
Students & citizens in Ludhiana take to the mat to mark Yoga Day
International Day of Yoga
on Saturday with enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and citizens alike.
From university campuses to govt colleges, yoga sessions echoed the importance of a balanced life.
At Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the directorate of students' welfare organised a special yoga session on the athletic track. More than 200 participants, including students, faculty members, and guests, attended the session.
Inaugurating the event, Tarsem Singh Dhillon, additional director of extension education, stressed the growing need for yoga and meditation to combat modern-day stress.
"Practising yoga even for a short while daily can help one lead a healthier and stress-free life," he said. The session included warm-up exercises, yogic asanas, and pranayama, with detailed guidance on benefits and techniques by the invited experts.
At Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Gadvasu), NCC cadets from 1 Pb R&V Squadron and NSS volunteers participated in a vibrant yoga celebration.
Students performed asanas like Surya Namaskar, Vajrasana, Bhujangasana and Anulom-Vilom in synchrony, promoting both physical and mental fitness.
Praising the discipline of the cadets, vice-chancellor JPS Gill said, "Yoga is a lifestyle that brings harmony between body and mind." Sarvpreet S Ghuman, director (students' welfare), emphasised yoga's role in boosting immunity and concentration.
At SCD Govt College, about 1,000 participants, including 250 NSS volunteers, 50 NCC and Red Ribbon Club members, and nearly 700 citizens associated with the Bharatiya Yoga Sansthan, came together for a yoga session. Principal Gursharnjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the initiative's aim of promoting mental peace, discipline, and Indian cultural values. The day was also observed at many schools and colleges across the city.
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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Combing hair while sitting in THIS yoga pose is believed to stimulate hair growth
Yoga delivers multiple benefits to hair health, beyond its well-known effects on flexibility and inner peace. People practice Vajrasana or "Thunderbolt Pose", to benefit their digestion, stress levels and circulatory health because this pose is basic, yet very effective. Traditional wellness practitioners now advise sitting in Vajrasana to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss while combing your hair. Let's see how... What is Vajrasana The Vajrasana pose requires sitting on your heels with your spine straight while placing your hands on your thighs after meals. The Sanskrit term "Vajra" translates to diamond and thunderbolt. The sitting position helps your body to digest food better, while it calms your mind. The relaxed position of Vajrasana allows you to maintain it for long periods, so you can perform it while practicing other self-care activities including hair combing. Benefits for hair development The primary hair advantage of Vajrasana according to yoga practitioners results from improved digestive functions, and enhanced blood circulation. Your body will efficiently absorb vitamins and minerals through proper digestion which directly supplies nutrients to hair follicles. Poor gut health leads to multiple hair issues following meals, which result in thinning and dullness of the hair. The practice of sitting in Vajrasana following a meal, serves dual purposes in Ayurveda and yoga, because it enhances digestion, thus enabling hair to obtain maximum nutritional value. The position promotes blood circulation across your entire body including your scalp. Hair follicles receive better oxygen and nutrient delivery because of increased blood flow, which supports the development of strong healthy hair growth.. Hair combing while sitting in Vajrasana The act of combing activates blood flow to the scalp, which helps distribute the natural oils produced by your skin throughout your hair. The practice of Vajrasana with combing achieves maximum effects through these two benefits: Vajrasana enhances digestion while creating a calm state which helps control stress that leads to hair loss. The practice of gentle hair combing during this pose actively stimulates your scalp to maintain both hair health and shiny appearance. Yoga practitioners recommend using Vajrasana to comb your hair 100 times because this technique enhances blood circulation while strengthening follicle growth. What does science say Scientific research supports how yoga practices decrease stress levels and regulate hormones while enhancing blood flow which promotes better hair development. Research shows yoga helps maintain active hair follicles by reducing cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. The practice of Vajrasana receives praise for its digestional benefits even though it does not involve inversion because it produces blood flow to the scalp. Ayurveda and yoga texts advise performing Vajrasana after meals because the improved food nutrient absorption, eventually leads to better skin and hair health. Vajrasana and combing together, create enhanced scalp stimulation , which leads to improved hair health according to traditional methods, especially when used as part of comprehensive holistic practices that include nutritional care, stress management and lifestyle modifications. Other Yoga poses to support hair growth The following yoga poses will provide additional help to your hair growth needs: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog): Increases blood flow to the scalp. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): Known for hormonal balance and circulation. Balayam (Rubbing nails): Ayurvedic mudra for hair roots stimulation. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): Energizes scalp. Reference Links:


Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
3 easy asanas to practice after your meals to improve digestion, reduce stress
