Given the amount of stress present in today’s workplaces, migraine or severe headache is one of the most common issues faced by most people. Typically, such headaches affect only one-half of the head and can last even up to 2 days. Moreover, any person suffering from such migraine attacks also becomes extremely sensitive towards light or noise. However, various medical studies have shown that performing regular yoga asanas for migraine has brought great relief to its sufferers. 

Through this article, we will discover such asanas and also find the answers to questions like which yoga is best for migraine or how to overcome migraine by yoga. Let’s start with how it works:

How it Works: Yoga Asanas for Migraine

For anyone suffering from such head-splitting aches, there are ways apart from typical medication to help overcome the pain. As an ancient technique, most yoga poses promote holistic living through a blend of focused breathing and the right posture. Since stress is the most significant and common trigger for migraines, yoga can prove to be quite helpful in avoiding it.

In addition, migraine treatment yoga involves specific poses or asanas that can reduce blood pressure and help with slow heart rate. With such effects, it also allows the human body to recover from stressful events like migraine attacks. So, if you were also wondering ‘is there any yoga for migraine’, the answer is yes there are several beneficial and pain-relieving poses. 

Practise These 7 Yoga Asanas for Migraine

Unlike modern-day medications, yoga is a side-effect-free method to fight migraines or any other stressful event. Moreover, by practising these seven yoga asanas for headache for a few minutes every day, people can quickly begin to notice the positive changes.

Padhastottan (Forward Bending Pose)

Padhastottan or Padahastasana is one such yoga asana for migraine that’s also a part of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). While using the breathing pattern of Ucchavasa or Simple Free Breathing, this pose involves keeping your palms down towards the feet. 

• Helps with effectively controlling and reducing headaches. 
• Improves concentration level and memory among practitioners. 
• Beneficial in heart health as it reduces the risk of heart disease. 

Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)

With its long list of health benefits, Parvatasana is another yoga asana for migraine that holds its place among the steps of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). As this asana resembles the shape of a mountain, therefore it’s named Mountain Pose or Parvatasana. Apart from boosting strength and flexibility, here are some of its other benefits: 

• Smoothens the flow of blood throughout the whole body. 
• Relieves the mind of any sort of stress, anxiety or depression. 
• Helps with attaining more flexibility and balance between your upper and lower body. 

Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)

A deeply restorative and reclining asana, Makarasana is another one of the few yoga asanas for migraine that relaxes the entire nervous system. In addition, it’s also an excellent posture to use in between back-strengthening poses and is considered quite easy even for beginners. 

• Stimulates the triangular bone between the hips and offers a relaxing effect on muscles.
• Helps with better airflow to pass into the lungs. 
• De-stresses the body by awakening the Kundalini Chakra.

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)

Sarvangasana involves the entire balance of your body on the shoulders and establishing a 90-degree angle with your body. While it may look easy at first, it’s one of the most challenging yoga asanas for migraine. In addition, make sure to keep your thoughts quiet and your body relaxed while doing this yoga pose for the first few times. 

• Improves the blood flow to the brain and alleviates mental tension and issues. 
• Helps in the treatment of Hypertension by lowering high blood pressure. 
• Benefits in curing asthma, sinusitis and other respiratory issues. 

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Matsayasana or Fish Pose is another ideal asana for beginners that carries several health benefits besides being a stress reliever. Since this pose requires appropriate breathing control and a strong posture, it’s also known for having positive impacts on our mental well-being. Here are a few more benefits of this one of the seven yoga asanas for migraine: 

• Assists in stress reduction by stimulating the nervous system. 
• Helps with better breathing and improvement of body posture. 
• Strengthens the spinal column and abdominal muscles. 

Anulom Vilom (Alternate Breathing)

Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhan is one of the most effective yoga asanas for headache for people suffering from migraines. In addition, it’s also the best pose to do at the beginning since it also helps with bringing focus to your brain and breathing. As one of the most well-known yoga asanas for migraine, here are some key benefits of this yoga pose: 

• Purify the Nadis of all impurities and restore the energy equilibrium. 
• Helps in de-stressing the body by putting focus on breathing. 
• Promotes the flow of oxygen and blood in the body. 

Bhramari Pranayam (Humming Bee Breathing)

Another one of the most influential yoga asanas for migraine, Bhrmari Pranayama relieves such headaches by calming the brain. Apart from addressing migraine issues, it also helps with several respiratory issues. While the asana can be practised anywhere, it’s important to focus on breathing as well as the humming sound made during the exhalation process. 

• Relieves negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, frustration or depression. 
• Beneficial for Hypertension as it reduces the blood pressure level.
• Improves focus and concentration on your breathing. 

The Final Outlook

Migraine headaches are known to cause unbearable pain and can easily hamper anyone’s life in various ways. However, apart from modern-day medications, yoga is undoubtedly a better resistance that should be practised altogether while also continuing your medications. With the above-mentioned yoga asanas for migraine, people can easily reduce the impact of such severe headaches and eventually stop them for always. 

So, roll out your yoga mat today and give a try to some of these yoga asanas for migraine. And if you’re seeking guidance from trained professionals or yoga experts, then sign up for our yoga classes today!