The excruciating pain experienced during a migraine can be unbearable, but for the over 1 billion people worldwide affected by this disabling condition, finding relief seems like an endless battle. If you’ve been searching for a drug-free, cost-effective solution, it might be time to consider meditation. According to recent research, spiritual meditation can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, allowing for a better quality of life for sufferers.
Meditation: A Mindful Solution
A research study published in the journal Behavioral Medicine revealed that chronic migraine sufferers could significantly cut back on the frequency of their migraines and reduce their medication usage by practicing meditation for just 20 minutes per day. Participants in the study were divided into four groups, each practicing a different type of meditation daily over a 30-day period.
While all four groups experienced benefits from regular meditation, spiritual meditation, which focuses on a particular spiritual or transcendental mantra, proved the most effective at reducing migraine pain. Those in the spiritual meditation group focused their minds on spiritually-inspired phrases such as “God is love” during their daily meditation, yielding the most significant results.
Spiritual Meditation: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re interested in trying spiritual meditation as a pain management technique, follow this simple step-by-step guide and see if it works for you. Remember, it’s free of charge and side effects, so there’s nothing to lose except your migraines!
- Find a quiet space free of distractions (no TV, phone, music, pets, kids, tablets, etc.). Wear comfortable clothing and sit in a non-drowsy position.
- Choose a spiritually-inspired phrase of your choice. Study participants used phrases like “God is peace,” “God is joy,” “God is good,” and “God is love.” If you prefer, substitute “God” with “Mother Earth,” “Goddess,” “The Universe,” or any spiritual term that resonates with you.
- Begin your meditation by repeating the chosen phrase aloud a few times to focus your mind. Then, switch to silently repeating the phrase in your thoughts while contemplating how the statement reflects in your life.
- If your mind begins to wander, simply repeat the phrase out loud to refocus.
- Practice this meditation for at least 20 minutes every day, ideally at the same time, to establish a routine and ensure you always fit it into your busy schedule.
Other Types of Meditation
Though spiritual meditation emerged as the most effective pain relief method for migraine sufferers, it’s worth experimenting with other forms of meditation to determine which works best for you. The study mentioned above also explored three additional types of meditation:
- Internal secular meditation: Concentrate on a secular mantra such as “I am content,” “I am joyful,” “I am good,” or “I am happy.”
- External secular meditation: Direct your thoughts towards a secular mantra like “Grass is green,” “Sand is soft,” “Cotton is fluffy,” or “Cloth is smooth.”
- Relaxation meditation: Progressively tense and release all muscle groups in your body.
Each of these meditation methods also provided migraine relief to varying degrees, so take the time to experiment with different techniques to discover which one best addresses your specific needs.
Finding Your Path to Migraine Relief
Migraines don’t have to control your life. By incorporating spiritual meditation or another form of meditation into your daily routine, you can not only reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, but also reap the additional benefits of increased relaxation, peace, and emotional well-being. Allow yourself to explore this drug-free solution and find the relief you deserve.