Once you've eaten, it's your entire body that 'eats' next—absorbing and utilizing the nutrients from your food. Digestion and assimilation are the art of extracting and utilizing nutrients from the food we eat. But can we do something to enhance this process? Post-Food FlowTime taken: 15–20 minutes This chapter unveils a sequence of yoga techniques designed to enhance digestion and promote a sense of lightness after satisfying meals and help it digest better. But that's not all. The beauty of these techniques is that you can practise them right after eating. Most yoga techniques cannot be practised after eating because they either interfere with digestion by redistributing energy or put pressure on the abdomen, hindering the process. However, the techniques we are about to lear can be done and should be done after eating, since they particularly benefit digestion. They don't disrupt stomach function; instead, they enhance the body's ability to assimilate nutrients from food. So, let's begin! VAJRASANA Vajra translates to thunderbolt, or lord Indra's weapon Vajra, which is said to be the strongest weapon in the Dev loka. This asana is one with the attributes of strength and stability. Because of its shape and how the form appears to be, it is also called the diamond pose. It offers several psychological, physical and spiritual effects for the betterment of the yogi. How to do it 1. Start from a kneeling position (stand on the knees). 2. Keep your feet together and heels apart. 3. Settle your hips in a cavity between your heels. 4. You can also sit on a softer surface below your knees and ankles if you find discomfort around these areas. 5. Keep your spine and your back erect. 6. Relax your hands and shoulders, and your hands are spread horizontally over your thighs. 7. Stay in this asana for fifteen to twenty minutes after eating food, while taking slow and deep breaths. You may practise this three times a day, and initially, it may be difficult to hold it for so long. You can slowly build your holding capacity over the course of two weeks and increase two minutes every day. Benefits Enhances digestion: As the legs are bound, the asana concentrates blood flow towards your digestive system. Vajrasana can be carried out even during stomach ailments. Good for your legs: This asana folds the legs from the knees, and then helps to stretch the front of your thigh muscles (quadriceps). It improves ankle and knee mobility. Is a meditative posture: Due to the nature of the posture, your spine is naturally straight, and this improves the quality of your breath. This leads to improved clarity, focus, and a calmer mind. Corrects your posture: Our modern habits keep us sitting for long hours, leading to a tired spine and a slouched posture. Over time, this weakens the spine and slows the mind. Vajrasana requires you to sit straight and rest your weight on your buttocks. This strengthens your muscles and neutralizes your spinal column. Who should avoid Vajrasana Though Vajrasana is beneficial for most, it may put undue stress on the legs and knees if you've recently had an injury or corrective surgery. The same goes for individuals who are suffering from hip-related pain or disorders. In case of pregnancy, keep a gap in your thighs and legs as a modification. This posture takes away the blood flow from your lower body and causes a temporary drop in blood pressure in those areas. If you already suffer from varicose veins, high blood pressure or hypertension, refrain from practising this posture for long. If you suffer from herniated discs or sciatica, you should consult your doctor and practice the asana after modifying it for your comfort. Let us move to our next technique. VAYU MUDRA As the name suggests, Vayu Mudra is the hand gesture of regulating the air element in the body. The index finger represents the 'Vayu' element. So, in this gesture, we are going to make use of the index finger and its link with air to control the assimilation of gas and flatulence in the digestive system. How to do it 1. Sit in a comfortable posture (or you can also practise this in Vajrasana). 2. Touch the index finger's tip with the base of the thumb, and keep the other fingers extended and straight. 3. Your thumb should wrap around the index finger touching its base. 4. Hold the posture for five to ten minutes. Benefits Aids digestion: There's a reason you should do this hand gesture after eating. It helps balance the vatta dosha in our body and boosts jatharagni (digestive fire). Both of these things improve digestion. Sometimes, we overeat, leading to bloating and indigestion. On such days, Vayu Mudra has got your back—or should we say, your stomach? Relieves gas and flatulence: Chances are there's a lot of collected air in your stomach and this simple hand gesture will redirect it away from your stomach. Calms nervous system: The element of air isn't just about air and gas. It's also quite literally the way our mind works as it symbolizes the free-flowing thoughts. If you suffer from restlessness, overthinking, insomnia or lack of concentration, doing this hand gesture for ten minutes a day can help. Improves circulation and vitality: Vayu Mudra not only reduces the air element but also enhances the flow of the fire element—essential for digestion, energy, and vitality. Now, let us move on to the last act of the post-feast flow. DRIDHASANA Yoga states that you shouldn't sleep immediately after you eat. But, what if, in a sudden change of plot, I told you that you can now lie down right after you have eaten and somehow digest better too? In fact, the scriptures recommend it. You cannot sleep. You can, however, lie down on your left side. It is called Dridhasana. A simple supine asana to be done afterward your meal, wherein you lie down to your left side. 'Dridh' means firm or strong. You'll often see farmers or soldiers resting in this position. Why? Because it keeps them alert and ready to rise instantly to protect their land or farm. Hence, this posture is called the 'firm pose' or Dridhasana. How to do it 1. Sit on the mat. 2. Turn to your left in such a way that your right leg is directly upon your left. 3. Bend your left hand at the elbow. 