Even though they are not (typically) fatal, headaches and migraines can seriously impair your ability to perform regular tasks like going to work and doing housework. Furthermore, both migraines and headaches can result in other problems like nausea and vomiting, which can be quite incapacitating. Along with various treatments, there are some yoga poses that can help reduce headaches and migraines, in addition to drugs, lifestyle modifications, and identifying triggers. For best outcomes, practice them frequently.
Balasana
Balasana, also known as the Child’s Pose, is a mild resting pose that eases stress in the neck and back, two places that frequently cause headaches.
How to accomplish it:
- Spread your knees apart and place your big toes touching the floor.
- Stretch your arms forward on the floor while reclining on your heels.
- Breathe deeply while gently resting your forehead on the mat.
By calming your nervous system and reducing tension, this pose can lessen the frequency and severity of headaches. According to studies, yoga increases parasympathetic (rest and digest) activity, which enhances autonomic balance and lessens migraine symptoms.
Uttanasana
Uttanasana, also known as the Standing Forward Bend, is a posture that improves blood flow to the brain and eases tension headaches by stretching the hamstrings, neck, and back.
How to accomplish it:
- Your feet should be hip-width apart.
- Let your head hang heavily toward the floor as you slowly bend forward from the hips.
- If necessary, keep your knees slightly bent.
- Keep your hands on the ground or grasp your elbows.
This inversion soothes the nervous system and improves circulation. Additionally, it relieves shoulder and neck muscle tension, which is a major migraine trigger.
Karani Viparita
Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose, also known as Viparita Karani, is a healing pose that thoroughly relaxes the body and gently reverses blood flow.
How to accomplish it:
- Lying back, sit near a wall.
- Make an “L” shape with your body by swinging your legs up the wall.
- Breathe slowly and keep your arms at your sides.
This position soothes the nervous system, enhances circulation to the head, and lessens tension and exhaustion. According to research, yoga helps lessen the frequency and severity of migraines by increasing vagal tone, or parasympathetic activity.
Bandhasana Setu
Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandhasana, improves oxygen flow and releases tension that can lead to headaches by opening up the chest and neck.
How to accomplish it:
- With your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart on the ground, lie on your back.
- Raise your hips toward the ceiling while pressing your arms and feet into the ground.
- Keep your arms by your sides or clasp your hands beneath your back.
- After holding for a few breaths, gradually descend.
In addition to strengthening the neck and back muscles, this position stimulates the thyroid gland, which aids in controlling hormones that may have an impact on migraines.
Mukha Adho Svanasana
Downward-Facing Dog, a traditional yoga stance, relieves tension headaches by stretching the entire body, but particularly the shoulders, neck, and back.
How to accomplish it:
- Get on your hands and knees to begin.
- Raise your hips back and forth while extending your arms and legs into an inverted “V.”
- Look at your feet while keeping your head between your arms.
- Hold on and take a big breath.
Downward Dog relaxes muscles that tend to stiffen during migraine attacks and enhances blood flow to the brain. Additionally, it lessens worry and tension, which are frequent migraine causes.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
