Can meditation help migraines?

(Mihaela Dimitrova/ News Medical Net) — A migraine is a neurovascular condition that is described as a debilitating and recurring headache. It is often accompanied by vomiting and some sensory sensitivities.

It has been reported that 20% of the people who have migraines turn to prescription medication for relief which is not always effective in all cases. Considering this and wider concerns surrounding the overuse of medication, there is a need for research into alternative treatments for this condition.

Meditation has been used in other circumstances as a way of managing pain. Although systematic research in this area is still limited some studies have indicated that meditation may have the potential to be used as a complementary treatment for migraines.

Meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention on the present moment. The goal is to consider the current state of one’s mind and body and focus on the sensations that one experiences instead of thinking. (…)