4. Use your left biceps as a pillow. Hold this posture for ten to fifteen minutes. It's easy to do, and it's the only asana on the list with no side effects. Everybody can do it. Lying on your left side alone is advantageous. Benefits The right side of the bed to sleep on: Sleeping on your back is beneficial, but finding your sweet spot often means sleeping on your side. Ayurveda suggests that we sleep on our left side. It benefits both our digestion and cardiovascular system. The simple reason behind that is our heart is to the left, and bending towards it naturally increases the blood flow to it. Reduces heartburn: Another reason lying on your left works well for your heart is that our stomach is to the right, and if you bend yourself right, you risk running into acid reflux, wherein your stomach acid flows all the way up via the food pipe. This can lead to heartburn. Relaxing and resting: Who doesn't like to rest after eating? But sitting down and sleeping doesn't help. Also, working out or doing asanas derails your metabolism. This asana is the perfect balance—rest while you digest better! Good for your mental health: You would notice that anytime you have had to rush after eating you haven't remembered the meal fondly. How would you? You immediately occupied your mind afterward. Moreover, mindless eating is the opposite of self-care. Take twenty minutes to lie on your left and allow your stress to disperse. This asana is a stressbuster. Pair Sattvic diet with these after-meal techniques, and you'll have a fail-proof digestive system that maximizes nutrient absorption from your food. These techniques are particularly helpful for those who are looking to get rid of digestive problems or lose weight. Excerpted with permission from 21 Habits to Yogic Living by Juhi Kapoor, published by Penguin Random House India.


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Yoga expert shares 5 yoga poses to reduce bad cholesterol naturally and protect your heart health
Many people struggle with health issues like high cholesterol, which can directly affect heart health. While diet and medication are common approaches to managing bad cholesterol levels, incorporating yoga into your routine can also provide tangible benefits. Let us explore specific yoga poses that can help lower cholesterol, as well as the overall health benefits of yoga. Enhance your heart health with five powerful yoga poses to reduce cholesterol naturally(Adobe Stock) What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood that is necessary for building cells. However, having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol, can increase the risk of heart disease. Balancing cholesterol levels involves increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol while reducing LDL levels. While lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise play a crucial role in cholesterol management, yoga offers a unique approach by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall cardiovascular health. Let's take a closer look at some beneficial yoga poses. Which yoga is best for reducing cholesterol? Yoga expert Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar shares some effective yoga poses that can help improve circulation, enhance heart health, and potentially lower cholesterol levels: 1. Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) This fundamental pose helps to stretch the entire body while encouraging blood flow. How to do it: Start on your hands and knees. Tuck your toes under and lift your hips towards the ceiling. Your body should form an inverted V-shape. Keep your spine straight and press your heels towards the floor. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply. 2. Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) Cobra pose opens the chest and helps promote cardiovascular function. How to do it: Lie face down on the mat with your hands under your shoulders. Press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground while keeping your pelvis down. Keep your elbows slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed away from your ears. Breathe deeply for 15-30 seconds, then release. 3. Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana) This pose strengthens the back and may improve circulation, leading to better cholesterol levels. How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Press your feet into the ground and lift your hips towards the sky. Clasp your hands under your back for support, if comfortable. Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply. 4. Child's pose (Balasana) A restorative pose that helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to high cholesterol. How to do it: Kneel on the mat and sit back on your heels. Bend forward, extending your arms in front of you or resting them alongside your body. Relax your forehead on the mat. Hold for at least one minute, focusing on your breath. 5. Reclining bound angle pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) This gentle pose opens the hips and promotes relaxation, which can lower stress levels. How to do it: Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees fall to the sides. Place your hands on your belly or extend them to the sides. Breathe deeply and hold for 5-10 minutes. Breathing exercises (pranayama) Breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health. Techniques like alternate nostril breathing are particularly effective: How to do it: Sit comfortably with a straight back. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale deeply through the left nostril, then close it with your ring finger. Open the right nostril and exhale through it. Inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left. Continue for several minutes, maintaining a smooth and calm breath. Practice regularly Like any form of exercise, consistency is key. Aim for a yoga practice of at least 20-30 minutes a few times a week for the best results. As you become more comfortable with the poses, you may also explore more advanced postures that promote heart health. Can yoga reduce cholesterol levels? Performing yoga regularly may contribute towards reducing cholesterol levels because any form of physical activity matters for good health. But exercise or yoga alone cannot help holistically. It should be part of a comprehensive lifestyle plan. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar shares the following tips: