Many asanas bend the spine forward, but few expressly turn the cervical (neck) region of the spine in a forward direction.
Sarvangasana does this very effectively and improves the flexibility of the vertebrae and the tone of the nerves that pass through the neck to and from the brain.
Furthermore, the nerves in this region receive a fresh supply of oxygenated blood, which helps to keep them in good condition.
These nerves penetrate the entire body, so their good health again leads to improved health.
The bending of the spine at the neck also helps to remove headaches.
Headache and migraine are believed to be partly caused by compression of certain blood vessels in the brain.
Sirshasana helps to relax and strengthen these vessels, thereby preventing these ailments.
However, sirsasana should not be done during the actual time of headache or migraine. These ailments are also associated with mental tension, so sirsasana helps to prevent these ailments by inducing calmness.
3. Pranamasana (Bowing pose)
Sit in Vajrasana.
Grasp the lower part of the calves just above the ankles with your hands.
Bend forward and place the crown of your head on the floor in front of your knees.
Your head should rest on a folded blanket.
Raise your buttocks until the thighs are as vertical as is comfortable.
Breathe normally with awareness.
Remain in this position for a comfortable length of time.
Bowing pose mainly directs an extra supply of blood to the brain. As such, it helps remove tiredness, mental fatigue and inevitable headaches.
This asana is named after the great yogi Matsyendranath, who is reputed to have performed meditational practices in the complete form of matsyendrasana.
This is one of the most challenging asanas in yoga, requiring a ‘rubber body’.
Ardha matsyendrasana has been found beneficial in treating headaches, backaches, neckaches, and general body stiffness.
5. Halasana
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are rendered more efficient.
The abdominal muscles are strengthened.
The abdominal organs are massaged. This helps to remove backache, neckache, and headache.
6. Padahastasana
Headache is generally caused by chronic stress and worry, muscular tension, displacement of vertebrae and compression of associated nerves and most commonly by a lousy sitting position for extended periods.
Padahastasana helps to eliminate it and prevents pain in the spine and head.
It is a beneficial asana during work when these aches and pains quickly arise.
7. Jalneti
Neti helps cure sinusitis, ailments of the eyes, nose and throat, tonsillitis, catarrh, and inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.
It is effective in removing headaches, insomnia and tiredness.
Neti subtly influences the various nerves that end in the nasal passages, such as the olfactory bulb and other adjacent nerves that innervate the eyes, ears, etc.
This has a soothing influence on the brain and can help relieve ailments such as migraines, epilepsy, depression, tension, etc.
8. Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra can be used to calm patients and aid recovery from various types of diseases by encouraging the activation of the self-curative functions of the body.
It can treat asthma, diabetes, headache, migraine, and neuro-physical disturbances such as neurasthenia and hypertension.
