Written By: Paulami Pan | Updated: May 16, 2016, 6:41 PM
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The human head can be more than 8% of a person's body weight, which is quite a lot for a neck to carry. Find out how to stay fit in today's neck-breaking competition! Ajinkya Meher of the Yoga Institute shares tips us on how these five basic yoga postures help ward off neck pain and alleviate stress.
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The lateral stretch: This stretch is extremely beneficial for people suffering from tight, aching muscles in the upper back and neck, and especially those who have to sit before a computer for hours at a stretch. To perform this pose, look straight forward and do not let the chin drop down. Move your right ear towards the right shoulder. Don't let your shoulder lift up. Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
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The forward flexion or chin to chest stretch: Performing the simple forward flexion stretch on a regular basis can help to ease muscular aches and pains in the neck and upper back. To do this stretch, stand facing straight forwards and with your arms in front of you, keep the elbows straight and clasp your hands together to stop your shoulders from elevating. Bring your chin down to meet your chest, hold for between 10 and 30 seconds.
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The neck rotation stretch: Rotating the neck can help ease neck aches. To carry out this pose, rotate your neck clockwise 20 times. Rest for 20 seconds. Repeat the same process in anticlockwise.
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The side neck twist: Stretching the neck from side to side can help ease neck stiffness, especially if you apply gentle pressure with your hand. To do this pose, start facing straight forwards and with your arms in front of you. Keep the elbows straight and clasp your hands together to stop your shoulders from elevating. Turn your neck so that your chin moves towards your shoulder and hold for between 10 and 30 seconds.
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The upward stretch: Do away with stiffness, stress and headaches with the upward neck stretch. Cup your neck from behind. Tilt your chin upward. Lift your chin to stretch the front of your neck. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then relax and lower your chin. Repeat the same again after a gap of two minutes.
