Breathing life into your skin.
I wish that more people knew how beneficial deep, belly breathing is for your skin! Along with self massage and body brushing, yogic breathing (pranayama) is another key way to support lymphatic flow in your body, eliminate toxins and support a long lasting, healthy complexion from within.
Through breath work and yoga as a whole, we are able to reduce stress in the body. As we know, high cortisol levels and inflammation are linked to increased oil production, breakouts, and the breakdown of collagen, which can lead to dull and broken skin cells.
Within Yoga we are often encouraged to breathe in and out through the nose, this retains and creates saliva in the mouth which is key for fighting infection and kickstarting healthy digestion (balanced gut = balanced skin) Those who have constant dry mouth often find they have troubled skin…
The skin will always communicate what is happening within! Listen to the symptoms of your skin concerns, they are messengers!
Now using your Earthie skincare alongside breath work will enhance oxygen circulation, improve blood flow and ensure that skin cells receive a rich supply of nutrients and life force (oxygen) which means natural support for your skin's vitality and radiance.
So, if you are always struggling with breakouts or dull, weathered skin, taking a more holistic approach to your skincare is the Earthie way to truly listen to and care for your skin concerns.
Give these pranayama breath exercises a go and notice how your body responds!
1. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama)
This is a calming breath that will balance the creative (right) and logical (left) sides of your brain. Best practiced in the rising or before bed for a very restful sleep.
Start by sitting tall in a comfy position.
Bring your right hand to your face, hovering your thumb near your right nostril and your ring finger near your left.
Exhale completely from both nostrils
Block your right nostril with your thumb and inhale deeply and slowly through your left nostril
Block the left nostril with your ring finger and release your thumb, exhaling with slow control through your right
Inhale through the right nostril, block it, and exhale through the left.
Repeat for 3-5 minutes, once complete sit silently and observe how you feel.
2. Skull Shining Breath (Kapalabhati)
A dynamic and energising breath. This breath cleanses the nasal pathways and brings a rush of oxygen to the brain. Best practiced in the rising on an empty stomach or mid day for an energy boost (avoid at bedtime!)
Because Kapalabhati is highly stimulating, it is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid this practice if you are, pregnant, on your period, suffering from high blood pressure or severe heart conditions or dealing with an abdominal hernia or recovering from recent surgery.
Start by sitting tall in a comfy position, completely relax your shoulders.
Take a deep, natural breath in and exhale fully.
Focus on your lower belly, this is where the contraction and pumping will begin. Inhale halfway, then snap your lower belly inward and upward to force a sharp, rapid burst of air out of your nose.
As you quickly release the belly contraction, allow the inhalation to happen passively and automatically.
Go steady and repeat eight to 10 times at about one exhale-inhale cycle every second or two. You can build on this and increase the time on each round as you practice.
After one round (10 to 30 breaths), take a deep breath in, fill your lungs, exhale slowly, and notice the immediate physical sensations
Things to remember:
If you experience any discomfort or irritation, seek advice from a professional teacher. Similarly, if you have any existing health concerns, check that this technique is for you.
Stay hydrated following your breath work.