Yoga to ease your headaches

I can feel when a headache is setting in - I’m suddenly very aware of my head on top my shoulders, balancing awkwardly, the muscles of my neck, designed as pulleys become taught like guide ropes, my eyes straining and it feels nigh impossible to get into any comfortable position or to focus on anything except the deep burrowing throb.

Headaches. They are the worst. Patients have differing ways of describing their headaches - muzzy, throbbing, foggy, dull, my favourite description of a migraine that I’ve come across is ‘sparkly’ - makes it sounds so magical, but the experience is anything but. 

What I’ve noticed, is when I lack self-care - nutrition, exercise, rest and meditation my headache symptoms are worse - more intense, more gripping. Sometimes I’d wake up with jaw ache from grinding my teeth. I concluded that years of training and pushing my body’s limits combined with practising Osteopathy had come to a head. I knew I had to dedicate more time to releasing the pent-up tension in my neck and shoulders.

Enough was enough. I gathered up my strap, bolsters and blankets and set about creating a series of poses to combat my headaches. My props serving to support my rigid posture, to traction and find space in my muscles, for the fluids to find their rhythm and gain back its potency, balance and be nourished with Prana I’d been lacking. I didn’t even have to think too much - my body just knew what it wanted, if she could speak she’d say ‘let me rest, let me breathe’ and ‘thank you’. 

By Emma Robinson

For a chance to explore some of the causes of headaches and yoga techniques which can help come along to Emma’s workshop on Sunday 14th July at 2.00pm. Click here for more information and to reserve a space.