Monday, August 11, 2008

Beat that headache with yoga!


Headaches can prove to be chronic ailments and can sap us completely. Some victims know the triggers, especially with migraines, and learn to avoid foods, situations or stressors that set off a headache. Where the trigger is psychosomatic yoga can offer immense help in preventing or relieving a bout.

Other headache triggers involve a weak neck, bad posture, work conditions that are not ergonomic, eyestrain (especially due to bad lighting or squinting) or weak eyesight that has been neglected.

Congestion in the respiratory system is yet another common cause. Some athletes or exercise freaks also suffer from a sudden attack from over-exertion. Such physical causes are naturally offset by a regular yoga sadhana.

Sometimes the causes for a headache may be hidden. Bad eating habits, including skipping meals, can trigger headaches caused by plummeting blood sugar levels. Overeating and chronic constipation may be other causes.

Certain medications can also have an allergic reaction that sets off a pulsating pain in the head. Any unusual physical activity done suddenly may set off a headache, called exertional headache. Certain foods like cheese and MSG used in Chinese food are also known triggers in chronic cases.

In such cases being aware of the trigger may help avoid it. Involving a medical practitioner would help you locate the cause faster. Once conventional therapy has been started, you may consider complementing it with a regular yoga sadhana which powers the body against such attacks.

Shameem Akthar, yoga acharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Kerala, leads you through five yogic practices that help relieve headaches.

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Introduction to Yoga

Introduction Yoga' means not only contemplation but also communion and yoking all powers of the body, mind and soul to God. It is a very ancient and efficient system of disciplines and controls designed to produce the integration of the body, mind and spirit. It also achieves higher states of awareness and self-realization by methodical efforts to attain perfection. The therapeutic benefits obtained by performing the asanas are well known. The circulation of the blood is improved; tensions can be removed, and a feeling of well-being is induced. The muscles are strengthened, nerves soothed and physical endurance is increased. One important aspect is that blood vessels and nerves for the internal organs are "massaged" by the twists and bending, ensuring proper functioning. Ageing bodies can have fewer aches and pains, stiffening of joints can be healed and depression alleviated. 1. Hatha Yoga Concerned, primarily with the body and the asanas. 2. Bhakti Yoga Path of love and devotion. 3. Mantra Yoga Recitation and repetition of words and verses. 4. Karma Yoga Service through action and work. 5. Jnana Yoga The intellectual path. 6. Raja Yoga Synthesis of Bhakti, Karma and Janan. 7. Laya Yoga The secret path, the 'Yoga of Dissolution'. What is Yoga? Yoga is a philosophy brought down diligently through the ages. And, it has acquired more significance now because of the “stressed out” way of life that we live in this fast paced world filled with pressure, anxiety and energy consuming routine. In ancient times, the seven stages of yoga consisted of : 1. Eyama – Good deeds 2. Niyama – Stoping bad habits 3. Asanas – 4. Pranayama – Breathing 5. Pratikaharan – Special diet 6. Dharana / Dyanam – Concentration 7. Samadhi – Submitting oneself to die What we are trying to do here is not drill into your head that it is some kind of an exercise that has to be done. IT is certainly not so because it is just not some form of an exercise or some form of a routine that has to be rigidly followed. It is more of a philosophy and it has to become a part of yourself as much as eating, brushing your teeth, combing your hair or even breathing. And, once it pervades your system there is no way that any thing can take its place. It becomes so much of a second nature to you that you find it difficult to even imagine that how you had lived without it for so long. And this, is no exaggeration – it is the pure and simple truth itself. Yoga Reduces heart beat Charges energy leading to less food requirement Reduces tension Leads to calm and composure Exercise Enhances heart beat Discharges energy leading to increased food requirement Increases tension Gives went to aggression