Sophia Delgado
The practice of nail rubbing, also known as balayam, has been said to promote hair growth. The ancient practice, which originated from Ayurveda, involves rubbing the nails against each other to stimulate the production of keratin, which is a protein that makes up most cortical cells in the hair. While there is limited evidence to support these claims, some believe that nail rubbing improves blood circulation, which may act as a catalyst for hair growth and can also help prevent hair loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the practice | Balayam |
| Origin | Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago |
| Benefits | Improved blood circulation, stimulation of hair follicles, improved scalp blood flow, improved hair texture, volume and tone, reversal of grey hair, calming effect, improved heart and lung function |
| Precautions | Avoid rubbing thumb nails, avoid if suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension, avoid if pregnant, avoid if you have undergone angiography or surgery for appendicitis |
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What You'll Learn
Balayam yoga
To perform Balayam yoga, one must first calm their mind and get into a relaxed seated position. Place your hands at chest level, form a half-fist by curling your fingers inwards, and stick your thumbs out straight so they point towards your chest. Touch the fingernails of both hands together and use swift up-and-down movements to rub them vigorously against each other for 5 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that only the fingernails should be rubbed together, not the thumbnails, as this can impact your blood pressure. The ideal time to practice Balayam yoga is in the early morning or evening when your stomach is empty.
While Balayam yoga is touted as a natural solution to hair loss and thinning, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Some potential side effects of this practice include an increase in blood pressure and worsening of skin and nail infections. It is recommended that pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure, and those who have recently undergone surgery refrain from practicing Balayam yoga.
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Stimulating hair follicles
The practice of nail rubbing, also known as balayam, is believed to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Balayam is derived from the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda, which encourages natural lifestyle rituals to correct imbalances and create a balance between the body, brain, environment, and spirit.
The technique involves rubbing the fingernails of both hands together, with the palms touching for support, to stimulate the nerve endings in the nail beds. This stimulation is thought to promote circulation and increase blood flow to the scalp, which can strengthen hair follicles and encourage hair growth. The increased blood flow has also been linked to improved heart and lung function and increased energy levels.
According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, nail rubbing "stimulates the production of keratin" in the hair. Keratin is a protein that makes up most of the cortical cells in the hair, and its production is influenced by the chemical composition of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulphur. By ensuring sufficient production of these elements, nail rubbing is believed to strengthen and promote hair growth.
While there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, anecdotal stories from balayam practitioners speak to increased hair production, reversal of grey hairs, and overall improved hair health. It is important to note that nail rubbing should be avoided by individuals with high blood pressure or hypertension, as it can impact blood pressure. Pregnant women should also refrain from this practice as it may cause uterine contractions.
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Increasing blood flow
The practice of nail rubbing, also known as Balayam, is an ancient remedy for hair growth with roots in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It involves rubbing the fingernails against each other to stimulate them and is believed to promote circulation and improve blood flow.
The acupressure aspect of nail rubbing is based on the idea that specific points on the body can be stimulated to release energy and balance flow. In the case of nail rubbing, the belief is that the nail bed nerve endings are connected to the hair follicles through the nervous system. By vigorously rubbing nails together, maximum friction is created, triggering the nerves underneath and potentially resulting in improved blood circulation. This increased circulation can then stimulate the hair follicles, encouraging hair growth and reducing hair loss.
According to yoga trainer and nutritionist Juhi Kapoor, traditional scriptures support the practice of Balayam, and sages believe it helps hair growth. Kapoor also highlights the benefits of combining nail rubbing with yogic practices, such as specific mudras, to further enhance hair health. One such mudra is the Prithvi Mudra, where the tip of the ring finger is touched lightly to the thumb, which is said to help prevent premature greying, alopecia, hair loss, and damage.
It is important to note that people with high blood pressure or hypertension should avoid nail rubbing, as it can increase blood pressure. Additionally, pregnant women should refrain from this practice as it may cause uterine contractions. Despite the reported benefits, there is limited scientific evidence to support the positive claims of nail rubbing for hair growth.
