Today, we conclude the series on treating migraine with a relaxation exercise. Stress and anxiety are the major contributing factors in triggering a migraine attack. In Yoga, relaxation is equally important as exercise, and Yoga Nidra is one of the best ways to relax from head to toe and leave you stress-free. Attempt this exercise regularly and also try practicing this as you experience the first signs of a migraine attack. Be diligent and committed in your practice and you will soon see the results.

Cautions: Avoid falling asleep while doing this.

Exercise

• Lie down on your back on a mat or on a hard mattress

• Concentrate on your breath. Breathe deeply from the abdomen and just be aware of yourself inhaling and exhaling

• There are sixteen vital points in your body which can relax you totally if you concentrate on them. Start concentrating on the forehead, move progressively to the nostrils, lips, chin, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingertips, chest, abdomen, thighs, knees, calves, ankles and to the toes.

• Repeat this cycle 2-3 times

• Now imagine your limbs are detached from your body and that only the head, chest and abdominal area exist now.  As you breathe in, feel the air entering your spine and cleansing it

• Concentrate on the different vital nerve plexus or nerve junctions called chakras and breathe in and out five to ten times while concentrating on each point

• Start with the root plexus or mooladhara in the space between your anus and your genitals

• Move to the solar plexus or swadhisthan, four fingers above the navel

• Then to the midpoint of the chest, the anahat

• Move to the throat, the visudhi

• Move to the point between the eyebrows, the ajna

• Finally move to the crown, the suryachakra

• Imagine your limbs are once again attached to your body

• Be aware of your whole body as one unit for about two minutes

• Slowly open your eyes, stretch and get up.