Does Meditation Hold the Key to Relieving Your Headaches?
Meditation has been around for thousands of years and has been known to provide a wide range of health benefits to those who practice it. Did you know that meditation in the right way could also provide relief for headaches and migraine?
According to a recent study at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, a particular type of meditation known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) could hold the key to reducing headaches for many sufferers.
The study, which was carried out over a number of weeks and across 19 adults, was used to assess the effects of MBSR. Ten of these patients attended MBSR classes for eight weeks while the other 9 participants received standard medical care in the form of over-the-counter medicines. The MBSR recipients were told to practice MBSR techniques for 45 minutes each day for at least 5 days a week.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
MBSR is a mindfulness-based program that is designed to help people who are experiencing life issues and conditions that may be a challenge for a hospital or medical facility to treat. Using a combination of meditation, breathing techniques, and yoga, MBSR can make one more aware of their feelings, body sensations and thoughts so that they are able to better manage stress and any other pain triggers they may have otherwise been unaware of.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction was first developed by a doctor at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and has been used in the treatment of many medical issues over the years.
So, Was MBSR Successful in the Study?
Yes! Those in the MBSR group experienced 1.4 fewer headaches and migraines each month than those in the group receiving standard medical treatment. Those in the MBSR group also said that the headaches they did experience were less severe and didn’t last as long as they had before learning the new techniques. They also reported that they felt a sense that they could control their migraines.
Could MBSR be the Answer to Your Headache Problems?
The Miami Headache Institute has years of experience in treating headaches and migraines. We also ensure that our experts are aware of and trained in all aspects of pain management and relief. If you believe that MBSR could be a way to approach your pain, we can help to put you on the right path to wellness. Our headache experts are on hand to give you their professional diagnosis and to help you make your headaches a thing of the past.
Speak to us today to find out more about the treatment plans we tailor to suit your needs. Call our specialist headache management team today at 305.517.5712 or use our contact form to book a consultation.
