Migraines are a type of debilitating headache that frequently occurs between 18 and 44. These heads tend to cause a dull, steady ache and sometimes lead to sensitivity to noise and light. Stress is known to be a primary trigger of migraine headaches.
While there are many available options available for treating migraines, some have undesirable side effects that discourage patients from using them.
If you repeatedly suffer from migraine headaches, practicing mindfulness may offer some relief.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a mind-body treatment and is the act of being in the present moment without judgment. Sometimes referred to as meditation, it is a technique to help you slow down and appreciate what’s happening right then and there instead of focusing on what’s happened in the past or what you believe may occur in the future. During mindfulness, you are entirely centered and focused on how your mind and body feel in the present.
Many people practice mindfulness to help manage stress and chronic health conditions. If you have recurrent migraines, mindfulness may reduce the severity of pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
How can mindfulness help treat migraines?
Migraines are painful events, and it may be difficult to believe that something like mindfulness can help control them. However, researchers have determined that practicing mindfulness can strengthen emotional and cognitive control of pain by helping to train someone to reevaluate their pain in a nonjudgmental way. Because mindfulness can help with depression, anxiety, and controlling negative feelings toward pain, it has the potential to control chronic migraines.
Many health care providers have implemented mindfulness into their treatment protocol for migraines and encourage patients to practice mindfulness at home the moment they start feeling the onset of a one.
How can you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine?
Practicing mindfulness may help you with more than migraines. Taking a few moments each day to be fully aware of your current thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and environmental surroundings may benefit your overall health. For example, the technique may help improve the quality of your sleep; boost your immune system; and fine-tune your memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
If you’re looking to include mindfulness practices to help manage the pain caused by migraine or other reasons, here are some tips to get you started.
- Find a mediation app: For some guided mindfulness and meditation exercises, try downloading an app on your phone or another device and integrate the practice into your daily schedule.
- Get out in nature: Surrounding yourself with the sights and sounds of nature can be calming and restorative. Go for a meditative walk. Pay attention to the movements of your body and absorb what’s happening around you.
- Try some breathing exercises: Being aware of the simple act of breathing can be relaxing in itself. Take a few minutes each day to get comfortable and make a conscious effort to stretch out your muscles. Watch how your stomach rises and falls as you inhale and then exhale.
Meditation may not completely control the symptoms you experience with a migraine but including some of the above techniques along with medication may help you effectively manage them. As with any condition, it’s important to speak with your doctor about what kind of treatment plan will work best for you.
Community First ER is here for you
If you experience painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with your migraines, Community First Emergency Room will be here for you. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. Our team has access to sophisticated imaging equipment, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, with fast same-day results so we can quickly evaluate the extent of your injury. You will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, and concierge-level services. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses will treat you or your loved one like family, making your health and peace of mind a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
About Community First ER
Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust, we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media.