Best yoga poses for sunburn relief

Yoga can be soothing for sunburn relief . Here's a guide to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing through gentle yoga poses and practices. Remember to listen to your body and avoid any poses or movements that cause pain or discomfort. Hydrate well, and consider applying aloe vera or a soothing moisturizer to sunburned areas after your practice.

These yoga poses can be a gentle and effective way to find relief and promote healing for sunburned skin:

Child's Pose (Balasana)Start by kneeling on the mat with your big toes touching and knees spread apart. Sit back on your heels and lower your forehead to the ground, extending your arms in front of you or alongside your body. This pose gently stretches the back, hips, and thighs, providing relief to sunburned areas.

Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana)Transition to a tabletop position with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back and lift your head and tailbone for cow pose, then exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin for cat pose. This movement helps to gently stretch and release tension in the spine.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)Sit on the mat with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale to fold forward from your hips, reaching for your feet or shins. Keep the movement gentle and avoid forcing yourself deeper into the stretch. This pose helps to calm the mind and stretch the back of the body.

Standing Forward Bend (Padahasthasana)According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Yoga guru, founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa, “Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Exhale as you hinge forward from your hips, keeping your knees slightly bent. Allow your upper body to hang loose, and let your head and neck relax. This pose gently stretches the entire back of the body, including the hamstrings and spine.”

Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides and palms facing up. Close your eyes and allow your body to fully relax into the mat. Focus on deepening your breath and releasing any tension or discomfort in the body. Stay in this pose for several minutes to promote overall relaxation and healing.

Cooling Breath (Sheetali Pranayama)Sit comfortably with your spine tall and shoulders relaxed. Curl your tongue and stick it out slightly past your lips. Inhale deeply through the curled tongue, then close your mouth and exhale through your nose. This breath cools the body and can help to alleviate discomfort from sunburn.

Meditation

Finish your practice with a few minutes of meditation to further calm the mind and promote healing. Find a comfortable seated position and focus on your breath or a calming mantra. Allow yourself to let go of any tension or stress, and simply be present in the moment.