Bhujangasana – Ustrasana – Matsyasana
The cold season has begun — along with allergies, runny noses, colds, air pollution, and shortness of breath. How about trying a few yoga poses and self-care routines to take better care of your lungs and sinuses?
By practicing Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), and Matsyasana (Fish Pose), your chest expands, the intercostal muscles strengthen, your lung capacity increases, and the amount of prana (vital energy) entering the lungs improves.
What else happens? Through deep inhalation and exhalation during these poses, oxygen reaches the lower parts of the lungs, carbon dioxide is released, and old mucus and toxins stuck to the bronchial walls are loosened and expelled — helping to cleanse and rejuvenate the respiratory system.
What else can we do?
Have you ever tried Ananda’s Herbal Face Paste?
This Ayurvedic herbal paste helps detoxify and clear the lungs and sinuses. The skin of the face, like the palms and soles, is full of marma points — energy centers connected to specific organs (like the liver, spleen, respiratory and reproductive systems). Stimulating these points by applying Ayurvedic face masks helps regulate those organs and supports overall health.
To make a homemade Ayurvedic face paste, mix the following herbal powders in the given proportions:
Clove (3) + Cinnamon (1) + Cedar (3) + Myrtle (1)
(You can also use *Ananda’s specialized face mask* instead.)
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to eczema, use this formula instead:
Chamomile (3) + Rosemary (1) + Cedar (3) + Myrtle (1)
Each day, mix 1–2 teaspoons of this powder with a little warm water to form a loose paste. Apply it evenly over your face — and if you have time, also on your neck and upper chest. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse your face with water.
For best results, follow with 5 minutes of steam inhalation, then gently apply a few drops of sweet almond oil inside your nostrils, and finish by moisturizing your skin with a light sunscreen.
In the first few uses, you might feel a burning sensation or notice mild redness for 30–60 minutes after washing it off — this is completely normal and will reduce with continued use. The paste helps thin and expel thick mucus from your sinuses, so in the first few days you may experience nasal discharge as part of the cleansing process.
Important:
Apply the paste on your entire face (even on the eyelids) and neck, but avoid the temples and the space between your eyebrows (the sixth chakra area).
You can use this paste once or twice daily, any time during the day.
However, the best time to apply it is in the morning after waking up — it refreshes your mind and helps shake off sleepiness. Avoid using it right before bed.
For more home remedies and dietary recommendations during colds, click on Cold.
Stay full of health.
Written by: Setareh Kiumarsi
Please make sure to mention the author, “Setareh Kiumarsi,” if you share or republish this article, which was written with hope for everyone’s health and love.
