A Mindful Mind Over a Migraine Matter

Rethinking Pain Management

- Dr. Hunny Kalra Assistant Professor Ms. Nandana K Nair, Ms. Arathi Mukundan, Ms, Sathya

For many individuals, migraines are not just occasional headaches, they are life-disrupting neurological storms. The condition affects more than a billion people globally (12% population) and is among the top causes of disability worldwide. Those who suffer from migraines often experience intense throbbing pain, nausea, cognitive fog, and hypersensitivity to light and sound, rendering them unable to function during an attack.

Migraines tend to peak in young to middle adulthood, disproportionately affecting women due to hormonal fluctuations. In many cases, individuals are left managing a condition that interferes not only with physical well-being but also with emotional and occupational stability.

New Research Points to an Ancient Practice

Amid growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain, mindfulness has emerged as a compelling therapeutic avenue. A recent study conducted at the Department of Psychology and Allied Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-beUniversity), Bengaluru, examined the role of mindfulness in migraine management. Involving 110 adults formally diagnosed with migraines, the study found that individuals with higher mindfulness levels reported significantly reduced migraine-related disability.

Using validated tools such as the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), the study established a moderate, statistically significant negative correlation between mindfulness and migraine-related disability. Although pending peer-reviewed publication, the research was conducted under rigorous ethical guidelines and aligns with global evidence supporting mindfulness in pain reduction.

Understanding Mindfulness and Its Physiological Impact