Yoga for migraine

Keep migraine at bay - Qatar Tribune - First with the news and whats behind it

Keep migraine at bay

I've had many students ask for a simple yoga solution for migraine. That's what made me to write this article. I'm sure all of us have dealt with a thumping headache from time to time. Some others have had to endure it for longer periods. The funny thing about migraine is that it's three times more likely to affect women than men and usually strikes adults between the ages of 20 and 50. Migraine is a vascular headache caused by the inflammation and irritation of the nerve endings, resulting from the expansion of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, mood changes, sensitivity to light and/or sound and tunnel vision (dizziness). Pain may be felt on one or both sides of the head, in the neck, around the eyes, on the face, or around the sinuses. And when you get that typical headache, suddenly the only thing that matters is relieving that tension as fast as possible. But if you're looking for a solution outside the pill, you could consider a yogic breathing exercise. With the ability to help relieving tension, boosting circulation, and calming the mind, yoga can be a powerful natural remedy for headaches, and especially, migraine. With yoga, you can increase the oxygen and the blood flow going to the brain. Normally, most of the time we are standing or sitting, and gravity pulls the blood down towards our feet. So it's a good idea to get that flow going up in the opposite direction towards the brain just by doing simple easy yogic breathing called 'Brahmari Pranayama'. This breathing technique involves humming during the practice, which creates a vibration. Due to the humming concentration of the mind is also facilitated. It has a positive effect on the whole body and mind, and particularly on the nervous system, increasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. How to * Sit in a relaxed posture * Cover your ears by pressing the cartilage with the help of your thumbs. * Place your index fingers on the forehead. With the remaining fingers, close your eyes. * Ensure that you are not putting your thumb inside the ear but on the cartilage. * Don't press the cartilage too hard. It should be gentle. (Closing two senses eyes and ears can make us feel and experience the small sound inside us as a big vibration) * Inhale through both nostrils * Exhale with a slight humming sound:"MMM" * While humming, keep your mouth closed. * And inhale and continue the same for 10 to 20 times (But do not overdo it)