Yoga for Migraine Relief

The National Migraine Association says that about 36 million Americans suffer from migraines, a disease from neurological causes that includes intense pain in the head and sensory overload. Some factors that trigger migraines include stress, fatigue and anxiety. These are all causes that yoga might help. The National Headache Foundation offers yoga as a possible method to prevent and treat migraines because it encourages relaxation. Work with a certified yoga instructor to learn the proper way to practice poses and to avoid injury. For migraines, find an instructor who specializes in headaches or restorative yoga.

Stress and Anxiety

Yoga is an option that might prevent and relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, two triggers of migraines. The National Headache Foundation suggests deep breathing, exercise, visualization and progressive muscle relaxation as possible options to prevent migraines. Depending on the class, yoga can include all of these aspects. The meditation and breathing exercises found in yoga practices can reduce your stress and even teach you to handle stressful situations differently.

Muscle Tension

If practiced correctly, yoga can release tension and loosen tight muscles, especially in the back and neck. Since tight muscles can trigger headaches, yoga could potentially help. Yoga can also improve posture to put less pressure on your muscles and head. However, if practiced incorrectly, yoga poses can cause muscle tightness and injury.

Awareness

Yoga increases a consciousness of your body and how you're feeling. Through consistent practice, you become aware of your body when it's healthy and the subtle differences when something is wrong. This awareness can lead you to changes that could prevent a migraine, if you notice the first signs of it coming on. The awareness found in yoga can also help you pay closer attention to what you eat and how it affects your body. Since certain foods can trigger migraines, yoga might help in this way.

Restorative Practice

Restorative poses might help you prevent a migraine and reduce symptoms during a migraine. These are poses that are calming and not intense. They do not put pressure on the body but instead promote relaxation and help you re-energize. One goal of yoga is to help you let go of your senses and focus on internal and spiritual aspects of your life. Restorative poses can help you accomplish this goal, which might ease the sensory overload that accompanies migraines. Some restorative poses to try are Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose, Reclining Hero Pose and Corpse Pose.