Michelle, thanks for sharing this info. I totally agree that deep breathing exercises can reduce many stress-related symptoms, including headaches. Unfortunately western societies are shallow breathers, we do not use our bellies for breathing much.
Have you observe a baby's breathing? His belly will inflate at inhalation and deflate at exhalation. Simple, peaceful and rythmic motions, but from a natural breathing habit as a baby, we forget how to do it as adults. With deep breathing, the lower lobes of the lungs expand thus allowing for greater oxygen intake and distribution throughout the body systems, including the brain and muscles (for relaxation)
Mindful meditation for a few minutes allows someone to "observe" his/her own headache and accept it as "it is" This non-judging observation of SELF relaxes the mind and the body. Yoga stretches, Tai-Chi, QiQong are types of gentle movement that provides the body an opportunity to increase healing energy and at the same time provide the body with a chance to relax from a stressful situation or trigger. Praying or chanting a mantra has also shown to help the body relax from stress, reduce high blood presure and give a sense of peace and calm.
Drinking water and staying hydrated will always help prevent headaches. We forget to drink our life-giving water!
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Michelle, thanks for sharing this info. I totally agree that deep breathing exercises can reduce many stress-related symptoms, including headaches. Unfortunately western societies are shallow breathers, we do not use our bellies for breathing much.
Have you observe a baby's breathing? His belly will inflate at inhalation and deflate at exhalation. Simple, peaceful and rythmic motions, but from a natural breathing habit as a baby, we forget how to do it as adults. With deep breathing, the lower lobes of the lungs expand thus allowing for greater oxygen intake and distribution throughout the body systems, including the brain and muscles (for relaxation)
Mindful meditation for a few minutes allows someone to "observe" his/her own headache and accept it as "it is" This non-judging observation of SELF relaxes the mind and the body. Yoga stretches, Tai-Chi, QiQong are types of gentle movement that provides the body an opportunity to increase healing energy and at the same time provide the body with a chance to relax from a stressful situation or trigger. Praying or chanting a mantra has also shown to help the body relax from stress, reduce high blood presure and give a sense of peace and calm.
Drinking water and staying hydrated will always help prevent headaches. We forget to drink our life-giving water!
May 16, 2009 - 1:14amThis Comment
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