Tension Taming

Tension Taming

• 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. Breathe deeply as you stretch to release fear, anger, resentment or emotional issues.

Simple neck Stretch

• Most headaches are tension headaches, caused by decreased circulation to the head and due to neck and shoulder strain. Stretching those muscles looser is a fun way to get blood back to the brain.

• So give it a whirl! Sit looking straight ahead. Reach over with your left palm placed on top of your head, finger tips touching the top of the right ear. Tilt your head directly to the left without twisting or turning your head or neck. Once you have your head pulled to the side as far as you can without forcing it, begin to turn your head to the right, lifting your chin, as you keep the left hand pulling your head to the left side. When you have reached the full stretch, hold for 5-10 seconds. Move slowly out of the position and repeat, using your right hand to pull your head to the right. Repeat 5-10 times each side. Breathe deeply. Soon your headache will vanish!

Chin In Chest Out

• Very often, if not always, yoga has an emphatic focus on the movement of the spine. When you move into an asana (posture), you line it all up and then rest for a moment, letting it take effect. Most of the time, the finishing touch on that posture is jalandhar bandha, or yogic neck lock.

• Neck lock is easy to forget, but just as easy to remember! All you do is get into position in any given posture and then bring the chin toward the throat, where the Adam’s apple is on men. As you do it, you should feel an extension at the top of the spine, in the space between the backbone and the bottom of the skull. It feels so nice, why not do it now? Don’t wait for your next free time. This simple movement relieves a little bit of tension every time you do it, lowering stress and reducing chances of a headache. For additional benefit, puff out your chest like a proud peacock. And don’t forget that attitude! Embrace the stress-free living you deserve.

Bye-Bye Bruises

• Whether you’re a highly trained athlete, a yogi or gardener, you’re bound to strain a muscle now and then. Arnica (arnica montana) is a perennial herb used in preparation of a homeopathic remedy to help you heal faster from the bumps and bruises of daily life. Traditionally used by the mountain people of Siberia and Europe, this plant is a much-beloved member of nature’s pharmacy—also useful for parents of active children!

• Arnica flowers and roots are also used topically, alone or in combination with other herbs, in gels and creams. In addition to healing muscle soreness and bruising, arnica has been used to treat arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, eczema, fibromyalgia and certain headaches. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of arnica on osteoarthritis of the knee and the ability of arnica to reduce post-surgery swelling and pain. Keep arnica on hand as a sure-fire treatment for soothing and healing whatever makes you sore.

Thumbs Up

• Have you ever wondered about the ritual of giving a “thumbs up?” Ever since humans developed opposable thumbs, this versatile digit has given us the ability to grasp our world. In yogic teachings, your thumb represents the ego, which is why many yoga mudras connect the fingers to the thumb as a way of balancing the ego with your higher states of being. Chin mudra lets you channel divine knowledge into your ego, to achieve Cosmic Wisdom by touching your thumbs to your Jupiter (index) finger.

• Sometimes, the ego becomes a bit overzealous…so here are a couple of yogic techniques to help you out. Whenever you’re thinking negative thoughts (your ego’s way of protecting you), make a fist with your thumbs inside your fingers. Wrapping your thumb is like “swaddling” your ego and will help you feel calmer and more neutral. For a powerful preparation to your meditation, do 3 minutes of relaxation (Savasana) before you meditate. You will feel energized as this exercise strengthens your aura and eliminates negativity, tension and worries. Thumbs up to you!