Are you one of the 30 million Americans who suffer migraines? Unroll your yoga mat. Three months of intensive yoga practice—one hour, five days per week—curbs frequency and intensity of migraines by 70 percent, according to a study at the University of Rajasthan, in India. Gentle yoga postures, meditation, and breathing and relaxation exercises alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression in addition to preventing the pulsating pain of migraines. The researchers speculate that yoga works its magic by increasing serotonin levels, which reduces the constriction of blood vessels in the brain that happens during migraines.
Other alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements and acupuncture, may also provide relief. Be aware that changes in weather and menstrual onset can provoke migraines and avoid triggers such as food additives and preservatives. —Liz Somes
Pill Poppin' Options
For more conventional treatment, the Mayo Clinic recommends several additions to your medicine cabinet.
Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and cardiovascular drugs taken regularly can prevent migraines.
Botox can deter migraines for those who don't respond well to preventive medicines (though Botox for this purpose isn't yet approved by the FDA).
Mild pain can be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
Triptans such as Imitrex bring relief within a couple of hours by binding to serotonin receptors.
Anti-nausea drugs are recommended to prevent the vomiting that sometimes accompanies migraines.
Psychology Today Magazine, Mar/Apr 2008
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