Enhance Your Beauty with Yoga

Gwen is back today with her monthly guest post, and today she's talking about how you can enhance your beauty with yoga. If you've never tried yoga, I highly recommend it. I've used it for years to help with sciatic nerve pain, and there's just something about it that I've always enjoyed. And I hope you enjoy this post!


Introduction

When it comes to improving your health, and beauty, there are several things one can do. However, one of the most natural options is practicing yoga. As you will see, this method includes several poses that will improve your body, digestion, and sleep issues. However, you should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. This is especially true for those are not currently physically active, and those with medical conditions.

Yoga For A Beautiful Body

While some people may need to take time to get used to yoga, almost all of them see a definite difference in their bodies - both inside and out. According to yoga instructor, and personal trainer, Kristin McGee, these exercises “not only work your entire body, front and back, from toes to fingertips, but it includes strengthening, twisting, and balancing.” She also says, “You’ll sculpt, get grounded, and build confidence. Repeating routines such as the awkward chair, downward dog, and planking 3 - 5 times each day for a half-hour will help you notice several differences.

Improving Digestion And Sleep

However, yoga can also improve other issues. For example, we’ve all experienced feelings of discomfort after a meal with friends and family. Many of us deal with it for hours. But, we don’t have to. There are yoga poses that can help resolve our digestive issues. Practicing these poses will also help ensure a better sleep.

One of these poses is called Marjaryasana-Bitilasana, which is also known as the Cat and Cow pose. You begin on all fours, and twist your spine up-and-down. It’s the same as rounding your back like a cat, and arching it like cow. But, remember your breathing. Doing this pose will massage the stomach, and intestines, which eases the bloating feeling after you’ve eaten too much.

There is another pose that you can easily do lying down. The Setu Bandha Saravangasana pose, or Bridge pose, begins with you lying on your back with your feet flat on the ground. Pressing into the ground, start rotating your spine towards the sky, hold that position, and breathe. Doing this will move blood to your heart, and assist your digestive organs.


Improve Your Skin

There are other reasons to use yoga. Many of the poses will help improve the look of your skin. They assist in removing toxins, increase circulation, and detoxify your body. One such pose is the Uttanasana, or the Standing Forward Bend. Stand on your mat with your feet a hips-length apart, your toes pointing forward, and your head to the floor. Breathe through your nose for up to five minutes. This pose increases blood flow to your face, which delivers oxygen, and other nutrients that fight inflammation. But, don’t worry if you can’t bend all the way. Just hang your head, and breathe.

Another pose - Ardha Matsyendrasana, or Seated Twist - also improves digestion and detoxification. Start out by sitting, and extending your legs in front of you. Bend your right leg, and place the sole of that foot next to your left knee. Twist your body to the left side, and put your right hand behind you. Stay in the pose for one minute, and breathe. Remember - if you do this pose, drink plenty of water. You will release plenty of toxins, and staying hydrated will help to flush them out of your body.


Releasing Stress 

Having a stressful day is also something that can cause problems. To release that stress, why not try the Shoulder Stand To Plow pose? It calms you down, and helps to balance digestion. Moving from the shoulder stand to plow (in which your feet are behind your head) helps relax your lower body. Remember to use a blanket under your shoulders, and don’t put pressure on your neck.

For those that like to get some dancing into your day, you can do some side bends. Just stand with your feet apart. Stretch your arms up, and twist your body, back-and-forth, to each side. These moves improve your abs,your legs, and your posture.

Conclusion

Starting a yoga routine can be a challenge. Your body isn’t used to the involved movements. However, with practice, you will be able to pose in any yoga position in no time at all. The benefits will be worth it. You’ll look, and feel, much better before you know it.

Gwen Lewis is a writer who lives in California. She has been in the makeup and fashion industry for years and loves writing on the topic to give tips from experience. In her free time she loves to stay active and has just taken on learning how to surf.

Don't forget to check out Gwen's other posts: Tips That Help Your Makeup Last Longer, The Complete Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Beauty Products, Beauty Threats: Why Sharing Makeup is More Dangerous Than You Think!, Beauty and Nutrition Tips for Spring, and Pampering on Purpose: Why treating yourself is healthy, not frivolous!