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Deep Breaths

I am a guy (59) and have been suffering with Migraines since my early 20s. It started with one a year and now I am getting two a week. Although I sometimes get the ones that make you feel like bashing your head against the wall, the majority of my migraines are nagging all day affairs that I treat with combinations of coffee, Tylenol, ibuprofen, T3 and for emergence's Zomig, most of you probably know that the more you take the less they work.
I have recently found another tool in put in my tool box. Basically it is heavy breathing.
I am not talking about relaxing deep breaths. I mean, taking in to much air, like
hyperventilating. This is not the most comfortable thing to do but for a limited period of time (three to five minuets)it works for me. You would need to experiment for your self to find the best combination. I do this deep breathing and then try and transition to the more accepted, relaxing deep breaths.
I have no idea why this works, my Doctor tells me that hyperventilating does not mean I am absorbing more oxygen. If any body has the answer, please let me know.

  1. Hi Paul590,

    Thanks for your post! It's great to hear you have a coping mechanism that works for you, congrats! I am sure it is nice to experience some relief when you are in the midst of an attack. I thought you would be interested in the following articles as they may provide some answers to your question regarding intense breathing similar to hyperventilating - https://migraine.com/migraine-and-mental-health/mental-health-migraine-and-exercise/,https://migraine.com/blog/guide-to-cam-exercise-and-meditation/, https://migraine.com/blog/relaxation-mindfulness-for-migraine-patients-living-with-depression-anxiety/. The articles discuss the relationships between breathing, exercise (which can increase breathing rate), and chronic migraine. I hope you find them helpful! Please reach out with any additional questions, and definitely keep us posted on your progress. We love hearing from you.

    Warmly,

    Meaghan (Migraine.com Team)

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