Yoga For Headache & Migraine Relief

Looking forward to practicing yoga to relieve headaches? Most of us have to deal with headaches on an occasional or even regularly. Sometimes they begin just after you get up, sometimes in the middle of the day or evening, and it can be devastating to endure the pain of a headache.

A pounding head can also keep us awake at night, cause us to miss an important event, or irritate our mood.

You must be aware of the struggle in looking for something to ease the suffering. Yoga is most effective when practiced consistently over time as part of a holistic treatment plan.

A pounding head can also keep us awake at night, cause us to miss an important event, or simply irritate our mood.

You must be aware of the struggle involved in looking for something to ease the suffering. Rolling out your yoga mat might be a nice place to start, but everyone is different (and you should always visit a doctor if your headaches are affecting your quality of life). Yoga is most effective when practiced consistently over time as part of a holistic treatment plan.

CAUSES

Stress

The most common cause of headache and migraine symptoms is stress. The National Headache Foundation states that tension-type headache, which is often accompanied by tense muscles in the back of the neck and the scalp, is the most prominent type of headache.

Dehydration

Headaches also occur due to dehydration. It happens when you consume less water than your body requires.

Hunger

For energy, your body requires glucose. It is immensely important during physical activity, such as yoga.

When you get a headache, whether it is due to dehydration, stress, tension, sinus problems, too much imbibing or indulging, or anything else, all you want to do is zap the pain away - and fast.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPE OF HEADACHE

Which of these do you experience?

1. TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction): Pain at the temples and in front of the ears
2. Sinus headache: Behind brow bone and/or cheekbones
3. Cluster headache: In and around one eye  
4. Tension headache: Feels like a band squeezing the head
5. Migraine: Pain, nausea, and visual changes
6. Neck: Top and/or back of the head

Also check out: Suffering From A Normal Headache Or Migraine? Know The Difference

YOGA PRACTICE FOR HEADACHE

Here are six yoga practices that will gently stretch and open areas of your body (such as your neck, shoulders, or back) while also increasing blood flow to your head. Make a conscious effort to take deep breaths that begin in your diaphragm and fill your lungs as you practice these poses. This will help you relax by getting plenty of fresh oxygen circulating through your blood.

1. Shishuasana/Balasana (Child Pose)

Child's pose is an excellent way to relieve upper-body tension and open up your shoulders, back, and spine, which can increase blood flow to your head. Moreover, by resting your brow on the ground, you activate pressure points in your brow that can relieve migraines and headaches. The Child Pose relaxes the nervous system and effectively relieves pain.

2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

The Downward Facing Dog Pose is an inversion because your heart is above your head in this pose, increasing blood circulation to the brain and relieving headaches. It increases blood flow to the head, which can often be just what you need to relieve a headache and make you feel energized.

3. Vipareeta Karani (Legs Up The Wall)

Legs up the wall is a very relaxing pose because your blood is now flowing in the opposite direction, towards your brain. Furthermore, the more blood and oxygen in your brain, the less painful your headache may be. It simultaneously stretches and relaxes the muscles in your neck. It can, in fact, relieve your throbbing headache in a matter of minutes.

4. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

The Standing Forward Bend both energizes the nervous system and calms the mind by increasing blood supply. "By allowing your head to bow towards the earth and releasing all tension in your neck and spine, gravity's gentle hug can help with headache pain and create space in the spine and neck."

5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Sodhan) is a simple but effective breath balancing technique. It promotes a deep sense of well-being and harmony on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional. It opens and calms the mind while also relieving headaches.

6. Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Savasana rejuvenates the body by putting it into a deep meditative state. You can finish your yoga routine by lying down in this pose for a few minutes. The ground beneath you supports your entire body, which is completely relaxed. Together with the deep breathing that accompanies this posture, which increases oxygen to your brain, this release can aid in the reduction of your migraine.

Conclusion

With these easy yoga poses, you can relieve stress, stiffness in your muscles, and headache discomfort. So, next time you encounter a headache, you know what to do. When a headache starts to develop, try these postures, or incorporate them into your normal yoga practice. Yoga is also an ideal indoor workout if you find yourself locked inside more frequently these days.

Expert advice: Rolling out your yoga mat might be a great place to start, but everyone is different (and you should always visit a doctor if your headaches affect your quality of life).