Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana)

Yoga Asanas To Stimulate Circulation Without Exhausting The Body: Why does your skin glow so beautifully when you surface frp, a swimming pool or return from a brisk walk? Any exercise that stimulates the circulation brings fresh oxygenated blood to the face, instantly enlivening the complexion. The long-term effects of regular exercise are just as clear – keeping the complexion fresh and strengthening the muscles that support the skin. The high-energy forms of yoga give your complexion a healthy boost that lasts long after you’ve showered and cooled down, but yoga’s range of asanas includes several that stimulate circulation to the head without working up a sweat. Hold each of the poses for around 30 seconds, or as long as feels comfortable, and come out of them by retracing the steps described.

Asanas:

1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana):
In this position you should feel a stretch in your back and the backs of your legs, but don’t try it without an instructor if you have trouble with your knees or lower back. If you’re not very fit you may feel dizzy when you put your head down, so adapt the pose until you feel comfortable. (If the dizziness persists whenever you try this kind of exercise, get your doctor to check your heart and blood pressure.)
i. Kneel on all fours, with hips directly above knees and shoulders above wrists. Take time to feel well grounded, with toes tucked in below heels and fingers spread out, firmly gripping the floor.
ii. As you breathe out, try to straighten your legs by lifting your hips up and back. Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe naturally. Your head should remain in line with your spine, not flopping down or pushed back. If you can straighten your legs without forcing your knees uncomfortably, increase the stretch by lowering your heels towards the floor. On an outbreath, try to lengthen your spine by bringing out your hips further up and back.

2. The Lion (Simhasana):
This is a wonderful way of expressing your face, improving both circulation and muscle support. It firms the muscles of the face and neck, keeping wrinkles at bay.
i. Sit with your legs crossed or kneel in a comfortable upright position. Rest your hands on your knees. As you breathe out spread your fingers wide apart, open your eyes as wide as you can and look up towards the centre of your forehead. Stick your tongue out and down as far as possible. Breathe out hard, making a loud, forceful “hah” sound. As you breathe in, draw in your tongue and relax your eyes and hands.