Yoga for hangover, does it work? Learn the yoga poses to stop hangovers in this article.
Well, let’s say you went out and overindulged last night. Or you stayed in and overindulged. Either way, you had fun. Did you know that you can use yoga as a hangover cure?
While, yes, the last thing you may feel like doing is getting out of bed and stretching, we have news for you – you don’t even need to get out of bed to do these poses.
Practicing yoga has a variety of benefits that can virtually stop your hangover in its tracks. So, before you try your go-to hair of the dog, delaying that hangover just a little bit longer instead of getting rid of it, consider the yoga for hangover method.
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How Can Yoga Cure My Hangover?
Before we get into particular poses, let’s have a quick look at how yoga can cure your hangover in the first place. Besides partaking in yoga to achieve that killer, lean body that comes with being a serious yogi, we use yoga to calm our nervous system. Yoga reduces stress not only in the mind but also the body.
When we consume alcohol, we mess with the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in our brain. This often results in anxiety which can feel even worse after the alcohol wears off.
Continuous drinking also increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. Yoga reduces the production of cortisol and releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, getting your brain back to a state of balance and happiness rather than anxiety-ridden and depressed.
Yoga also helps reset the endocrine system which is thrown out of whack by drinking. Your endocrine system is responsible for sleep, mood, sexual function, and other things (and we’re sure you can personally attest to at least one of these things being off after a night of drinking).
So, now that you know all of this valuable information, try the following yoga poses next time you have a hangover. Once you get that serotonin back in your brain and your blood flowing, you’ll be ready to face the day rather than having to waste it in bed.
Corpse Pose
Let’s start with the Corpse Pose – fitting for a hangover, is it not? All you truly need to do is lie on your back, which you were probably already doing anyway. The best part about this pose is that is by exerting incredibly little effort, you can reduce that pounding headache, lower your blood pressure, reduce tension in your entire body, and improve your memory. Sign me up!
How to:
Lie flat on your back with your palms face up at your sides. Allow your body to completely relax, letting all of your limbs to go heavy and make meaningful contact with the bed. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax.
Supported Fetal Pose
This is a position you may naturally already go into when you’re hungover – and you can guess why. It literally involves just rolling onto your right side from your corpse pose position.
This position is ideal for hangovers because rolling onto your right-side places your heart (on the left side) above your organs. What does this do? It helps regulate the pulse as well as your blood pressure.
How to: Roll over onto your right side. Lie your head on your right bicep and slightly curl your knees up towards your stomach. Simply let your body relax and breathe deeply.
Seated Meditation
Did you know that you can meditate your hangover away? Well, maybe you can’t completely but you can certainly help ease the psychological effects that a hangover causes by practicing mediation. As a result, your physical symptoms may begin to cease as mental anguish often makes them worse than they already are.
How to: Sit in a comfortable position with your legs crossed (or as close to as you can go). Bring your hands together in a prayer position or rest them palms up on your inner things. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and give thanks that your yoga practice has helped ease your hangover away.
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Yes, there is an asana for bloating! The Legs-Up-the-Wall pose not only helps reduce bloating but it is also a great natural pain reliever when it comes to cramps, stomachaches, and migraines. Plus, it’s a great reliever for anxiety which can definitely exacerbate any of those conditions.
How to: You do not need to leave your bed for this position but you will need the support of the wall. Take your pillows and create support for your tailbone by placing them near the headboard of your bed, leaving a few inches between pillows and headboard.
Manoeuvre your tailbone onto the pillow and start walking your heels up the wall. Keep going until your legs are as straight as you can get them and you’re comfortable. Let your body relax, close your eyes, and breathe.
Supine Twist
Last but not least is the Supine Twist. You may be suffering from back pain after a night out for multiple reasons – and alcohol can also exacerbate back pain that was already there.
The Supine Twist helps relieve your back pain by elongating the muscles around your spine and giving your glutes and upper body a stretch. This stretch in the upper body helps your digestive system and removes toxins from your body.
How to: Don’t worry, you don’t need to sit up for this asana either. Bend one of your knees, bringing it up to your chest. With the opposite hand, pull it across your body. Stretch out your other arm so it’s level with your head.
Turn your head to look at your hand and breathe. Allow your stretch to deepen every time you exhale and make sure you’re keeping your shoulders flat on the bed. Whenever you’re ready, repeat on the opposite side.
The Final Word on Yoga for Hangover
And there you have it! Seriously consider practicing any of these yoga poses next time you have a hangover. They require minimal effort and will help ease your hangover in some way. Plus, if you decide not to try them, you’re really just laying there feeling sorry for yourself so why not give it a go?
