Yoga for Headache - January 2023 

Instant Calm!

Meditation and breathing exercises are often recommended as the primary methods for cultivating calmness in the mind and body. Today we would like to introduce you to another effective yoga posture called legs-up-the-wall-pose. The beauty of yoga is that by simply placing our body in a certain position, we can instantaneously generate a sensation of peace and relaxation. 

Legs-up-the-wall pose is said to help with anxiety, insomnia, headache, stress, fatigue, low back pain, and other issues. The pose works by aiding circulation and draining the lower-extremity lymphatics. Therefore, it's a wonderful pose to do at the end of the day or before going to bed. Once you're in the pose, you will immediately notice how it taps into the parasympathetic nervous system and encourages slow, deep breathing.

Try it out at home!
1. Stand perpendicular to a wall. Using a hand on the wall for support, gently lower yourself down onto the floor.
2. Supporting yourself with your hands, lie down on your back while bringing your legs up the wall.
3. Turn your palms up and relax your arms alongside your body. Alternatively, you can place them on your abdomen or heart space.
4. Feel your spine release, and let your breath guide you into deeper relaxation.
5. Stay for anywhere up to 10 minutes.

Tips!
*Since you will be in the pose for a while, use any tools to increase comfort: eye pillow, relaxing music, hot or ice pack, etc.
*To come out of the pose, bend your knees and let them drop to the right side. You're welcome to stay here for a minute before using your hands to help yourself into a seated position.

Still have questions or need help with this pose? Come to the free Barrow Yoga for Headache classes to learn more!