features. Adele (my yoga teacher) and I do a Facial Yoga Workshop every few months. Here you will learn how to look after your skin at home, we will do a mini facial together, a short yoga practice and also learn the Facial Yoga Technique so you can do it yourself. Plus, you get a little goodie bag of products to take away with you.
If you are interested in where I do my yoga, it's at InHale Yoga Studio in Hale Village. I practice with Adele Offland and also the fabulous sisters Sarah and Jane Lawrence from The Yoga Kula who do my private classes. They are all such amazing teachers with beautiful souls! Definitely check them out!
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you have learnt something!
Emmaline x