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The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 70 of 87

36. Treating Migraine Headaches
with Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques may work wonders for your migraine headache. However,

it is not simple or easy to start relaxing during your migraine attack. You have to
concentrate deeply to understand and develop relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques include autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation

and meditation. Autogenic training uses your visual imagination to progress into
a state of deep relaxation. You think of any peaceful place, and thereafter try to

concentrate on moving your physical sensations from your feet upward to your
brain.

The second stage in your relaxation techniques is slow and steady relaxation of

all your body muscles. You start from the muscles in your toes progressing to
those in your head.

The final step in this relaxation technique is meditation. You concentrate on

repetitive utterances of specific words or phrases, while concentrating on any
single form or point. All these together reduce your stress levels considerably

and eliminate negative thoughts so that you can cope better with your stress.

Relaxation techniques for treating migraines consist of deep breathing, stretching
exercises, visualization and other passive methods. All these techniques aim at

reducing stress factors in your muscles and brain. Reduction of stress can help
reduce your migraine.

Relaxation techniques have no side effects and help to improve your overall

health and mental stability. Besides a relief from migraine attacks, you also
benefit through improved body awareness and agility.

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 70.