YOGA AND ESSENTIAL OILS:
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Migraine Relief
n the beautiful banks of Stillwater overlooking the St. Croix River, there is a quaint little park that is the perfect place to practice yoga and clear the mind. I met Reide (a yoga instructor and founder of an essential oils business) in that sweet little nook to do a photo shoot. She and I connected when we discovered that both she and my son suffer from recurring migraines. Anyone who has experienced a migraine knows how debilitating they can be. Reide shared how yoga and essential oils have helped her manage migraines. WHAT YOGA POSES ARE BEST FOR MIGRAINES? Migraines can be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety and hormonal changes—there are many yoga postures that can help ease migraines. Standing forward bend: Forward bend works on the core of the body, calming the brain and relieving stress and headaches. It also boosts the blood supply to the brain invigorating the nervous system. Child’s pose: This pose calms the nervous system and effectively reduces headache pain—it’s also a great stress reducer. Downward facing dog: Downward dog increases blood circulation in the brain, diminishes head pain and can help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Cat pose: A beginner friendly pose, this is a great stretch to release tension and pain from the upper back and spine. It improves overall blood circulation and is also calming. HOW DO OILS HELP WITH MIGRAINES? Essential oils serve as safe and all-natural alternatives to treat and minimize pain and address the root of the problem. They can provide headache and migraine relief, reduce stress and aid in circulation. Essential oils have also been used to increase
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energy and wakefulness, aid in relaxation and deep sleep—and can boost mood! HOW ARE THEY USED? Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. These methods include topical, internal and aromatic. Oils can be used a single oil at a time or they can be blended. WHICH OILS HELP MIGRAINES, HEADACHES AND STRESS THE MOST? Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Roman Chamomile, Basil, Marjoram, Frankincense and Wintergreen. Personally, I have found that Peppermint, Lavender and Eucalyptus have been the most effective oils for helping to treat my migraines, and reduce tension and stress. HOW DO THEY WORK? Peppermint oil: This oil has a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin (Wintergreen does as well). It helps stimulate blood flow in the forehead when applied topically and it can also be applied on the temples, helping to alleviate the pain from a migraine or the tension from a headache. One can also dilute this oil by mixing it with some coconut oil and rubbing it on the forehead, back of neck and into the shoulders. Lavender oil: Lavender can help prevent migraines before they occur. It has a variety of therapeutic properties and is one of the most versatile of essential oils. It has a natural calming effect and will help diminish
anxiety and stress. It also helps regulate serotonin levels, which can minimize pain in the nervous system that contributes to migraines. Rub lavender oil on the temples and the forehead. A combination of lavender and peppermint in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) will also work wonders for migraines and headaches—it can also be applied to the back of neck, temples and wrists to relieve stress and tension headaches. Eucalyptus oil: Like peppermint oil, eucalyptus can help soothe and relax muscles and clear nasal passages. Eucalyptus oil also helps cleanse the body of toxins. I recommend placing a few drops into a bowl of steaming water and inhaling deeply. You may also dilute a couple drops with coconut oil and apply it topically to the chest, back of neck and temples—this will help clear airways and alleviate tension. HOW SIGNIFICANT WAS THE IMPROVEMENT OF YOUR MIGRAINES WHEN PRACTICING YOGA AND USING ESSENTIAL OILS? Improvements can vary from person to person. Utilizing yoga and oils for relief was truly life-changing and significantly increased my quality of life. They helped to diminish physical tension, headaches, and stress. It’s so empowering to know your body, recognize what triggers a migraine or headache—and, armed with knowledge, learn how to prevent them. +
DEB SCHROEDER is a yogi and photographer who discovered yoga through her three children who practice to compliment their hockey training. She’s currently becoming certified to be a yoga instructor and is interested in teaching athletes, cancer patients, seniors and children with ADHD.
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