 Headache is one of the most common complaints amongst people of all ages. This is a symptom and not a disease. Headache can occur due to various reasons. This physical trouble is classified according to its symptoms.
Various types of headaches include headache due to anxiety or tension depression, constipation, alcoholism, migraine or sick and at times biliary headache as well. Headache due to anxiety disturbs the sleep for an extended period of time. Migraine is usually one-sided headache that is repetitive and pulsating. Some diseases also lead to headache such as high blood pressure, allergy, epilepsy, fever, liver and kidney problems and eye troubles. Sinus trouble, infection and inflammation are some more reasons for headache. Toothache, various neuralgias and tension in the body can also cause headache. Trauma, meningitis, syphilis and cerebral tumors are again some of the primary causes of headache. During a headache, yoga postures and pranayama can help to alleviate the pain and release tension and stress. Practice in a tranquil environment with low lights and soft music. One should conclude the yoga practice with savasana using an eye pillow or folded small towel over the eyes and start the savasana with Dirgha pranayama that indicates slow deep breathing in the belly and chest. The tension-type headache can be extremely bothersome. It is often caused by stress, anxiety, depression, unbalanced activities, and poor diet. But through various yogic techniques a person can avoid and control headaches. 'Bhramri Paranayam' is the most efficient Yoga practice to reduce headache. This meditative asana should be practiced in fresh air and a calm environment. One must close both the eyes and inhale deeply and then close ears with both palms. Then, by concentrating on the 'Agya Chakra' between the eyebrows, one must raise the head upward; exhale slowly, with mouth closed and make humming sound of a bee, while reciting "OM" mentally. Yoga provides a holistic approach to the lifestyle of the Yogi. A more holistic approach is adopted through Yoga to stop troublesome and painful headaches. This procedure can be carried out through relaxation techniques, Yoga diet, and psychological counseling if the fundamental causes of the headaches are anxiety and depression. When proper diet is adopted, Yoga is greatly effective in reducing the 'anvil-heads'. Yoga Poses and meditation can release the mind and body from the disorder and confusion of scattered thoughts and disturbed activities that often cause tension-type headaches.Some of the Yoga poses that are greatly suggested in such cases include suryanamaskar, bhujanga asana, pawan muktasana, sirsasana, kapalabhati, shitali pranayama, savasana, jalandhar banha and kunjal jal neti. In addition to the above-mentioned Yoga asanas and pranayama practice of yoga Nidra, concentration and meditation gives the best result. Tension headaches, also categorized as muscle contraction, often can be alleviated through deep breathing and relaxation asanas, especially while lying down in a quiet place. Inverted postures increase oxygen to the brain and can also reduce headache-causing strain. 
A regular routine of Yoga exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation can help to prevent chronic headaches or reduce their severity. Exercises that stretch the muscles can release the tension that often causes headaches. The Yoga poses that are recommended for headaches is as follows - 
DISCLAIMER - The Yoga asanas prescribed above should be strictly performed under the supervision of an experienced Yoga teacher. |
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