Slow Diaphragmatic Breathing for Chronic Migraine Prevention and Treatment: A Case Report

Migraine is a common, debilitating condition that significantly impacts personal lives, productivity, and the healthcare system. A simple, cost-free treatment is needed. In this case report, a 61-year-old woman suffering from years of severe daily migraines despite medication and dietary changes found relief in a slow diaphragmatic breathing practice.

Upon starting a regular 10-minute breath practice, her migraines ceased immediately. At a 12-month follow-up, she had only experienced 2 minor headaches. These findings underscore the feasibility of breath interventions as an accessible, low-risk treatment for migraines that may, for some, surpass medication in efficacy. Such practices may offer a viable alternative to pharmaceutical interventions that benefits both patients and healthcare systems alike.