According to Dr. Lynn A. Anderson, Ph.D., “Yoga helps to release tension and stress in the body, and the majority of headaches are usually tension related.” Yoga allows you to slow down and relax, while also improving their circulation. Certain poses can help target the underlying causes of your headache.
The MYX in-home system (launching November 2019) offers a yoga flow specifically for headaches taught by coach Donna Scro. So, the next time you feel a headache beginning, or simply need a little stress relief, check out the app or try these poses:
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Cat/Cow Pose:
This can help relieve tension in the shoulders and neck, and release compression in your spine, which can build up while you are sitting at your desk all day. It can also boost circulation in your upper body.
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Seated Forward Bend:
Take a load off and boost circulation with the seated forward bend. This pose helps take the pressure off your heart. Our hearts work hard to pump blood and oxygen into the brain and upper body, so when you perform a forward bend, the blood that tends to pool goes in the opposite direction and up towards the brain.
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Child's Pose:
A classic resting yoga pose, child's pose can be a powerful solution to stress, anxiety, and headaches. It helps release tension from the back and shoulders, while also quieting the mind. The breath is directed toward the back, which helps drive oxygen up the spine, and into the back of the neck and shoulders.
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Knees-To-Chest Pose:
Try to relax in this pose for 30-60 seconds, release down, and repeat as needed. In the tuck, you are loosening up the muscles in your back. When you let go, there is a rush of blood throughout the body.
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Seated Spinal Twist:
Spinal Twists awaken many parts of the body, stimulating the digestive system and energizing the spine. If you are uncomfortable in a seated spinal twist, performing anything with a lower back twist is good for release.
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Savasana:
Often the final pose of many yoga practices, Savasana is all about quieting the mind and relaxing the body. This can be especially helpful for tension headaches by allowing you to focus on your breathing as a way to relieve the tension.
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Deep Breathing:
With deep breathing, you can release tension in the shoulders and bring more oxygen into the brain. The tightening of the muscles will pull fresh blood and oxygen up, while the release of the breath pushes it all away and releases it into the head and neck area.
Yoga can provide more than just physical fitness. It helps to calm your mind and refresh your body. Yoga can be especially helpful for certain ailments, such as headaches. By allowing yourself time to slow down, relax, and relieve stress, it is the perfect way to take a moment for yourself. The MYX app offers a wide variety of yoga workouts, so be sure to find the ones that work best for you!
