How not to be a headache? Oops…! I mean how not to have one?

Ever played the guess game while you’ve had a headache? Is my headache from dehydration (maybe i need to increase my intake to 3 litres)? Caffeine Withdrawals (I should just have my coffee)? Improper Nutrition? Tight ponytail? Stress (Oh no! maybe the hair loss makes sense too)? Lack of sleep (Those dark circles under my eyes were a warning)? Not wearing my glasses? Brain Tumor (Google says so)? There are dozens of possible causes of a headache. The most common ones being stress or tension related tightness in the muscles of the head and neck. While it is important to pay close attention to your headache- where they are located, how long they last, the quality of pain, what precipitates them, and what seems to make them better, it’s also important to make sure that you reduce the recurrences of these headaches. Yoga has several techniques that help in alleviating a headache.

Visualisation You can alter patterns of blood flow in the body just by changing what you are thinking about. In case of migraines, the objective is to reduce the amount of blood going to the head. Lie down in a deep relaxation pose (Shavasana) with a pillow beneath the back of your neck and head. Close you eyes, breathe slowly and deeply through your nose and imagine that your hands are immersed in warm water and that the blood flow is turning your hands pink. As your fingers and hands heat up, imagine that your head is cooling down at the same time. This tool is extremely helpful since it can be done even in a seated position.

Asanas

1. ) Viparita Karani

2.) Supta Baddha Konasana

3.) Sarvangasana

4.) Ardha Halasana

5.) Janu Sirsasana

6.) Paschimottanasana

Though inversions can make symptoms worse, B.K.S. Iyenger has often used supported inversions as remedy for headaches.

Pranayama 1.) Equal Breathing Its important to ensure optimum oxygen flow in your body when you’re having a headache. Deep Inhalation and exhalation followed by a brief pause after exhalation (Bahya Kumbhak) is said to be an extremely helpful technique. 2.) Nadi Shodhana Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is perfect for balancing the Gunas and Nadis in your body. Vigorous breathing exercises like kapalbhati and bhastrika need to be avoided.

Mudras 1.) Mahasir Mudra

Kriyas

1. ) Jal Neti

Jal Neti is know to be extremely useful in reducing both the frequency and intensity of sinus headaches. You can safely practice this everyday. Though you can do it at anytime during the Day, the best option is to do it early in the morning. Also avoid doing Jal neti immediately after your meals.

Ayurveda and Headache

• Grind Garlic and Sandalwood. Apply this paste on your forehead.

• In case of migraine, consume a spoon of honey before and after your meals.

• For instant relief from migraine, you can consume tulsi mixed with honey.

• For heat induced headaches, Amla is a proven cure.

If this still doesn’t help, know that, No Headache Means No Brains. Having a headache proves that you have brains. Celebrate that fact, coz not many people are blessed with it :)