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Encouraging keratin production
The practice of rubbing fingernails together, known as Balayam, is an ancient remedy with roots in Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It is believed that encouraging keratin production is one of the primary mechanisms by which nail rubbing promotes hair growth.
Keratin, a protein that makes up most of the hair's cortical cells, is essential for strengthening and growing hair. By stimulating the production of keratin, nail rubbing ensures that the required chemical composition is produced in sufficient quantities to support hair health. The main chemical elements present in hair are carbon (45%), oxygen (28%), nitrogen (15%), hydrogen (6.7%), and sulphur (5.3%). Rubbing fingernails together is thought to promote the production of these elements, particularly keratin, which is vital for hair growth and strength.
To perform Balayam, one must sit in a comfortable position, preferably on an empty stomach, and follow these steps:
- Curl the fingers of both hands inward toward the palms, forming a half fist while keeping the thumbs straight.
- Bring the palms together so that the fingernails touch.
- Swiftly rub the nails of both hands against each other, creating friction and triggering the nerves underneath.
- Continue rubbing vigorously for 5-10 minutes, aiming for twice a day if possible.
It is important to note that Balayam should not be practised by individuals with high blood pressure or hypertension, as it can impact blood pressure. Pregnant women should also avoid this exercise as it may cause uterine contractions.
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the claims, anecdotal reports suggest that nail rubbing has led to increased hair production, reversal of grey hairs, and overall improved hair health. The practice is believed to promote circulation and stimulate hair follicles, which may contribute to its effectiveness in encouraging hair growth.
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Reducing hair loss
Hair loss can be emotionally difficult for many people. While some types of hair loss can be permanent, others are temporary. The most common types of hair loss include androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss), alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that results in hair loss from the head and body), and telogen effluvium (rapid shedding of hair that happens a few months after a stressful event or sudden hormonal changes). Hair loss can also be caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, fungal infections on the scalp, certain hairstyles, hair processing, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid disease.
To reduce hair loss, it is important to address the underlying cause. If the hair loss is due to medication, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease, or diet, correcting the root problem can help stop hair loss. For androgenic alopecia, medication such as minoxidil or Rogaine can be applied to the scalp, while finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription drug that can be taken orally or applied topically. Hair transplants are another option, where hair strands are transplanted into the scalp.
Dermatologists recommend using a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner to reduce breakage and split ends. They also suggest using a leave-in conditioner or detangler, and wrapping hair in a microfiber towel to help it dry quickly and reduce blow-drying. Avoiding hot-oil treatments, at-home coloring, perming, chemical straightening, and relaxing can also help reduce hair loss.
In addition to medical treatments, some everyday practices can improve hair health and reduce hair loss. These include nutritional and dietary changes, such as ensuring adequate intake of protein, amino acids, fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins. Yoga trainer and nutritionist Juhi Kapoor recommends the yogic reflexology practice of 'Balayam' or nail rubbing, which is believed to stimulate the production of keratin in the hair and promote circulation. However, it is important to note that people with high blood pressure or hypertension should avoid nail rubbing.
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Frequently asked questions
The practice of rubbing finger nails, known as balayam, is believed to stimulate the production of keratin in the hair. Keratin is a protein that makes up most of the hair's cortical cells.
To practice balayam, you start by forming a half-fist with your fingers curled inward toward your palms. Then, you allow the palms to touch each other for support and move your fingers so that the nails come in contact with each other. Finally, you rub the nails of both hands against each other swiftly.
Balayam is believed to promote hair growth, prevent grey hair, and improve hair health. It is also said to improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
People with high blood pressure or hypertension should avoid practicing balayam as it can increase blood pressure. Pregnant women should also refrain from this practice for the same reason. Additionally, it is recommended to stick to rubbing only the finger nails and avoid the thumb nails as it can impact blood pressure.
