five pointed star / utthita tadasana
During a headache yoga postures and pranayama can help alleviate pain and release tension and stress. Practice in a calming environment with low lights and soft music. Finish your yoga practice with shavasana using an eye pillow or folded small towel over the eyes. Start your shavasana with Dirga pranayama – slow deep breathing in the belly and chest..

Talk to your doctor if you are having more than 2-3 headaches per week, or if a bad headache lasts for several days. Migraines and cluster headaches can be helped with yoga, but you must have the supervision and approval of your doctor.

Yoga postures will release tension in neck and shoulders, increase circulation to head, stimulate the nervous system, and help alleviate pain.  

Yoga postures for Headaches >


Yogic breathing exercises can calm the mind, reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.

Dirga Pranayama

Ujjayi Pranayama

Nadi Sodhana Pranayama


Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind, reduces negativity and creates a positive mental attitude.

Yoga Meditation

Third Eye Meditation

Yoga Rx for Headaches

Kunalini yoga for Headaches

Standing on Your Headache

Yoga cure for Headaches

13 postures for tension headaches


Yoga: the Path to Holistic Health

Yoga Therapy

Yoga for Wimps

The American Yoga Association Wellness Book
Guide to Headaches and Migraines

10 tips to reduce Headaches

Yoga for Headaches Bibliography

Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.

All contents copyright 2001-2002 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.