Almost everyone experiences a headache from time to time. This medical condition is quite common and can be felt as a dull, throbbing ache or sharp shooting pains and may spread across the whole head or be concentrated in one particular area. Migraine headaches tend to be more severe, and are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and photo-phobia (sensitivity to light). It is a common misconception that headaches are caused by the brain but fortunately that is not the case. The cause of most headaches originate from the neck when blood flow to the head is restricted due to misalignment of the spine. Other causes include dehydration, lack of sleep, tension, sinus problems etc. Treating a headache or a migraine with painkillers may help to relieve the pain momentarily but it will not tackle the underlying problem which means it will most likely be repeated. Therapeutic yoga plays an essential role in preventing and curing such headaches and migraines. Here are 5 easy ways you could ease that headache or migraine.
1.One-Legged Forward Bend
This stretches most of the main muscles in the body like the upper back, hips, arms and shoulders. This loosens the tight muscles and acts as a de-tenser for all those muscles. Sit up with both legs stretched out and your spine properly aligned. Now bend your right leg so that the heel is against the left thigh. Inhale deeply and stretch towards your left foot with your hand towards the outside of the left ankle. Hold the stretch for as long as you comfortably can. Repeat five times daily.
2.The bridge
Start by lying on your back with your arms by your sides, your knees bent and your ankles directly below your knees, hip-distance apart. Now hold your ankles, inhale and slowly peel your back off the floor from the hips till just your head, shoulder and feet are still on the floor. Hold the position for as long as you can without straining. Then come back down slowly with an exhale. Repeat 5 times daily.
3.Half Spinal Twist
This posture stretches the upper spine,reducing tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Sit up and straighten your left leg in front of you. Now bend your right leg and cross it over your left leg, placing your right foot on the floor on the outside of your left knee. Place your left arm over your right knee and hold the right knee and your right hand on the floor behind you. Turn your head to look over your right shoulder and inhale and sit upright, pushing your chest forward and lengthening your spine. Exhale and extend your right shoulder behind you. Hold the position for 5 minutes. Return to starting position slowly and repeat for the other leg
4.Forward stretch
This pose is very common among yogis. Start by sitting up straight and extend both legs in front of you. Inhale deeply and and start bending your hips till you enclose both your feet with your palms and hold for as long as you can. Slowly sit up, straightening your spine and neck and take steady breaths to relax your shoulders.
Of course dietary changes can also go a long way in preventing and curing headaches and migraines. Certain foods are thought to trigger headaches in some people and experts urge victims to avoid coffees, sugar, chocolate and sugary or very spicy foods.
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