What exercises will help my headaches and lower-back tension?
This is a simple sequence of postures that help rest the back and improve energy levels in the spine. They are also useful for migraines, mental tension and fighting fatigue.
• Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cradle the base of your skull in your hands. Feel the weight of your head and let it rest in the support of your fingers. Stay in this posture for one to three minutes.
• Lying on your back with legs straight, slide your hands, palms down, under your lower back so your fingertips are level with the top of your hips. Rest here for one to three minutes.
• Lying flat on your back, place your right hand under the base of your skull and your left hand, palm down, at the base of your spine. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply for one to three minutes.
These postures are based on yoga poses and the healing systems of the East. They are great for headaches and back tension and for a quick and easy energy boost.
Alison Finney is a certified hatha and kundalini yoga teacher in Ottawa. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance and the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and is the founder of PranaShanti, a health and yoga resource. For more information, visit www.pranashanti.com.
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