Yoga Exercises For Headaches

While the onset of a headache may have you reaching for the aspirin or ibuprofen, the practice of yoga may help you by releasing tension and relaxing tight muscles. A 2007 study published in "Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain" noted that gentle yoga exercises, breathing techniques and meditation offered relief and reduction in migraine headaches in patients involved in the study, and that further research could be warranted.

Head Rolls

Look down to the floor and slowly look to the right, then look down again and roll your head to the left. Do a few more times.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Hold your right nostril closed with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your right ring finger, release your thumb and exhale through your right nostril. Inhale through your right nostril, close with your thumb, release your ring finger and exhale through your left nostril. Repeat this entire series twice more.

Forward Bend

With your feet firmly on the floor, hips-width apart, rest the crown of your head on a stack of blocks in front of your mat. This forward bend increases blood flow to your head. To open your chest and shoulders, bring your arms behind your back and hold on to your elbows. Stay in this pose for one minute.

Legs Up the Wall Pose

This inverted pose helps stimulate circulation in your legs and provides a fresh blood flow to your head. Sit on the floor and swing your legs up so your heels rest on the wall. Spread your arms out wide to expand your chest. Stay in this position for up to 10 minutes.

Child's Pose

Child's pose stretches your spine to help reduce tension in your head and neck. From a kneeling position, bring your feet together and your knees mat-width apart. Sit back toward your feet and lengthen your spine forward. Rest your head on a block and hold for one to five minutes.

Savasana

Finish your practice with the final resting pose, or Savasana. Lie on your mat with your legs slightly apart and your arms out to your sides, slightly away from your body, with your palms turned upward. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. A scented eye pillow and soft music add to the serenity. Stay in Savasana for five to 10 minutes.