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Headaches, Migraines & Yoga

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Adaptation

Overview

In this lesson, we explore the causes and symptoms of headaches and migraines, and how yoga can help in prevention and symptom relief.

Objective

Gain a foundational understanding of the causes, symptoms and differentiation of tension headaches and migraines, plus research and yoga practices to support prevention and symptom relief.

What You'll Get

Describe how headaches are classified and the prevalence and characteristics of tension headaches. List up to 14 potential causes of headaches. Name the two primary techniques that tend to prevent and relieve the pain of tension headaches. Explain how migraines are different from other types of headaches. List the symptoms and potential causes of migraines. Explain what may help to prevent migraines and what works during the acute phases of a migraine. Cite research on yoga’s effectiveness with headaches. Explain a general approach to headaches and specific yoga techniques for prevention and symptom relief. Explain how the trapezius muscle can relate to tension headaches.

Types

Headaches are often classified as:

Tension (more below)
Migraine (more below)
Sinus (See Yoga for Sinus Relief: 7 Things to Try link)
Cluster

Renowned Ayurvedic physician, Vasant Lad distinguishes headaches this way:

Vata Headaches
Pitta Headaches
Kapha Headaches

Descriptions of these types are here and here.

Tension Headaches

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