Yoga for Headaches

Headaches can be the result of by eyestrain, indigestion, allergies, sinusitis, exhaustion or poor posture. They types of headaches are many and vary according to the cause. So do the remedies. Indigestion headaches be due to stuck bile or liver chi.

Regular use of evening primrose oil that reduces fatty deposits in the liver is one quick remedy. Headaches caused by toxins or food allergies call for the use of aloe vera, a cleansing agent. Sinus headaches can be alleviated by sniffing gotu kola. This cools and calms the mind as well. Chili peppers and watercress can effectively help prevent sinus congestion.

Yoga program for headaches:

Do Sun Salutations every morning.

Poses (asanas) for headaches:

• Downward facing dog – Adho Mukha Svanasana
• Forward bend - Paschimottanasana
• Cobra pose – Bhujangasana
• Knee press – Butterfly pose
• Reclining pose - Shavasana

Breathing exercises (Pranayamas) for headaches:

• Kapalabhatti
• Alternate nostril breathing
• Sitali and Sitkari also help to cool the head.

For alternate nostril breathing check out which of your nostrils exhales more forcibly. Close the stronger one and breathe through the opposite nostril until the headache subsides.

Headaches can also be the result of poor indigestion or chronic constipation. Hence the following cleansing kriyas would also be in order:

• Vaman dhauti
• Shanka Prakshalana