If begun at the first hint of an impending aura, bag breathing can squelch classic migraine attacks within 10 to 20 minutes. It has also proved quite effective against common migraine.
This simple technique is based on the principle that carbon dioxide is a blood vessel dilator with ability to release constricted arteries in Stage 2 of the migraine sequence.
We can easily direct carbon dioxide into the lungs and the bloodstream by breathing into and out of a brown paper bag. The oxygen in the bag is quickly used up and carbon dioxide takes its place.
To accomplish this, you simply squeeze the mouth of a medium-sized brown paper bag into a reasonably round hole shape, place your mouth over it, and start to breathe into and out of the paper bag. Remove your mouth from the bag only when the air becomes too stale to continue breathing. Allow some fresh air to enter your lungs, then continue to breathe into the bag.
Breathe deeply and slowly into the bag. The average migraineur should experience relief within 10 to 20 minutes.
Bag breathing works by releasing the constricted arteries of Stage 2. However, actual headache pain is not felt until the arteries suddenly dilate and Stage 3 begins. To be effective, bag breathing must be practiced during Stage 2; once Stage 3 commences, it’s too late. Bag breathing then may intensify rather than relieve the headache.
This can be tricky, because no pain is experienced during Stage 2. In classic migraine, aura effects occur for 20 or 30 minutes during Stage 2. By commencing bag breathing at the first hint of an aura, the majority of classic migraines can be aborted while still in Stage 2.
Many sufferers from common migraine also learn to recognize the advance warnings of an impending headache. These, too, are often experienced early in Stage 2. If you are very quick, and begin to bag breathe at the very first hint of a common migraine, there’s a good chance you can abort this type of headache also. Once the constricted arteries are released back to their normal size, they will not overdilate and the migraine sequence is broken.
Once ypu fell actual headache pain, bag breathing must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, it could intensify Stage 3 dilation. And never use a plastic bag. Stop immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort. We recommend that you consult your physician before trying bag breathing and that you have him show you exactly how it is done.
These caveats aside, bag breathing has recently become such a popular therapy with classic migraineurs in Britain that thousands now carry a brown paper bag with them wherever they go.
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