Author Interviews, Neurological Disorders, Neurology, Pain Research / 11.05.2020
Migraine: Yoga May Be Useful Addition to Medical Therapy
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Holly Yancy, DO
Headache medicine specialist
Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute
Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Yancy comments on the recent Neurology journal article on the potential impact of yoga on migraine.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How might yoga reduce migraine intensity or frequency?
Response: The authors of this trial have studied the benefits of yoga when added to medical management of episodic migraine. They expand on prior, smaller reports of the potential benefit of yoga and mindfulness to migraine patients with a well-designed study that shows yoga, as an adjunct to preventive medication, can lower the intensity, frequency and impact of migraines. Participants even used less abortive medication.
The authors propose multiple potential mechanisms of action, including an increase in parasympathetic / decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, decreased muscle tension, and stress management. (more…)