Yoga Poses for Headaches

Published on February 11, 2009

Yoga not only provides relief for the pain and cause of headaches, but can also prevent headaches from occurring in the future. Most headaches are due to stress and tension held in the head, neck, shoulders and upper back. When these muscles are continuously contracted, they constrict the flow of blood, oxygen and prana (energy) to the head. For tension headaches, Twisting Poses & Shoulder Openers and Calming Restorative Poses will be the most beneficial. Use side bending poses if your headache is located behind the eyes or at the top or sides of the head. Use Hip Opening Poses if the headache is located at the forehead or temples. Use back bending poses if your headache is located at the back of the head or throughout the whole head.

Click on an image or posture name for detailed instructions, contraindications and modifications.

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4 responses to “Yoga Poses for Headaches”

  1. Jane1 Avatar
    Jane1

    Tim – Am i missing where you might have placed a really nice restorative sequence?

  2. ThomasClark1 Avatar
    ThomasClark1

    i really think i should try this i have severe problems with headaches at the moment, does anyone know if this really works?

  3. mmramgo10008 Avatar
    mmramgo10008

    THIS IS all good ! Back bending poses help me to feel upbeat!

  4. anneharman Avatar
    anneharman

    The shoulder openers are key for me to avoid headaches. I also like shoulder stand and plow for this purpose.

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Timothy Burgin Avatar
About the author
Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. He has authored two yoga books and has written over 500 articles on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Timothy is also the creator of Japa Mala Beads and has been designing and importing mala beads since 2004.
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