11-Jul-2012

Tension Taming

Help for Headaches

You know the feeling…a headache in the making. One of the most common causes of headaches is stress. Tension headaches are often caused by emotional distress, anxiety and anger. When you are upset, you tense the facial and jaw muscles, constricting blood flow to the brain. Headaches can also signal low blood sugar, sinus infections, vision problems, insomnia and food sensitivities, so consult your physician if headaches persist or are extreme.

It’s possible to head tension headaches off at the pass by learning to tame your tension. When you feel tense or worried, start with some long deep breathing. Drink plenty of water, do a meditation to release the emotions, or take a soothing bath. Yogis know the benefits of neck lock in reducing headache-causing tension by allowing the energy to flow more freely to your brain. Another effective headache helper is a simple neck stretch, called the Abracadabra Stretch. Breathe deeply as you stretch to release fear, anger, resentment or emotional issues.

Meditation for Headaches (video)

Recommended: Yoga for Health – Headache Basics (DVD) and Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times (DVD) by Judith Lasater