YOGA for headache and migraine headache
Migraine and tension headaches are among the most common medical
problems. Some people have frequent headaches, while others hardly ever have them. Both
chronic and recurring headaches may be painful and distressing but rarely reflect a
serious medical condition. However, a change in the pattern or nature of headaches -- for
instance, from rare to frequent headache, or from mild to severe -- could signal a serious problem
and calls for prompt medical attention. Yoga practice could be helpful for those
with tension or migraine headache. There is more research information on the
various health benefits of yoga
practice. If you have an interest in the role of
yoga and breast cancer. This
yoga page reviews the
possible role of yoga in injury prevention or cause of injury.
To buy Yoga Shakti DVD by Shiva Rea at Physician Formulas
Yoga help for headache
A combination of yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation may help reduce
the frequency and intensity of migraines. Researchers in India found that among
72 adults suffering from migraines, patients who were randomly assigned to take
part in a yoga therapy program started having headaches less often and endured
less pain with each migraine attack compared with the subjects assigned to a
self-care group. What's more, the pain relief brought considerable improvement
in symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the researchers, led by Dr.
P.J. John of the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Gentle yoga postures and
breathing techniques are believed to have a calming effect on the nervous
system. Headache, May 2007. For more information on
headache
and natural ways to treat this condition.
Effectiveness of yoga therapy in the
treatment of migraine without aura: a randomized controlled trial.
Headache. 2007 May;47(5):654-61. Department of Zoology, University of
Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
The researchers investigates the effectiveness of yoga therapy for migraine
treatment in a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-two patients with migraine
headache without aura were randomly assigned to yoga therapy or self-care group
for 3 months. After adjustment for baseline values, the subjects' complaints
related to headache intensity, frequency, pain rating index, affective pain
rating index, total pain rating index, anxiety and depression scores,
symptomatic medication use were significantly lower in the yoga group compared
to the self-care group. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in
migraine headache frequency and associated clinical features, in patients
treated with yoga over a period of 3 months.
Yoga and Heart Disease
The overall benefits of yoga on risk factors for heart disease were evaluated
by researchers at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Medical Division, in Mumbai,
India. (Mumbai is the new name for the city formely known as Bombay. The name
was changed in the mid 1990s. The effect of yoga on the body, psychological well being, and cardiovascular
risk factors was studied in a group of middle aged patients. Twenty patients (16
males, 4 females) in the age group of 35 to 55 years with mild to moderate high
blood pressure underwent yogic practices daily for one hour for three months.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney
damage. Biochemical and psychological parameters were studied prior and
following period of three months of yoga. These biochemical parameters included
blood sugar, lipid profile including cholesterol, and blood levels of
catecholmines (stress chemicals like epinephrine or adrenaline). The overall results were quite positive. There was a decrease in blood
pressure along with a decrease in blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.
The patients also reported an improvement in overall well being and quality of
life. There was also a decrease in the levels of catecholamines, suggesting a
decrease in sympathetic activity. A decrease in sympathetic activity indicates
that the patients were calmer and experienced less tension and stress, and that
their blood pressure would be lower. The authors of the study conclude that yoga
can play an important role in decreasing the risk factors for cardiovascular
disease in those with mild to moderate
hypertension.
Yoga program helps balance
Older individuals show measurable improvements in their walking speed and
balance after completeing a yoga program.
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