Due to changing lifestyles, diets, and living conditions, it has been observed that as we age, we tend to suffer from various ailments, one of which is migraine. A migraine is a type of headache, but unlike a common headache, it doesn’t go away easily with medication or balm. A migraine is a persistent headache that usually affects only one side of the head and can last for a few hours to several days. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and loud noises. To get relief from this problem, you can try some yoga asanas. In this article, we will discuss what migraines are, their symptoms, and how you can alleviate them.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache that is quite different from a regular headache. It typically involves mild to severe pain on one side of the head. This headache is often caused by disorders in the nervous system. Migraine pain is very difficult to endure and can last from a few hours to several days.
Symptoms of Migraine
There are many symptoms of a migraine, and you can identify them as follows:
- Seeing dark spots before the eyes
- Tingling sensation in the skin
- Feeling of weakness
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Increased irritability
- Pain on one side of the head
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
Causes of Migraine
According to scientific definitions, migraines occur due to certain changes in the nerves, chemicals, and vessels present in the brain. This pain is unbearable. Some of the causes are as follows:
- Dehydration
- Excessive worrying
- Taking too much stress
- Hormonal changes in women
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Excessive heat
- Strong odors
- Certain medications, such as contraceptive pills
Yoga Asanas for Migraine Relief
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend):
To perform Paschimottanasana, sit on the floor with both legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep breath and slowly bend forward, trying to touch your toes with your hands and your nose to your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds and then return to the original position. This yoga asana is very effective in relieving migraine pain. - Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose):
To perform Setu Bandhasana, lie down on your back on a yoga mat and place your hands beside you. Slowly bend your knees and bring your feet close to your hips. Lift your hips off the floor as high as you can. Hold this position for a few seconds while holding your breath, then exhale and return to the original position. - Marjariasana (Cat Pose):
To perform Marjariasana, come onto your hands and knees. Arch your back outward and stretch it until you feel a pull in your back. Inhale and lift your head upwards towards the ceiling. You may feel a stretch in your chest as you do this. Now, relax your back and bring your head towards your chest. Continue these movements for about 30 seconds. This yoga pose can help relieve migraine symptoms. - Balasana (Child’s Pose):
To perform Balasana, kneel on the mat, with your big toes touching and your knees spread apart. As you inhale, raise your arms above your head without touching your palms together. Exhale and bend forward from your hip joints rather than your waist, stretching until your palms touch the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor. Stay in this pose, taking long, deep breaths, for 30 seconds to five minutes. - Kati Chakrasana (Standing Spinal Twist):
This asana can help relieve migraine pain and stress. To perform this asana, stand straight with your feet together. Spread your feet apart to shoulder-width. Place your hands on your waist and twist your torso to the right side. Hold this position for 60 to 90 seconds.
By incorporating these yoga poses into your routine, you can find relief from migraine pain and improve your overall well-being.