Only about half of people who suffer from migraines experience relief from traditional medication. A new study suggests that regular yoga could be an easy and effective way to alleviate migraines.
The study evaluated 114 people between the ages of 18 and 50. Half of the participants used medication only, and half used medication combined with yoga three days a week for an entire month and then five days a week for the next two months. When accounting for other factors including sleep and nutrition, those who practiced yoga saw a 48 percent decrease in migraines compared to only 12 percent in those who only took medication.
The number of pills taken by those who practiced regular yoga also decreased by 47 percent, indicating yoga could reduce dependence on medication. This would also help reduce costly medical expenses for those who rely on migraine medication.
Although the study is promising, researchers did note that more frequent check-ins for the control group would strengthen the research. Future studies could also more extensively address the role of the placebo effect.
Even beyond migraines, yoga has been shown to promote health benefits including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, flexibility, and improved cardiovascular function. Yoga is a great health solution for anyone looking to add some balance and breathing to their routine. For those who suffer from migraines, this practice could even alleviate daily pain.
