YOGA AND MIGRAINES

Migraine patients are encouraged to do regular aerobic exercise to reduce frequency and intensity of migraine. Unfortunately, exercise can be a trigger in 22% of patients with migraine leading to a more sedentary lifestyle and an increase in migraine.

Yoga is a form of exercise that combines slow, intentional movements with breathing techniques  and meditation. The benefits from yoga include flexibility, muscle strengthening and both physical and mental benefits.

Besides as an exercise, there are other benefits of yoga  including a reduction of stress that then leads to better sleep, which is extremely important in warding off migraines. Relaxation calms the sympathetic nervous systems (the part of the body that says fight or flight) reducing chemicals that may increase the chances of migraine.

So go grab a mat and get your yoga practice started!

Kisan R, Sujan M, Adoor M, et al. Effect of Yoga on migraine: A comprehensive study using clinical profile and cardiac autonomic functions. Int J Yoga. 2014;7(2):126-32.