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June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month! What better time to discuss the benefits yoga can have for those with migraines? Not to mention anyone else who just wants to do their part with reducing the stress and anxieties of today's world.
I know first hand the benefits that yoga, breathwork, mindfulness and meditation can have, and love sharing with others to help them hopefully manage successfully. I'm known as The Migraine Yogini™. I have experienced a wide variety of symptoms, common and not; and wanted a more natural approach to managing my migraines.
The good news is even though there is no "cure," there are scientific studies that have determined that yoga can be very beneficial and an effective treatment. Of course, yoga is one of many alternative treatments to use and try other than, or with medication, or other forms of treatment. We are not a one size fits all world, so do what feels best for you and your body!
Did you know...Migraine affects more than 10% of the world's population, and it is recognized as the #2 cause of disability worldwide?
The yoga that is most recommend for the population who suffers, is gentle and restorative. Stress plays a huge role not only in our modern day lives, but also with the effects it has on migraines and can be a real trigger; which leads to an unfortunate vicious cycle of "attacks." By practicing yoga, mindfulness and meditation, we can reduce our stress levels, lower high blood pressure, lower anxiety; just to name a few. These all help to counteract the migraine itself. Lots of tension is held in our necks, shoulders and jaw area.
Here is an excerpt from my upcoming book. Try this technique "Lion's Breath"...do 8 rounds. It is great for relieving tension, especially in the forehead and jaw area; it's a total stress buster!
In a seated position on a chair or on the floor, put your hands on your knees
Stick out your tongue...not like you did on the playground to be rude. I mean stick out your tongue like Gene Simmons, KISS style!
While your tongue is out, make a prolonged "haaaaaa" noise (that is where the name "lion's breath" comes in, like roar like a lion)
Repeat. Do it slowly and don't push to make it uncomfy with the breath, but do draw it out. Don't worry about looking ridiculous, we all do when we use this technique; but laughter is a great stress and anxiety reliever as well. So, added bonus if you crack up along the way!
Some good yoga poses to try are:
child's pose
legs up the wall
savasana
cat/cow
downward dog
You can check out my classes here at Yoga World Fitness, beginner/gentle yoga on Wednesday's @ 7:00pm EST and restorative yoga on Thursday's @ 5:30pm EST. If you would like to know more about me, and The Migraine Yogini's Migraine Yoga Program™, you can go to www.TheMigraineYogini.com and follow me on Facebook and Instagram @themigraineyogini
Thanks for reading! - Ashley The Migraine Yogini
Resources
Health Day News
Medical News Today
The Migraine Yogini
National Headache Foundation
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