Yoga is one of those exercise regimens that can help you in achieving a fully healthy lifestyle. Apart from flexibility, strength, and endurance, yoga has far more benefits.
Headaches are a common problem these days, they are caused by various reasons such as stress, depression, sleeplessness, unhealthy diet, weather changes, and a lot more.
If you are someone who experiences then you will know the intense throbbing pain and discomfort headaches can bring. Most people turn to pills whenever they experience headaches. The ancient practice of yoga can be very effective to deal with headaches.
The physical reasons behind headaches are muscle tightness, the muscles in the neck and back can become tight due to restlessness which can block blood circulation. Yoga helps to release these muscles which in turn relieves headaches.
Other psychological reasons include stress, depression, anxiety, and a lot more. We know that yoga plays a key role in mental health so it helps to get rid of these psychological causes for headaches.
Common Types of Headaches And How They Feel Like?
To understand how to treat headaches efficiently, first, we need to know different types of headaches and their symptoms. So that next time when you have a headache you know how to take specific measures to deal with it.
Migraines
These are some of the most common and primary types of headaches. The most common cause of migraines is stress. According to researchers, more than 70% of people face migraines when they’re under stress. The other causes include changes in hormonal cycles. It’s mostly common in women and is known as menstrual migraine. An unhealthy diet is also a trigger of migraines. Dairy products, junk food, caffeine, etc. can trigger migraines.
Symptoms of Migraines
- Moderate or severe pain on one side of the head
- The feeling of throbbing inside the head
- Pain can last somewhere from 4 hours to even days
- Abdominal pain
Tension Headaches
This is another very common type of headache. There are different causes of tension headaches, researchers haven’t yet found the exact causes of tension headaches. Some medical doctors believe that they are caused due to contraction of muscles in the face and neck. While others tend to think that they are caused due to heightened sensitivity and stress.
Symptoms of Tension Headaches
- Consistent pain on both sides of the head
- The pain is mild to moderate
- Feelings of tightness across the forehead
- The pain may get worse when you are moving your body for e.g walking, climbing stairs.
Cluster Headaches
These are the most severe types of headaches, they can last from weeks to even months. They have been named clusters because they come in cluster periods, the headaches are completely relieved for some months and can reoccur later.
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
- Pain in one side of the head
- Intense pain with a feeling of stabbing
- Eye redness on the affected side of the head
- Sensitivity to light
Is Yoga Efficient In Dealing With Headaches?
Various researches have shown that yoga can reduce psychological problems like stress, depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness. It also has a soothing impact on your body and mind. We know that stress is the most significant cause of headaches. Through practicing yoga you can deal with stress which will eventually help you get rid of headaches.
Yoga also works to loosen the tight muscular areas in your body like the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This can also prevent headaches, especially migraines.
We are most likely to experience headaches when we are in tension, practicing yoga when you are angry, sad, or under stress can help you achieve a calm state. This will eventually help in preventing headaches.
Yoga Positions For Getting Rid of Headaches
Let’s have a look at some of the beginner yoga positions you can try to get rid of headaches. We have only compiled the easiest positions so everyone can try no matter if they practice yoga regularly or not. Make sure that you always perform yoga in some fine quality yoga apparel, it will help in boosting your performance and improve your flexibility.
Big Toe Pose (Padangusthasana)
- Start by standing straight on the mat.
- Bend your back in a forwarding direction until your arms reach your feet (or as close to your feet as possible)
- Now, slide your index and middle finger between the big toes and grip them firmly.
- Press your toes downwards against your fingers.
- Maintain this position for 30-45 sec
Bridge Pose (Sethu Banda)
- Lie with your back on the mat
- Bend your knees, your feet should be flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips by pressing your feet on the floor.
- Lift your hips as high as possible
- Keep this position for 20-25 sec
- See girl on the right in the above photo
Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Start with all four on the mat
- Press your hands against the mat keeping them a little ahead of your shoulders
- Press down your fingertips, your knuckles should be grounded.
- Tuck your toes under as you inhale, then exhale and push your hips back up.
- As you exhale lift your hips as high as possible and lower while inhaling
- Do this transition for 25-30 sec
Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
- Come onto all fours
- Your hips should be above your knees and shoulders should be above the wrist
- Exhale and move your hips towards your heels. Don’t let your elbows touch the ground
- Keeping a slight curve in your lower back, drop your forehead towards the floor
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds
Takeaway
Painkillers can relieve headaches for a temporary period only. If your body gets addicted to them then even the painkillers don’t work for relieving that severe pain.
Yoga is the safest option you have for dealing with headaches, regular practice of these yoga positions can prevent headaches from occurring in the first place.
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