Under no circumstances is a headache fun to deal with. Whether it’s a dull ache looming in the back of your head or a raging ache that seems to last forever, headaches are due to many factors including stress, impaired eyesight, fatigue, and dehydration.
However, not all hope is lost. There are various yoga poses you can practice that can actually help you relax and reduce any stress and tension from your mind and body. Additionally, the different postures you perform will also get your blood flow going through your body, which further works to alleviate any pain and tension.
Before reaching for the medicine cabinet, all we need to do is sit back, take a few deep breaths in and out, and practice yoga to find relief.
Top Yoga Poses for Headaches
The next time you feel a headache coming on, give yoga a change and see how refreshed and rejuvenated you will feel.
1. Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is extremely effective in alleviating stress, anxiety, and headaches.
Directions:
- Start by getting on your hands and knees in a comfortable position on your mat.
- Spread your knees wide and bring your feet together, toes to touch.
- Bend from the waist and bring your torso down in between your thighs and touch the crown of your head on the mat.
- Extend your arms out to reach the top of your mat and give your upper body a good stretch.
- Lower your hips onto the mat and focus on your breathing.
- Hold this pose for about 30 seconds and slowly release to come back to the starting position.
2. Downward Facing Dog
Give your legs a good stretch and find instant relief from the downward facing dog.
Directions:
- Get onto a high plank position with your shoulders stacked above your wrists and your hips in line with your shoulders. Your feet should be curled in, hip-width distance apart.
- Slowly start to raise your hips towards the ceiling and place your palms firmly on the mat.
- Feel your lower body stretch, especially the legs and bring your heels as close to the ground as possible. You have the option to walk your dog by slightly bending each knee at a time.
- Hold this pose for at least 20 seconds before releasing to come back to a high plank.
3. Standing Forward Fold
Standing forward fold is an effective pose to soothe your mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
Directions:
- Start by standing tall with your arms by your sides and your feet together, big toes touching and heels a sliver apart.
- Take a deep breath in and raise your arms above your head.
- Exhale and bend forward, bringing your arms and hands to the ground. Your spine should be long and your chin tucked gently towards your chest.
- Focus on your breathing and hold this pose for 10 to 20 seconds.
4. Legs Up the Wall Pose
The ultimate relaxation pose that boosts circulation in the legs and ankles.
Directions:
- Sit down across from a wall with your legs extended out in front of you.
- Bring your legs up to lean against the wall and lie down with your back flat on your mat.
- Your arms can be stretched out horizontally and your eyes should be closed.
- Focus on your breath and relax.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
6 Yoga Poses to Soothe Headaches. (2016, November 07). Retrieved from https://www.doyouyoga.com/6-poses-to-soothe-headaches-87282/
Felicetti, M. J. (2013, January 01). 10 Yoga Poses To Heal Migraines. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7256/10-yoga-poses-to-heal-migraines.html
