| What is a Migraine? | | | | facing dog, cobra pose, and bridge pose are all |
| Migraines are intense headaches produced by | | | | elementary positions that can be achieved by |
| restriction of blood vessels leading to the brain. | | | | virtually anyone. Pranayama breath exercises, |
| Hormonal fluctuations in the body cause the blood | | | | which focus on the full inhalation and exhalation |
| vessels to contract and then dilate to an | | | | diaphragmatic pattern can help maintain a clear |
| increased size, triggering the unbearable pain that | | | | mind and reduce stress in the body. |
| migraines are famous for. | | | | When Migraines Attack |
| Prior to the onset of pain, some migraine | | | | Though exercise can be helpful in preventing |
| sufferers experience auras, which are | | | | them, it can also potentially increase pain intensity |
| characterized by strange visuals such as flashing | | | | when one already has a migraine. Therefore, it is |
| lights, abnormal head sensations, and difficulty | | | | not recommended to go for a jog when you |
| concentrating. | | | | have a migraine, as this could make the throbbing |
| Practice Aerobics | | | | worse. |
| Everybody knows that regular exercise leads to a | | | | However, gentle exercises that don't put any |
| healthier body, but did you know that it can also | | | | additional stress on the body are recommended. |
| help reduce and relieve the intensity of migraines? | | | | Ideally, you should start these as soon as possible, |
| A study, which placed chronic migraine sufferers | | | | as it is easier to open up your pathways at the |
| through a 6-week aerobic regiment, concluded | | | | first sign of a migraine. |
| that repeated moderate exercise can aid in | | | | Stretch your neck by first letting it slowly droop |
| reducing the intensity, frequency, and duration of | | | | forward, letting your chin get as close to the |
| the migraine. Though participants were using | | | | chest as possible. Hold for a minute. Then, let it roll |
| indoor cycling machines, there are many other | | | | backwards, so the base of your head is touching |
| techniques you could incorporate into your daily | | | | your back and your eyes are looking up. Repeat |
| exercise routine. | | | | this motion with your left and right side. |
| | | | There are a few restorative yoga poses that |
| 1. Take a walk. If you live near a park or in a | | | | some find helpful in relieving the intense pain |
| quiet neighborhood, going for a walk will not only | | | | associated with migraines. Though, it must be |
| increase your oxygen flow, but also provide for a | | | | noted that any pose involving lowering your head |
| relaxing and stress reducing activity. | | | | below your heart will increase the pain, so all the |
| 2. Purchase home aerobics equipment such as a | | | | poses previously mentioned should be avoided |
| treadmill or your own indoor cycling machine. | | | | once the migraine has begun. |
| Nowadays, the cost for home exercise equipment | | | | To get into one of the most relaxing poses, the |
| has dramatically reduced and can be a sound | | | | corpse pose, first lay down with your arms and |
| investment for the home. | | | | legs outstretched. Your palms should be faced |
| 3. Get a gym membership and take an aerobics | | | | upwards and your ankles and feet completely |
| class. Get healthy, while you're being social! | | | | relaxed. It might help some to have a pillow |
| Stress Reduction Yoga | | | | underneath your head and knees, as well as an |
| As with routine aerobics, if yoga is used as a daily | | | | eye pillow, to promote total relaxation. Hold for at |
| practice, there is a greater chance that the blood | | | | least 10 minutes. And if you're looking for more of |
| flow pathways will remain clear. Poses that | | | | a stretch, kick up your legs and recline them |
| stretch the head and neck, such as downward | | | | against a wall, your back will thank you. |