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Using Relaxation Techniques To Treat Migraines

Stress is a common trigger for migraines. One method for relieving stress is relaxation. Easier said than done, right? When it comes to migraines, simply relaxing in a recliner isn’t enough. You need to think extreme relaxation.

There are three major types of relaxation techniques:

1.  Autogenic training. Utilizes visual imaging and bodily awareness to advance the patient into a state of deep relaxation. The patient imagines a tranquil location, then begins focusing physical sensations that gradually move upward from the feet toward the head.

2.  Progressive muscle relaxation. Involves the slow tensing up and then releasing of each muscle group individually, beginning with the muscles in the toes and finishing with the head.

3.  Meditation. Uses either Transcendental Meditation involving the repetition of a mantra, mindfulness meditation in which patients focus their attention on their momentary thoughts and sensations.

Research has shown that in many cases meditation improves one’s quality of life, while reducing stress. Studies also reveal that relaxation techniques assist in the reduction of the perception of pain. One study using patients undergoing colorectal surgery concluded that patients who listened to guided-imagery tapes before, during, and after the operation had less pain and needed fewer pain medications than those who did not.

Meditation is also used extensively in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, relaxation techniques have been found useful in strengthening coping skills in migraine sufferers.

Fortunately, relaxation techniques can be done just about anywhere at any time. These techniques include:

• Deep breathing

• Active relaxation

• Stretching exercises

• Visualization

• Passive relaxation

• Reduce unhealthy stress & anxiety

• Increase resistance to illness & disease

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduce the heart rate

• Relieve muscle tension

• Cope with medical problems, such as chronic pain or diabetes

• Prevent, manage & cope with migraine headaches

• Cope with extremely stressful or painful situations, such as childbirth.

Relaxation techniques are also considered very safe with delightful lack of side effects, although there have been very rare and unusual cases where people have actually raised their levels of anxiety rather than lowered them after using the techniques because of a heightened awareness of body sensations. Even more rare are the reports of pain, heart palpitations, muscle twitching, and crying spells.