By Dr. Deepa Verma
The Daily Meal

We all know that waking up with a hangover can rank up there with a nasty stomach virus or a tooth extraction: seriously unpleasant and oh-so-painful. Depending on your pick of the poison and how much of it you imbibed, there will be some serious consequences to pay. Heading to the medicine cabinet to grab some acetaminophen or ibuprofen can amplify damage done to the liver or kidneys, because analgesics such as these actually reduce the blood flow to these organs. Instead, opt for another antidote, a much healthier one -- yoga.

In addition to rehydrating with water, fresh juices or other non-caffeinated beverages, engaging in yoga poses will hasten your recovery, transitioning you from queasy, head-pounding oblivion to a tranquil and calming clarity. Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means "to merge the spirit and body." It is a very ancient Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline that is now widely practiced all over the world for the benefits of health and relaxation -- and is excellent as a hangover cure.

Yoga is thought to be especially beneficial as a hangover panacea because it is noted to release toxins, improve circulation, and aid the digestion process. Yoga helps relieve tension in the body from head to toe, and gets the blood moving so that every part of the body feels oxygenated and rejuvenated.

If you are a novice to yoga, it is suggested that you seek the help and guidance of a knowledgeable yoga instructor. Namaste and good luck.

Yoga Poses To Cure Your Hangover Slideshow

 

Ardha Uttanasana (standing half forward bend)

This pose stretches out the muscles that may feel achy during the dreaded hangover period. Additionally, it calms and quiets the mind, induces restful sleep, and regulates blood pressure -- which can go haywire after a night of Bacchanalia. Ardha Uttanasana can diminish stomach pains, anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue. It also has therapeutic effects of relieving head congestion which sometimes can be felt during a hangover.

 

Janu Sirsasana (head to knee pose)

This pose calms the brain as the spine and shoulders are stretched out. Hangover headaches and anxiety are relieved while the liver and kidneys are stimulated and cleansed -- one more reason not to reach for the contents of your medicine cabinet.

 

Balasana (child's pose)

The full-body, gravitational pull of this pose imparts a sense of wonderful emotional, mental and physical relief. Stress and anxiety are once again alleviated while the mind is made to feel calm. Balasana promotes strong and steady breathing and improves blood circulation though the body.

 

Navasana (boat pose)

We know that a hangover messes with mental and physical aspects of the body. This pose -- which tests abdominal strength -- enhances balance and digestion. The intestines, thyroid, kidneys, and prostate gland are all stimulated, thus jump-starting the metabolism and speeding up the detoxification process. Balance and coordination are improved, both of which can be compromised due to inebriation.

 

Apanasana (knee to chest pose)

Have you ever felt nauseous and bloated while experiencing a hangover? Well, this pose improves the function of the colon and is a remedy for abdominal bloating and queasiness. Apana is the Sanskrit word for "downward flowing life force" which is the opposite of Prana, the vital life force. While Prana gives life to the body through breathing techniques, Apana in contrast emphasizes elimination and outward processes from the body. Elimination of toxins and impurities through the lungs and kidneys and liver occur with this pose.

 

Supta Matsyendrasana (reclining spinal twist)

A truly regenerative pose, Supta Matsyendrasana helps hydrate the spinal discs while lengthening, relaxing, and realigning the spine. Abdominal organs are massaged, promoting toxin removal. The twist in this pose encourages fresh blood flow to the digestive organs, thereby improving the health of the whole digestive system. It is therapeutic for stress as well -- which seems plenty abundant these days, hungover or not.

 

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward-facing dog pose)

This pose is reinvigorating: The chest and lungs are opened, allowing critical air exchange to occur, in turn purifying the blood and internal organs. Fatigue, depression, and sciatica can be relieved. Headaches due to tension from neck and back muscles are alleviated. The overall posture of your body will be improved: after finishing up with this pose, you can stand up tall and think, "What hangover?"

 

Bitilasana (cow pose)

This pose is very beneficial in relieving stress, both mental and physical.

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For the complete list of Yoga Poses To Cure Your Hangover, go to TheDailyMeal.com.

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