There's no direct evidence that meditation will prevent clusterheadaches, but it has been shown that meditation can increase Melatonin levels. As clusterheads have lower melatonin production year round (even episodics that are not in cycle), naturally increasing melatonin through meditation is A Good Thing, although it should be considered an adjunct or supportive therapy.

Clusterheads also have an imbalance of their autonomic nervous system, and both exercise and meditation may provide some indirect benefits here.

Humming and forms of meditation that involve chanting 'OM' have been shown to have beneficial effects on chronic sinusitis and cardiac arrhythmia. Apparently, the vibration from chanting or humming stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the lungs and sinuses, which improves circulation and vascular tone. Nitric oxide is a key player in cluster headaches and migraine, although its role is not simple. At the time of an attack, NO levels are very high and may contribute to the pain or disorder. But between attacks, nitric oxide levels appear to be abnormally low in people with neurovascular headache. Whether or not this practice can reduce headaches is purely speculative, but if a person has chronic sinusitis, it might be worth trying for that. Improving the flow of air through the sinuses may reduce sleep apnea, which can contribute to the triggering of cluster headaches.

See also: Biofeedback and Yoga.

References

Solberg EE, Holen A, Ekeberg O, Osterud B, Halvorsen R, Sandvik L.
The effects of long meditation on plasma melatonin and blood serotonin.
Med Sci Monit. 2004 Mar;10(3):CR96-101. Epub 2004 Mar 01.
PMID: 14976457. Read Abstract (cache)

Tooley GA, Armstrong SM, Norman TR, Sali A.
Acute increases in night-time plasma melatonin levels following a period of meditation.
Biol Psychol. 2000 May;53(1):69-78.
PMID: 10876066 Read Abstract (cache)

Carlson LE, Speca M, Patel KD, Goodey E.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction in relation to quality of life, mood, symptoms of stress and levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and melatonin in breast and prostate cancer outpatients.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2004 May;29(4):448-74.
PMID: 14749092 Read Abstract (cache)

Harinath K, Malhotra AS, Pal K, Prasad R, Kumar R, Kain TC, Rai L, Sawhney RC.
Efects of Hatha yoga and Omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and melatonin secretion.
J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Apr;10(2):261-8.
PMID: 15165407 Read Abstract (cache)

Other Links

Circulatory Technique
Caffeine (coming soon)

Disclaimer Copyright