A migraine refers to a neurological problem that triggers recurrent headaches which are moderate or severe. It usually affects either one side of the head and can last for 2 hours or even longer. People who suffer a migraine become more sensitive to light and noise. A migraine can also be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Other than medication for dealing with your pain, you can alleviate migraine through muscle surgery, arterial surgery and nerve stimulation among others. Most of these treatment approaches have side effects. Luckily, you can improve your pain naturally through yoga, an ancient practice that combines postures and breathing techniques. Yoga has no side effects, although it is effective for fighting and preventing migraine.
Fighting Migraine Is Hard, But Here’s a Natural Solution
Yoga Poses For a Migraine
Standing Forward Bend: Stand up straight with your feet slightly apart. Without moving your knees, bend forward until your head rests on your feet. Your fingers should almost be touching the floor. This yoga pose rejuvenates the nervous system by increasing the flow of blood while also calming your mind.
Forward Virasana: This pose calms the brain and relieves stress. Kneel down on a flat surface your knees widely apart. Push your shoulders forward past your ears and lower the heart towards the floor. Lengthen your tailbone backward and downwards. With your chin gently tucked towards the chest, lengthen the back of your neck. Rest your forehead on a bolster if you prefer.
Downward Dog: This yoga pose puts your body into an inverted V shape. Stand with your feet slightly apart and bend to touch the floor with your palms facing downwards. Your thigh and spine should be at a 90° angle. Your fingers should be spread with the index finger pointing forward. Press firmly on the ground using the thumb and index fingers. Your armpits should roll inward to face each other whilst your elbows are straight. Tuck your chin inwards to the chest, and lengthen the back of your neck to look at your navel or the thighs. With the tailbone tucked under, lengthen your entire spine, particularly the lower back. Your heels should be fully held to the ground ensuring you don’t strain the neck or shoulders.
Wide Angle Standing Forward Bend: Stand with your feet wide apart and your toes firmly pressing on the mat. Stretch the mat apart using your feet. Tuck your tailbone under and ground the sitting bones with your lower back lengthened. Place the hands on your ankles and bend your elbows gently assisted by your arms to draw the back of your head to touch the floor. Tuck in your chin towards the chest, looking at your navel. You can perform this yoga pose while leaning your back to the wall if you prefer.
Seated Forward Bend: Sit on a mat with your legs stretched straight in front. Flex your toes towards you ensuring that the big toes are touching each other and your heels slightly apart. With the sitting pressed into the earth, lift tall your spine. Breathe in as you lift your hands towards the ceiling. Exhale as you bend forward moving the hands towards your toe past your feet. Draw your chin in towards the chest and lengthen the back of your neck. Draw your shoulders past your ears and armpits towards your thighs. This yoga pose relaxes your throat and ensures a smooth flow of air in and out your lungs.
Upward Facing Dog Pose: Place your hands at the back by the hips with fingers spread. The index finger should point forward as you extend and lift your hands through the spine. Press your shoulders downwards and straighten the arms before pushing your palms to the floor. Push the groin towards your hands before pulling with the hands towards your hips. Press the tops of your feet into the ground and strengthen your thighs and buttocks. With your hands still, roll your biceps and shoulders outward. Ensure that the front of your abdomen is kept firm though the sides should be relaxed. Finally tilt your chin upwards, eyes back and throat forward.
Conclusion
There is no harm in trying these yoga poses if you regularly suffer from headaches and migraine. Yoga improves the flow of blood into your brain, which is essential in correcting neurological issues that trigger a migraine. Unlike pain medications, yoga poses have no side effects. In addition, they improve your lifestyle fitness and don’t take much time for results to be felt. Try yoga poses today and keep the banging head away!