How to Use Yoga to Treat Migraines

Migraines can be hard to diagnose and treat. Looking at body and lifestyle as a holistic health system can be helpful, which is why yoga has become important for many migraine sufferers. Yoga can be used as a means to alleviate and prevent symptoms that range from disorienting to painful. Yoga addresses posture, breathing and muscular tension, so you can successfully use it to manage migraines and improve overall health. Read on to learn how to use yoga to treat migraines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yoga mat
• Yoga DVD

Learn About Migraine Causes and Symptoms

1. Research migraines online at ABC of Yoga or pick up a copy of "Yoga Therapy for Headache Relief." See the Resources section below for a link. Knowing the causes and effects of migraines on the body will help you tailor your yoga program for your individual use.

2. Identify which migraine symptoms you most often display. These may include dizziness, pulsating headache, nausea and light sensitivity, among others.

3. Understand that physical and mental stress can be a major trigger for migraines and may be the root cause of many of your symptoms.

Learn Yoga to Treat Migraines

4. Prepare to use yoga in addition to other means of stress relief, such as adjusting your personal schedule or practicing ergonomic habits at home or at work.

5. Learn yoga by taking a beginner's class or working along with a video, such as "Yoga for Stress Relief." See the Resources section below for a link. Begin with the least strenuous practice and increase movements as you become stronger.

6. Ask your instructor or consult a reference to move beyond yoga basics to postures that directly address the migraine symptoms you identified or that contribute to overall stress relief.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your yoga instructor about your migraine history or if you are having a headache during class. Your movements may need to be modified.
• To treat migraines, gentle stretching is the goal, not a power workout.
• If you have a headache at the time you are practicing yoga, never do an inversion or movement that raises your heart above your head. This may worsen the pain.
• If any movement hurts, stop and return to a more comfortable pose.

Resources

• Quick Info on the ABC of Yoga Website
• In-depth Discussion in Yoga Therapy for Headache Relief
• Yoga Technique on DVD in Yoga for Stress Relief

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