Don’t let a killer headache keep you from hitting your mat. In fact, yoga can help ease pain from headaches and even migraines. Try these 4 postures next time your head starts to throb.
Downward Facing Dog
Downward facing dog is an ideal pose if you’re experiencing a headache or migraine since it circulates blood to your head. From a tabletop position on all fours, tuck your toes and lift your hips skyward. Spread your fingers wide and press through your palms. Work to press your belly to your thighs. Let your head and neck hang heavy and relax.
Standing Straddle Bend with Chest Expansion Variation
Often headaches are caused by tight shoulders. If you think this may be the source of the pain in your head, try standing straddle bend with chest expansion variation. Step your feet out wide. Interlace your fingers behind your back. Hinge from your hips with a flat back and fold forward. Allow your hands to fall overhead. Feel a deep stretch in your shoulders.
Baby Backbend
Performing a small backbend will diminish tension in your back, shoulders, and neck to help relieve your headache. From mountain pose, lift your gaze and bend your elbows to create right angles in your arms as if you were creating a football goal post with your upper body. Feel the front of your body open up.
Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is the perfect resting posture when a headache hits. From a kneeling position on your mat, spread your knees wide. Sit back on your heels and bring your big toes to touch. Stretch your fingertips to the top of your mat. Place your forehead on the mat and gently massage any pain away by nodding your head from side to side.