YOGA FOR MIGRAINE - IV

YOGA FOR MIGRAINE – IV

 

Inverted asanas that loosen up the cervical and shoulder areas and increase blood flow to the brain

 

A migraine causes decreased blood flow to the brain. Today, I'm giving you a set of inverted asanas that loosen up the cervical and shoulder areas and also increase blood flow to the brain. These asanas also give extra blood supply to the pituary gland that lies in the brain and this helps to improve the functioning of the Endocrine (hormonal) System and the health of the body. As you do these, try and relax as you hold the final position.

 

Caution: Those with hernia, high blood pressure, heart conditions and severe back problems should not do these exercises.

 

EXERCISE 1

Ü      Lie flat on your back, your arms by your side. Slowly raise both legs to a 90 degree position

Ü      Lift your hips and back off the floor, lower your legs towards your head, support your hips with your hands

Ü      Slowly bring your hands lower down your back towards your shoulders and bring your legs to 90 degrees. Support your entire body with your shoulders so that the body and legs are in a straight line. Keep the chin pressed against the chest

Ü      Hold for 30 - 60 seconds, breathing normal

Ü      Gradually lower your back and legs without strain or jerky movements.

 

EXERCISE 2

Ü      Sit with your legs stretched out and the back straight   

Ü      Bend one leg; place the ankle on the opposite thigh close to the groin. Bend the other leg and place the ankle on the thigh of the bent leg, close to the groin

Ü      Lean back on your elbows and slowly lower your head and back to the floor

Ü      Bend your elbows behind the head; place your palms on the floor, your fingers pointing to your feet. Press down on your palms; raise your head and shoulders to rest on the crown of your head. Hold your toes with your fingers

Ü      Hold for 10-30 seconds

Ü      Release the toes, press down on your elbows and raise your head and shoulders. Prop yourself up on the elbows, then straighten your arms one at a time and then come back to the start position.

 

EXERCISE 3

Ü      Lie flat on your back, your arms by your side, the palms down

Ü      Raise your legs, keeping them straight

Ü      Lift your back off the floor and bring your legs towards the head

Ü      Slowly lower your legs behind your head and touch the floor with your toes. Keep your knees straight

Ü      Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normal

Ü      Slowly lower your legs and resume start position.

 

EXERCISE 4

Ü      Repeat step one to four of exercise three

Ü      Shift your arms and interlock them above the head

Ü      Bend your knees and drop them down to rest on your folded arms as shown. If more comfortable, you can interlock your arms over your legs

Ü      Hold for 10-30 seconds

Ü      Straighten your knees, lower your arms, slowly lower your legs and come back to start position.