Modern Age of Stress

Stress is a universal phenomenon affecting individuals across various walks of life from CEOs and office workers to homemakers and students. In an era marked by fierce competition the ability to effectively manage stress has become paramount. The implications of stress span personal health, workplace productivity and overall quality of life, making it crucial for individuals to adopt strategies for stress management.

The Stress Migraine Connection

Gut-Brain Axis

Migraine is not only connected with stress, but also with stomach related issues like acidity, bloating etc. The connection between migraine and the stomach(gut) involves several aspects, reflecting the complex interaction between the nervous system and gastrointestinal system, known as the gut-brain axis. Nausea and Vomiting are common symptoms of Migraine, which indicates a direct connection between migraine attacks and gastrointestinal disturbances. Also people who suffer from migraines are also likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), gastric ulcers etc.The same neurochemicals and hormones that play a role in the pain perception in the brain(involved in migraine) also affect the gut. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. This connection means that stress and emotions can influence gastrointestinal function, and vice versa, which may explain why stress is a common trigger for both gastrointestinal issues and migraines.

Mindfulness Over Migraines

In response to the connection between stress and migraine, there is a growing emphasis on holistic and integrative approaches to management such as stress reduction techniques like Yoga, Meditation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, lifestyle modification etc are recommended for individuals dealing with both stress and migraine. Moreover, understanding the bidirectional relationship between stress and migraine is crucial for developing effective management plans including preventive measures against stress induced migraine episodes.

As per a study published in the medical journal Neurology, people who did Yoga for 3 months reported fewer and less intense headaches than those who took medications.

Remember, not all forms of yoga are good for migraine, instead go for gentle yoga forms like Hatha Yoga which focus on breathing. Yoga which involves stretches especially in the upper body and neck areas where people with migraine hold tension are found to be efficient.

As per recent study there is a well established connection between Migraine and stress, a relationship that has become increasingly significant in this modern world. Migraine is a severe throbbing pain at one side of the head accompanied by nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, sound etc. Stress, defined as the body's response system, physical, emotional or environmental pressures has long been recognized as a common trigger for migraine episodes. Stress can induce physiological changes such as release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which in turn contribute to the onset of a migraine. Emotional stress is yet another trigger for migraine which affects the body’s sympathetic nervous system. Modern habits like irregular sleep patterns, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle often accompany high stress levels and these factors can independently contribute to the occurrence of migraines. Some unhealthy coping mechanisms for stress such as caffeine, alcohol consumption,heavy screen time all of which can act as migraine triggers.

Let's check the causes and symptoms of Migraine

Causes of Migraine

• Stress

• Stomach related issues like bloating, acidity etc

• Irregular Meal Timings

• Missing sleep or over sleeping

• Exposure to Bright light

• Exposure to Strong Smells like paint, perfume etc

• Over exertion

• Use of alcohol esp red wine

• Food and food additives like aged cheese, salty and processed food, MSG, artificial sweeteners etc

Symptoms of Migraine

• Throbbing pain at one side of the head

• Nausea & Vomiting

• Constipation

• Mood Changes

• Food Cravings

• Neck Stiffness

• Increased Yawning

• Blured Vision

• Sensitive to lights, sounds etc

Migraine - Yogic Lifestyle Management

• Include diet rich in Magnesium (As Magnesium prevents general and menstrual related migraine)

• Include diet rich in Vit D(Deficiency in Vit D plays a role in causing migraine)

• Chewing and inhaling mint leaves help in relieving migraines

• Include plenty of water and fruits in your diet

• Regular meal timings

Food

Rest & Relaxation

• Avoid activities that put on stress.

• Regular sleep is important.

• Practice Savasana

• During a migraine attack, give plenty of rest.

• Avoid loud sounds and lights

• Do recreation activities like gardening, nature walking, swimming, cycling etc

Yogic Asanas - Routine

• Asanas especially forward bending asanas like Padahastasana, Konasana 3, Yoga Mudra, Shashankasana can helps relieve migraine

• Asanas like Sarvangasana and Vipareetkarni helps in the increase of blood flow to the brain.

• Pranayamas like Diaphragmatic Breathing, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, AUM Chanting helps in stress reduction, managing and relaxation of pain.

• Kriyas like Jalneti, Kapalabhatti, kapalarandradhouti helps in cleansing.

Thought Process

• Develop awareness by looking for triggering factors of migraine by keeping a journal

• Understand the pain is temporary, accept it and be positive.

Tips for Migraine Relief - Yogic Way

Therefore, by adhering to a proper diet, by engaging your body in proper rest and recreation activities and integrating a yogic lifestyle into a healthy routine, you can effectively manage your stress and alleviate lifestyle related conditions like Migraines.