Introduction
Due to a constantly faulty lifestyle, food habits, stressful situations, the body has to struggle with many diseases. One of these diseases is migraine, in which half of the head seems to burst and there is severe pain. It is the most common problem in the world running at a fast pace of materialism.
The specialty of this very severe headache that occurs from time to time is that the pain occurs only in half the head and is often associated with vomiting and astigmatism. This disease occurs more in women than in men. It is believed that migraine pain occurs due to the expansion of the external cranial blood vessels due to the imbalance of automatic or autonomic nerves.
These nerves control the blood flow of the head by maintaining the contraction of the vessels. Due to the expansion of the vessels, the pain-sensitive fibers located in their walls get stimulated and produce pain.
There is a familial tendency in migraine. Some or the other relative of about three-fourths of the patients has also been found to be affected by this disease. But it has not yet been proved whether the disease is genetic or behavioral inheritance.
Generally, migraine pain occurs from time to time starting from adolescence till late middle age. The attacks of pain occur at intervals ranging from a few days to several months. Often they are related to emotional pressure filled ambitions or unexpressed sexual problems, which cause irritability and annoyance. Surprisingly, many times the pain occurs in a stress-free state, when the stressful situation seems to be almost over.
Yoga practices restore the secretion cycle, quantity and proportion of chemicals like serotonin-melatonin in the brain. They make a person more emotionally balanced and balance the psycho-physical relations by bringing about changes in the attitude towards life and lifestyle. Yoga removes the obstructions in the flow of life force and the flow of life force in the entire body starts in a better way.
Neti and Kunjal are two basic Hatha Yogic practices for the treatment of migraine and severe headache. If they are practiced as soon as a migraine attack is anticipated, the person gets immediate relief. Whatever previously stored psycho-emotional tensions, which were precipitating the pain attack, are released by these practices.
It is well known that if a migraine patient vomits spontaneously, the intensity of the symptom decreases. This fact confirms that the physio-mental reaction of Kunjal is capable of releasing unexpressed tensions or emotions from the unconscious mind. These kriyas should be practiced daily in the morning to eradicate the disease from its roots.
Migraine- Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms
Migraine symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally include:
• Intense throbbing or pulsating headache, often on one side of the head.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell or touch.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots or zig-zag lines, which may occur before or during the headache phase.
• Dizziness.
• Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs.
• Difficulty speaking or concentrating.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Neck pain or stiffness.
Causes
The exact causes of migraine are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Genetics: Migraines usually run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. Specific genetic mutations and variations may increase susceptibility to migraines.
Hormonal factors: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially in women, can trigger migraines. Many women report migraines around the time of menstruation, during pregnancy, or while taking hormonal contraceptives.
Triggers: Various environmental and lifestyle factors can act as triggers for migraines in susceptible individuals. Common triggers include certain foods and beverages (such as aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine), dehydration, irregular eating patterns, stress, lack of sleep, bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, and weather changes.
Neurological abnormalities: Migraines involve abnormal brain activity, resulting in the typical pain and other symptoms associated with migraines.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, and weather changes, may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.
Medications: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, vasodilators, and some over-the-counter pain relievers, may trigger migraines in some people.
Yogic Management of Migraine
1, Hatha Yoga
• Kunjal daily for a few days, then Neti once or twice a week
• Shankha Prakshalana should be performed once, in an ashram only. Sometimes Prakshalana may aggravate symptoms, so be cautious.
• Laghu Shankha Prakshalana once a week.
2, Asanas
• Pawan Muktasana
• Surya Namaskar – according to strength, Shashankasana, Pranamasana
• General forward and backward bending asanas
3, Pranayama
• Light Bhastrika Pranayama
• Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
• Bhramari Pranayama
4, Yoga Nidra
• Daily practice of Yoga Nidra
• Meditation practices
Diet tips for Migraine
Along with exercises, simple vegetarian food is recommended. Consumption of heavy food, especially cheese, chocolate, alcohol, etc. is prohibited. Do not eat food in large quantities.
By not eating food at one time in stressful situations and relaxing in Shavasana for 10 minutes, the imminent attack of headache can be avoided.
Is pranayama good for migraine?
Pranayama, a yoga practice involving breath control, may potentially help manage migraines by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall health. However, it is important to consult a health care professional before starting any new exercise, especially if you have a medical condition such as migraine, to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Pranayama techniques often focus on deep, controlled breathing, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Since stress and tension are common triggers of migraine, practicing pranayama regularly can help manage migraine symptoms by calming the nervous system and reducing overall stress levels.
Additionally, certain pranayama techniques can improve blood circulation and oxygenation, thereby potentially reducing migraine symptoms by addressing the underlying physical factors.
Can Kapalbhati cure migraine?
Yoga and deep breathing exercises such as Kapalabhati can help manage stress, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which could potentially reduce the frequency or intensity of migraines in some individuals.
Additionally, incorporating yoga into an overall migraine management plan that includes other lifestyle modifications and treatments may provide benefits.
It is important to adopt alternative treatments like Kapalbhati as a complement to, rather than as a replacement for, conventional medical treatments for migraine. Always consult a health care professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a medical condition such as migraine.
Important for Migraine
• If constipation, menstrual irregularities, nose, ear, throat disease or spinal cord problem is involved, then proper treatment of the same is also necessary.
• To reduce the stress of family, office or work load, take decisions wisely, try to change your lifestyle and environment and in between spend some time with nature away from artificial life.
• Do not be afraid of the problems of life, rather accept it and try to give it a positive form.
• Staying in an air-conditioned room for a long time or doing continuous close work increases the pain, so take breaks in between.
• Sleep on time, wake up on time, if you sleep late then you will be deprived of the joy of energy and health and the heaviness of the head will keep bothering you throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which yoga is best for migraine?
Yoga exercises that focus on relaxation, stress reduction, and light stretching may be beneficial for managing migraines. Pranayam can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Shavasana is a relaxation pose that involves lying on your back with arms and legs extended, focusing on deep breathing and releasing tension from the body. It may help promote relaxation and reduce migraine symptoms. Meditation can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, which may help prevent migraines or reduce their severity.
Is there yoga for migraine?
Yes, there are specific yoga asanas and exercises that can help reduce and provide relief from migraine symptoms. Some gentle yoga postures, deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, tension, which can help manage migraines.
How I Cured my migraine naturally?
Treating migraines naturally often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and holistic treatments. Some methods include managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol and processed foods, getting regular exercise.
What is the fastest way to stop a migraine?
The quickest way to prevent migraines varies from person to person, but some common methods include: Medications can help reduce migraine pain when taken at the beginning of symptoms. Finding a quiet, dark room to rest and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce migraine symptoms. Cold or warm compress: Applying a cold or warm compress to the head or neck can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with migraines.
Can exercise stop migraine?
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga are often well-tolerated by people with migraines. Consistency is key, so establishing a regular exercise routine and incorporating it into your lifestyle may help in managing migraines over the long term.
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