Yoga Therapy For Migraine

Migraine is commonly known as a one-sided headache. It is a form of vascular headache caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that gives rise to a release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.


Yoga Therapy

Yoga is one of the best remedies to treat and prevent migraine.

According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika

“The mind is the king of the senses and the breath is the king of the mind, if the nervous system had a rhythmic vibration, then rhythmic vibration becomes the king of the breath.”

The brain is the father and the heart is the mother of our body. The brain has to give the right command to all the parts in the body. In the case of migraine, there is a state of confusion in the function of the brain. Asana and Pranayama help the balance in the Ida and the Pingala Nadi. Nadi means river or flow. Nadis are the nerves system or the nerve channel, which distributes the flow of consciousness or the Prana (Vital or Life energy).

Ida and Pingala nadis are often referred as the two hemispheres of the brain. Pingala is the extroverted (Active) solar nadi

and corresponds to the right hand side of the body and the left hand side of the brain. Ida is the introverted lunar nadi and corresponds to the left hand side of the body and the right hand side of the brain.

When these two forces are in balance, a third force Sushumana gets awakened, which raises up the hallow tube of the central canal of the spinal cord. Surya Nadi, the solar or the right side is under the influence of the Pingala Nadi, which controls the sympathetic nervous system. Chandra Nadi, the lunar or the left side is under the influence of the Ida Nadi, which controls the Parasympathetic nervous system. Proper distribution of Prana can regulate the proper and efficient fuction of the whole body. Practice of inverted postures can improve the circulation in the body. Practice of some breathing technique and relaxation posture can give proper rest and prevent the attack of migraine. The balance in the body and the mind is a very important to tackle and come over migraine.


Migraines can be triggered by certain food or scents etc. It is important to know the trigger point in order to avoid it.

In addition, an average adult needs six to eight hours of sleep a night. Further, it is best to go to bed at a regular time. One must establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals.

Asana and Pranayama improve the neuromuscular activities and control the entire physiological function of the body and the psychological structure of the mind. Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and Yoga can make a big difference in our life styles to tackle and prevent the attack. Practice of Yoganidra can give the ultimate relaxation to the body and rest to the mind. Regular practice of Asanas reduces stress and prevent migraines and reduce medications.