Yoga can be used as a natural remedy for a headache. Because yoga at its essence is stress relieving and relaxing, any yoga routine brings some relief to a headache. You can increase the effectiveness of your yoga routine by choosing poses that are especially good for headache relief. Proper breathing is one yoga component that aids in pain relief. Control your breathing by inhaling deeply, exhaling completely and pausing a few seconds after your exhalation.
Standing Forward Bend
Stand with your feet slightly apart and your hands by your sides. Lower your chin to your chest and then roll forward one vertebrae at a time until you are completely bent over. If possible, grab your ankles to pull your head closer to your legs. If you cannot do this, place your hands on the ground next to your feet, graze the ground in front of your toes with your fingertips or cross your arms over your head dangling as far as you can. Another good modification is to use a yoga block on the floor in front of your feet.
Downward Facing Dog
Bend forward from a standing position, place your hands on the ground and walk them away from your feet. If necessary, bend your knees at first to get your hands on the ground. Your body should resemble an upside down "V" with your hips up in the air and your arms and legs straight. Aim your tailbone for the ceiling, press your heels into the ground and relax your shoulders so they do not hunch up by your ears. Pull your belly button in toward your spine and press your sternum toward the ground.
Extended Puppy
After downward facing dog, lower yourself onto all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. The tops of your feet should be flat on the ground. Walk your hands forward a little and press your hips halfway back toward your heels as you stretch your arms out in front of you with your palms and forearms touching the ground. Allow your back to arch slightly and keep your hips up off your heels. Your thighs and lower legs should form about a 45-degree angle.
Corpse
Lie flat on your back with your legs straight. Allow your feet to fall open with the arches pointing up toward the ceiling. Your knees may turn slightly out as well. Keep your belly button pulled in toward your spine. You may want to tilt your pelvis slightly to achieve this position. Relax your shoulders, imagining your shoulder blades gliding down your back toward your hips. Your arms should be straight with your forearms several inches from your waist and your palms facing up. Close your eyes and spend five to 10 minutes of concentrated breathing in this position.
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