Yoga poses that help stiff neck
The neck is a very sensitive area prone to stress and tension due to inappropriate sleeping procedures or being seated continuously. This leads to a stiff neck which causes pain and discomfort while carrying out routine tasks. Various yoga poses or postures help keep the body flexible and graceful over time. Yoga exercises reduce tension in the system and improve overall physical and emotional health. The dog and cat posture, bhujangasana and halasana are recommended yoga postures known to be helpful in treating the neck and back region.
The dog and cat pose is a common asana to increase flexibility of the spine. This asana requires you to crouch on the floor on all fours. As you inhale, curve your back bone lifting your head and drop the stomach low. This is the dog pose. Now exhale, creating an arch on your back and pulling the chest and stomach in. This is the cat pose. Both asanas flow into one another. Repeat this exercise creating a smooth flow between the two poses to increase the flexibility of the spine. This exercise also helps treat stiff necks as the neck moves upwards and inwards along with the inhalation and exhalation technique prescribed in this yogic pose.
The bhujangasana or cobra pose is another relevant remedy for a stiff neck. To try bhujangasana, lie on the stomach with legs straight, feet touching each other and toes pointing backwards. Keep both the hands at chest level and as you inhale lift the body upwards. The head, neck, chest and upper abdomen till the navel must be above ground level. Keep the back in an arch position looking upwards and stretch as much as possible. Hold this position to a count of ten and gently release or exhale. Gently return to the original position, only to repeat it a couple of times. This yoga asana helps resolve problems related to the spine, back muscles and the vertebrae.
The halasana or plough position is equally recommended to relieve tension in the neck region. This pose requires you to lie flat on the ground and hold your feet together with your arms resting alongside. Lift the legs slowly without bending your knees, pausing at thirty, sixty and ninety degrees. Lift the legs above your head and aim to touch the floor without bending your knees. Breathe normally, hold this position to a count of ten and gently reverse to the original position.
