Fighting Tension Headaches Naturally With Yoga

It happens to all of us from time to time. Our busy schedules get the best of us or we spend far too many hours at work in front of a computer screen, and suddenly our heads are pounding and it’s impossible to focus. No matter what the cause, tension headaches can definitely put a crimp in your productivity, and it’s so tempting to pop a pill to ease the pain.

The problem with pain medication is that the more you take it, the less effective it is. In the time that it takes most over-the-counter pain pills to work, you could practice some restorative yoga to fight that tension naturally! Here are some simple poses to get you started.

1. Alternate Nostril Breathing

Sit up straight either cross-legged on the floor or in your chair. Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths to ease yourself into the breathing exercise.

Hold out your right hand, spreading all 5 fingers. Fold your middle and pointer fingers toward your palm, so your thumb, ring, and pinky fingers are pointing out. This is the hand position you’ll maintain throughout the breathing. You can rest your left hand on your knee or thigh – whatever is comfortable for you.

Using your thumb to close your right nostril, take a deep breath in. Before exhaling, release the right nostril and use your right ring finger to close the left nostril. Repeat this cycle 4 or 5 times, finishing with a few deep breaths through your nose with both nostrils open.

2. Neck Rolls

We store so much stress in our necks and shoulders, sometimes just taking a few moments to focus on letting that out can make a huge difference! Sit on the floor with your legs crossed or in your desk chair with your feet flat on the floor. Imagine a string running up your spine toward the ceiling, drawing your back up straight.

Close your eyes, and let your chin fall toward your chest. As you inhale roll your head to the left so your left ear is directly over the left shoulder. Pause anywhere that you feel tension. On your next exhale, move your chin back to your chest, then inhale and roll your head to the right. Repeat these neck rolls up to 10 times.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Robert O.

7:38AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Thanks Becky.

send a green star

7:18AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Sonny H.

4:29PM PDT on May 16, 2011

Good suggestions.

6:23PM PDT on May 8, 2011

Great suggestions!

Maria L.

11:39AM PDT on Sep 30, 2010

the Headaches are very common, i suffered from them two years because i was stressful with my work. now i am good, i try to stay calm and watch my health. wish you all good luck.

Chinmayee J.

12:02AM PDT on Jul 1, 2010

Thanks so much for posting! It's funny, but I woke up with a tension headache and this was exactly what I needed to read! Not only is work quite stressful, but I was on the computer all day yesterday :( Yoga is amazing, it has SO many benefits, and the alternate nostril breathing is part of yogic breathing exercises called 'pranayama'. It has many fabulous health benefits too!

Lois K.

5:24PM PDT on Jun 17, 2010

I bet it won't work on migraines. Nothing does. :o(

Alison N.

2:43PM PDT on May 26, 2010

Thanks for posting.

Loo S.

6:35AM PDT on May 26, 2010

i will try out, thanks

Jan C.

6:24AM PDT on May 25, 2010

My daughter has a lot of problems with headaches since a neck injury last fall. I plan on starting her in a good yoga class as soon as school gets out.