Workout Your Way Out of Migraine
WORKOUT YOUR WAY OUT OF MIGRAINE
How exercise helps deal with the symptoms of Migraine
Migraine headaches are not just painful but also disabling. According to World Health Organization, in the Global Burden of Disease Study, Migraine was found to be the 6th highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability (YLD) and is among the 20 most disabling medical illnesses in the world.
The medical treatment alone, however, is not enough to deal with the symptoms of Migraine. Many researchers and doctors recommend including regular exercising in the day plan for people suffering from Migraine. Regular exercise can help with relaxation, reducing stress and balance various functions and chemicals within the body.
A word of caution: If you are suffering from Migraine and are preparing to start an exercise routine, it is advisable to check with your doctor before you start.
Benefits of Exercising:
- Stimulates the body to release endorphins-natural pain controlling chemicals and enkephalins-natural anti-depressant chemicals.
- Boost one’s mood and feeling of wellbeing
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Reduce cholesterol levels
- Promote a healthy sleeping pattern
- Overall reduce the severity of Migraine symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
The Right Type of Exercise:
While there are many exercise routines that one may follow, choosing the right ones specific to one’s ailment can multiply the benefits. Moderate exercises, rather than vigorous ones are known to help deal with Migraine symptoms. Certain exercises that can help in dealing with the symptoms of Migraine are as under:
- Brisk Walking or Jogging
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Cycling
- Aerobic exercises
- Yoga
- Meditation
It is important to start with simple routines for shorter time durations and then gradually increase the duration. It is preferable to choose activities that appeal to you, the ones you don’t need to force yourself to do. Once you start, give yourself at least 6 weeks to see if you find any beneficial effects.
Exercising for at least 30 to 40 minutes 3 times a week with exercises of moderate intensity can have a positive effect on one’s health.
Preparing For Exercise:
The preparation for exercise is key to ensure you get the desired effects of the exercise. Taking care of the following few points can ensure the routine does not adversely affect you:
When to Eat: It is advisable to eat at least an hour and a half before you start exercising, so there is enough time for the body to digest the food. This will help avoid a low blood-sugar level which is a known trigger of Migraine.
When to Drink: While exercising, fluid is lost not only through sweating but also as water vapor that you breathe out. Not replacing the fluids quickly can cause dehydration, which is another known trigger of Migraine. Hence drink enough fluids before, during and after exercising.
Warming up: Stretching exercises for 5 to 10 minutes at the beginning and end of your session can prevent muscle tension which may act as a trigger. It prepares your body for the upcoming workout and is always advisable than starting your session suddenly.
Apart from these, make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes and figure out the time of the day that works best for you. Consistency is key. It is better to do simple short duration routines that are easy to follow everyday rather than a complicated regime that’s difficult to keep up with.
Taking care of the preparatory steps can help reduce the possibility of the exercises acting as a trigger to Migraine symptoms. Just as exercise is a natural way of helping you combat the symptoms of Migraine, similarly homeopathy provides safe and natural remedies for Migraine treatment. Dr Batra’sTM is a pioneer in the field of homeopathy offering safe and effective homeopathic treatments. Visit your nearest Dr Batra’sTM clinic for a specialized treatment plan to take care of your Migraine.
