Banish Cellulite with Yoga!

Amy Taylor December 18, 2012

For thousands of years, yoga has offered a plethora of health benefits to the young and old. This ancient exercise is believed to do anything from changing your outlook in life to tightening your buns! That’s correct. Perhaps one of the reasons why a lot of people are into yoga is because it helps them shed excess pounds without having to sweat a lot.

Speaking of weight loss, yoga doesn’t just help you flatten your belly and bring your leg muscles into shape. It can even squeeze out those fatty deposits in your abdomen, limbs and pelvic region!

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is that dimpled appearance on the skin as a result of reduced lymph circulation. Lymph is the bodily fluid that contains white blood cells. When your lymph does not properly circulate, toxins and cellulite in the skin remain – resulting to fatty buns that don’t really look good.

Some yoga poses can certainly help your lymph moving along, says Atma JoAnn Levitt, head of the integrative weight-loss program at the Kripalu Centre for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. She recommends the following poses to get rid of cellulites:

Ardha Salamba Sarvangasana – Shoulder stand Pose

1. Lie on your back on a yoga mat or a folded blanket, with palms facing down, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Your shoulders must lie on the edge as you rest your head on the mat, and your legs must be drawn in.

2. Lift your hip from the floor and raise your feet up. Bend them slowly, closer to your chest.

3. Roll your knees on your forehead, with the soles of your feet facing the ceiling. Your shoulders must rest on the folded edge of the blanket should to maintain the natural curve of your neck. Take any pressure off of it to prevent any injury.

4. Place your hands on your lower back, with your fingers pointing up, gently scooting your elbows closer together.

5. Breathe in and out for five to ten times.

6. Place your palms back on the floor. Then, slowly roll down your torso and place your feet flat on the floor.

Halasana – Plow Pose

1. Your beginning pose should be the shoulder stand.

2. Straighten your legs, extend them back out over your head.

3. Rest your toes on the floor.

4. Straighten your arms on the floor, palms down. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths

5. Slowly bend your knees back to your forehead and lower your body down onto the floor.

If you’re unsure whether a specific pose is right for you, it can be helpful to seek help from a professional yoga practitioner.

Dear Readers,

Do you know other proven health and beauty benefits of yoga?

Share your comments below!