Yoga & Migraines

‘A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood. Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It’s possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.’ NHS

Migraines can be intensely painful and incredibly inconvenient. The main concern is creating a situation where a migraine is more likely. Be careful with any pose that alters the heart to neck relationship.

Yoga can help by:

  • Reducing stress
  • Slowing heart rate and reducing blood pressure via the parasympathetic nervous system.

Do

  • Move comfortably, smoothly and gently

Don’t

  • Poses exercise caution which alters the head to neck position. Make sure all movements with the head and smooth, relaxed and inside your range of motion. Do not try to extend your range of motions in your neck, but do focus on lengthening and flowing.