How yoga can impact migraines
Highlights
- Not only is yoga a holistic approach to fighting migraines as they’re happening, it’s also a proactive approach to lessen the pain.
- Specific yoga poses can target tension and stress, which may be contributing to your migraines.
- For best results, consider practicing yoga in addition to your regular treatment regimen.
Migraines are more intense than common headaches. They’re typically characterized by a throbbing pain on one side of the head. They’re often accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Not only is yoga a holistic approach to fighting migraines as they’re happening, it’s also a proactive approach to reduce the pain.
RESEARCH
What does the research say?
- A 2014 study found that headache frequency and intensity was reduced in people who practiced yoga in addition to their regular treatment regimen. These participants also experienced an improvement in vagal tone, which refers to the amount of activity in the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
Overall, yoga improved the cardiac autonomic balance. Disturbances in the autonomic nervous system and in the regulation of the circulatory system are associated with migraines. If balance is restored, the likelihood of a migraine is reduced.
What poses can you try?
Specific yoga poses can target tension and stress, which may be contributing to your migraines. Certain poses can help boost circulation and improve blood flow to your brain. This may lessen any pain or throbbing sensations that you’re having.
Here are four poses that may help relieve your symptoms and provide balance to you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Although you can try these poses during a migraine, you may have better results if you add yoga to your daily routine.