A study on yoga for migraineurs demonstrated reduced frequency and intensity of migraines, and the participants agreed it, "greatly improved my clinical condition."

More specifically, participants experienced a reduction in their sympathetic nervous system activity and an improvement in the function of their Vagus nerve. Our sympathetic nervous system controls our fight or flight reactions - so a reduction in this system means LESS STRESS, which for most of us means less migraines!

Our Vagus nerve starts at the brain stem (where migraines start) and is instrumental in so many functions within our bodies including regulating inflammation, digestion, and calming down after being stressed.

The Vagus nerve is so important to migraine and overall health that I dedicated a Facebook Live discussion to it. Check it out HERE. But first, explore some yoga and enjoy the nourishing benefits that lie within you - just by moving your body and connecting to your breath.

Below are links to some of our favorite practices. Namaste.

 
 

Active Practices

for Exercise and Prevention


Rabbit Pose

By Adrienne

Great for releasing neck tension and stimulating pressure points on top of the head. I love this practice when my neck and spine are needing some extra love. Be very mindful while practicing this video - the neck is a very sensitive and vulnerable area, especially for us migraineurs!! Listen to your body and be aware of what you need today. 


Healthy Body Yoga

By Adrienne

This practice really helps open up new areas of awareness while strengthening your muscles in a loving way. Like many yoga practices, it begins on the ground. So if this is not a comfortable place for you, maybe break out some pillows and give yourself a little extra support. :) Tap into your core strength and breath, and enjoy.


Confidence Boost Yoga

By Adrienne

Give yourself the gift of confidence with this practice! Connect to your core with balancing postures and strengthening sequences, and allow your most beautiful you to radiate as you strengthen you body, mind, and spirit. 


Compassion Yoga - Core Strength Vinyasa

By Adrienne

Tap into your inner strength in this flow. The mantra I embraced for this practice was "I can." As you flow and balance within this practice, acknowledge the power within yourself and remember that you are capable. By strengthening our core, we strengthen our sense of purpose and identity as well. Connect and enjoy. 


Super Slow Flow - Moving in Honey

By Kassandra

Get ready, this one will make you sweat!! I love this class - it is deliciously challenging and one that will get your prana moving! Go at your own pace and do what you can. Remember, this is your practice, so listen to your body and enjoy the experience. 


Full Moon Yoga

By Kassandra

This Moon Salutation is a great strengthening routine that is also cooling and grounding. Moon Salutations are great for migraineurs because of the cooling effect that they have on the body. This routine will help open your side body and hips while strengthening your core at the same time. Hope you like it!


New Moon Yoga

By Kassandra

This practice is a combination of strength building and flexibility training. Since it is for the New Moon, it is a wonderful practice for introspection and self revelation. Tune in during the New Moon, or whenever you are needing some inner grounding. 


20 min Yoga Flow For Balance | Moon Salutation 1 | Full Moon

By Anita

Moon salutation yoga sequences are thought to be cooling to the body and nervous system, and therefore a good choice for migraineurs. This "cooling" effect releases built up tension in the body according to Ayurvedic treatment, which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and remains one of the country’s traditional health care practices.

This practice was swifter than I had expected, but was surprisingly grounding and calming at the same time.

But the best part of this practice was when the instructor told me to shout “HA!” five times while flinging the top half of my body from upright to upside-down. Yes, it looked silly. And the first few times, I half whispered, half breathed a soft “...ha..” Let me also tell you that I am doing this in the privacy of my own home (along with my fiance and two kitties, but still), and I didn’t even let go enough to shout “HA!”

The practice continued, and then it was back… Five more “HA’s!!” So, this time I gave it my all - “HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!” I probably freaked out the cats and Greg... but I was able to let go of something in those moments of shouting. I let go of my thoughts - and just shouted. Hope you enjoy this practice. Namaste, - Sarah


Gentle morning yoga sequence

By Adriene

Choosing to move and connect in the morning is one of the best things we can do for ourselves! This video is a gentle practice for all levels and a nice way to connect to the muscles and joints and clear the mental and emotional channels for the day ahead. Take your time and connect to the breathe. Notice how you feel and enjoy the art of noticing!