Can rubbing your nails together really improve your health? Here’s your answer

Balayam is a form of yoga practice that is believed to benefit health. Here’s how it works.
balayam yoga
Give this ancient practice a try! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:20 pm IST
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Balayam yoga or nail rubbing yoga is a practice that most of us are familiar with but perhaps did not attribute it as a yoga technique for hair regrowth. Infact, yoga Guru Swami Baba Ramdev has mentioned that balayam is the best natural treatment for hair problems.

This practice shows its impact on the hair as the nerves below the nail bed are connected to the scalp and regular nail rubbing stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the scalp. It also helps rejuvenate hair follicles and enhance hair growth by controlling DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Balayam is also practiced as per the tenets of acupressure therapy and is considered as a mixed form of yoga and acupressure. 

Benefits of nail rubbing:
  1. Nail rubbing is a relaxing exercise that can help calm the mind.
  2. Blood circulation to the scalp is boosted which strengthens the hair follicles and provides a natural hair growth. gives you natural hair growth.
  3. Helps with enhancing the tone and volume of the hair and warding off grey hair from growing. 
  4. Enhances blood circulation which is associated with health benefits such as improved heart and lung function, as well as increase in energy levels.

Also, Read: Your nails can reveal a lot about your health. Here’s what they might trying to tell you

Here’s how to practice nail rubbing

Before starting the nail rubbing practice, sit in a sukhasana position for 5 minutes to relax your body and calm your mind.

balayam yoga
Balayam yoga is the best natural remedy to control hair fall. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Step 1: Now, place your hands at chest level and curl your fingers of both hands inwards towards your palm.

Step 2: Get the palms to touch each other to get support and bring your nails in contact with each other.

Step 3: Rub the nails of both your hands swiftly. Remember that you only need to rub the nails, not the thumbnail. Ensure that you are rubbing nails vigorously so that the nerves under your nails get a good amount of friction.

Step 4: Keep rubbing your nails for 5-10 minutes and repeat the exercise twice a day. 

Word of caution

Although it is a very easy practice, in certain cases it should be avoided:

  • Pregnant women should avoid practicing this technique as it may result in high blood pressure and uterine contraction.
  • If you’re suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension then balayam yoga may be harmful to you since it elevates blood pressure.
  • For those who have any kind of skin and nail infections around the contact area, practicing nail rubbing may make the condition worse. 
  • People dealing with surgical conditions such as angiography and appendicitis should avoid nail rubbing as elevation in blood pressure can cause complications.

So, relax yourself and practice this technique from the comfort of your home for healthier and shinier hair. 

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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