Yoga for migraine headache cure

A migraine is a vascular headache which is caused when the nerve endings become either inflated or irritated. This may be caused when the blood vessels present on the surface of the brain begin to dilate and expand.

The symptoms of migraine can be quite distressing. Pain, tunnel vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sounds, and mood drifts are some of the common symptoms that accompany the often mind numbing pains. Though a migraine is not always considered a dangerous disorder, the truth is that every year, more than 20 million Americans complain of migraines. Out of this number, about 75% are women.

The pain of a migraine is unfortunately not only restricted to the forehead. It emanates into the back of the head, the temples, neck, eyes, sinus cavities and if very severe, the whole of the face.

Though doctors have been working to find a migraine headache cure, an effective one is yet to be found. Meanwhile, to seek relief from this pain and its symptoms, medications which primary consist of pain killers might be prescribed.

For each individual, the triggers of the attack may vary. Though harmless, a sudden change in odors, lighting or sound can trigger the often debilitating migraines. Though these are the common migraine headache causes, there may be other biochemical changes that induce migraine. Women may often experience migraines immediately before or after their menstruation. Other causes of migraine headaches are menopause and other hormonal imbalances.

Migraine headache remedy

Common treatment methods for migraines include medications, exercises and stress relieving techniques. However, yoga, which is a combination of physical exercise, meditation, and stress relieving techniques, has gained popularity as an effective migraine alternative treatment method.

Yoga is considered one of the best migraine headache remedies because the yogic lifestyle includes exercise, stress relieving techniques, and a requisite amount of sleep. All of these together help decrease the risk for developing a migraine. When your mind is relaxed, you can prevent a sensory overload and therefore keep the migraine at bay.

Yoga for migraine headaches consists of several breathing techniques and poses. Along with Kapalbhatti, which is a breathing technique that can help cleanse your airways and detoxify your body, you can also practice poses like the Mountain pose, Crescent moon pose, Standing side stretch pose, Hands to feet pose, Triangle pose, Tree pose, Single leg raises, Spread leg forward fold, Leg raises, Child pose, Seated forward bend, Wind relieving pose, Sage twist pose, and finally the corpse pose.

Yoga can act as an effective remedy for your migraine.

Yoga for migraine - Remedy for migraine

What is a migraine?

Not every headache is a migraine. Migraines are characterized by pain on the temples, face, sinuses, back of the neck, or around the eyes. Migraine headaches are usually preceded by an aura or flashes of light behind the eyes. The pain can be debilitating and may last for up to 72 hours.

What are the causes of migraine headaches?

Although the exact causes are still unclear, it has been surmised that migraines are caused when the nerve ending surrounding the brain get irritated and inflamed. There are different factors that can trigger a migraine attack in different individuals. Some of these factors include stress, certain medications, excessive light, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, certain smells or changes in sleeping pattern. Women are more susceptible to experiencing migraines than men.

Cures for migraines

As the exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown, there is no medicinal cure for them. However, there are a number of medications that can be administered to provide relief from the symptoms. Of course, since the underlying cause is never addressed by these medicines, you need to keep taking them as and when a migraine strikes.

Natural remedies for migraines

Identifying the factors that trigger a migraine headache can go a long way in helping you deal with this condition. If you know the external factors that trigger your migraine headaches, you can at least try to avoid them. Aromatherapy can also help to soothe the symptoms of a migraine attack.

Yoga for migraine

One form of alternative therapy that can help ensure that you never have to suffer from migraine attacks again is yoga. Practicing yoga on a regular and consistent basis will not only help to provide relief for migraine, it will also ensure overall health and well being. Let us take a look at some of the common yoga poses that can provide relief from migraines.

Sukhasana or Padmasana
The Sukhasana (or Easy Pose) and Padmasana (or Lotus Pose) are the basic seated yoga poses. These poses not only help to stretch your spine, but when performed with the proper breathing techniques, they can help to reduce the onset of migraine attacks.

Tadasana
The Tadasana (or Mountain Pose) is a basic standing pose and also offers significant benefits in the treatment of migraines.

Bhujangasana
The Bhujangasna (Cobra Pose) not only helps to strengthen your back and shoulders, it also helps to release all the accumulated stress and tension from the neck and shoulder muscles. This is a great remedy for migraine headaches.

Shravasana
The Shravasana (Corpse Pose) is a supine yoga pose that allows you to concentrate on actively relaxing the different parts of your body. This is also very beneficial for treating migraine attacks.