Headache? Do These Yoga Poses for Fast Relief
8 Simple Yoga Poses to Get Rid of a Headache
Headaches are a major pain, and it can be difficult to find relief without heading for the medicine cabinet. Typically, headaches are caused by stress and tension, and can bring extra pressure and strain on the eyes, neck, shoulders and back. For those of us who are hesitant to pop a pill at the onset of every headache, there is a more natural way to get relief.
Yoga is a great way to relieve tension and stress by gently stretching your body. This allows blood and oxygen to circulate more freely to your head, relieving the pain and pressure that a headache can cause. Try the yoga sequence below and get rid of your headache fast!
By Shirin Mehdi
Padangusthasana
The Padangusthasana is one of the first and most basic yoga asanas you will learn. It is, quite simply, a standing forward bend, which requires you to catch your big toe with your hands. When you bend forward, the blood gushes down to your head, promoting circulation as well as enough oxygen. Your headache will come down almost instantly.
Ardha Pincha Mayurasana
The Ardha Pincha Mayurasana, or the Dolphin Pose, is quite similar to the Adho Mukha Svanasana (you could also practice this asana to get rid of your headache). But instead of resting your body weight on your palms, it rests it on the elbows. This asana gives your back and neck a good stretch and also allows blood flow in the brain. The unwinding and relaxing stretch with that pump of extra oxygen is just what it takes to relieve a headache.
Prasarita Padottanasana
This asana is also a standing forward bend. Much like the Padangusthasana, or the Uttanasana (also useful to relieve headaches), this pose entails a complete fold at the abdomen, which allows your back, neck, shoulders, and head to benefit from the gushing blood owing to the anti-gravity bend. This relieves a headache almost instantly.
Supta Virasana
When a headache is stress related, you need to make sure you loosen and stretch your back and shoulders to release the trapped stress. This asana provides that satisfying stress-relieving stretch, while almost instantly relieving your headache. The Reclining Hero Pose surely is the hero of the day when you have a headache.
Viparita Karani
This asana looks complicated, but it is, in fact, a restorative pose. It instills a sense of calmness throughout your mind and body. All you need is a wall and a stretch. And off goes the headache!
Paschimottanasana
The Paschimottanasana is an amazing seated forward bend. It is another easy pose that has a host of benefits. This asana calms the brain and relieves stress. Both these are major triggers when it comes to headaches. You must try it the next time you are suffering from a dreadful headache.
Ananda Balasana
If that back pain radiating up your spine is the primary cause of your headache, you must step back and relax. The Happy Baby Pose or the Anand Balasana is the perfect asana to help you do so.
Shavasana
Finally, comes the Shavasana. It is the ultimate relaxant that gives you a boost of energy in a matter of minutes. Whether it is stress, aches and pains, or any other problem, the Shavasana is a great solution for it all. So the next time you have a headache and feel totally drained out, take to this asana.
All images courtesy of Shutterstock.
