Headaches are unpredictable and can present themselves at inconvenient times. Whether you’re enjoying a day out, have deadlines looming, or you’re trying to exercise, a headache is never welcome. But before you reach for the paracetamol, why not try some deep breathing to soothe that pain?
While many of us are accustomed to using deep breathing in the yoga studio, did you know that you can use similar techniques to aid pain relief*? Stress, tension and a lack of oxygen are just some of the reasons you might feel pain in your head, but by learning a simple breathing technique, you could soothe your headache no matter where you are. Deep breathing helps relieve tension in your shoulders, neck and head, allowing your muscles to relax and blood to flow more freely. It also helps increase the amount of oxygen getting to your brain, which in turn alleviates the headache symptoms. How to soothe a headache: The Straw Breath If you’re in public when your headache arises, you might feel self-conscious about embarking on an extravagant breathing technique. That’s why The Straw Breath makes for the perfect companion in any setting. This simple technique can be practised anywhere and even goes undetected by the people around you. Breathwork is all about what feels good for you. It is about being gentle and taking time for yourself, even if that’s just a few moments. By softening the face, shoulders, neck and jaw, you can begin to soothe the pain. So, let’s begin. For this technique, you can have your eyes opened or closed – whatever feels most comfortable. It can be done standing, sitting or lying down, so it really doesn’t matter where you are, what you’re doing or who you’re with.Carolyn Cowan is a London-based psychotherapist and breathwork teacher. Find out more about Carolyn and her work at carolyncowan.com.
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Join the Academy and learn from some of the best spiritual
and wellbeing teachers in the world
Join the Academy and learn from some of the best spiritual
and wellbeing teachers in the world