If you suffer from migraines, gradually warm-up and cool-down in your yoga sessions. Yoga instructor and physician Dr. Baxter Bell, writing in "Yoga Journal" magazine, recommends practicing restorative poses when you feel a migraine coming on, as well as after you finish. He also cautions that some people may want to avoid inverted postures, apart from legs-up-the-wall pose. In addition to home remedies, which may include yoga, meditation and relaxing activities, MayoClinic.com suggests that you work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your migraines.
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Legs-up-the-wall pose is therapeutic for numerous conditions, including migraines, stress and fatigue. Approach a clear wall with one side of your body. Bend your knees as you turn to face the wall. Lean back by supporting yourself on your palms, then bring your legs up against the wall. Lay your upper body on the floor. Support your back or hips with pillows if necessary. Stay in the pose for up to 15 minutes.
Corpse Pose
You can call this sivasana or relaxation pose, if you prefer. Lie flat on a blanket or yoga mat with your limbs comfortably sprawled out. Breathe deeply in and out through your nose as you scan your body for tight areas. Concentrate on relaxing any spots that are full of tension. Rotate your ankles and wrists, and contract and release your facial muscles. Support your legs and head with pillows if you like. Stay focused on the feel and sound of your breathing as you hold sivasana for up to 15 minutes.
Fire Log Pose
From a seated position, lay the lower half of your right leg on top of the lower half of your left leg. The space between your legs should resemble a triangular shape and your shins should be parallel to the top edge of your yoga mat or blanket. Feel a release of tension in your hips as you hold the pose. Lean forward to intensify the stretch. Keep your feet slightly flexed to make the pose more comfortable for your ankles. Hold each side for about one minute.
Cat/Cow Flow
Cat and cow are two poses that instructors often combine together into a flowing sequence. Get into a hands and knees position. Keep your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Press your belly toward the floor, letting your tailbone lift upwards, to practice the cow pose. Separate your shoulders and round your spine upward for the cat pose. When you're ready, flow gently back and forth between the two poses, as you inhale or exhale for each one. Keep your and neck and face relaxed to help ease tension in your head. Try 10 or more sets.
Member Comments