MODULATING CORTISOL RESPONSE http://medind.nic.in/iad/t05/i6/iadt05i6p474.pdf
Summary
Headache and stress may co-exist as cause or effect. This study was designed to co-relate chronic tension headache with blood cortisol level and its modulation by autogenic relaxation therapy. Randomized single blind parallel design prospective study carried out in a total of 380 patients of chronic tension headache, divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=190) patients received 8 lessons and practical demonstration of spiritual based meditation, known as RajYoga meditation for relaxation therapy in addition to routine medical treatment (tab alprazolam 0.25 mg twice a day). Group 2 (n=190) patients received tablet alprazolam 0.25 mg twice a day but no relaxation therapy in the form of meditation. They were followed up for three months. Effect parameters studied were severity, frequency and duration of headache. Plasma cortisol level was measured before and 8 weeks after the treatment, in all patients.
Results- Relaxation group patients (Gr.1) showed a highly significant reduction in headache variables as compared to those who received tablet alprazolam alone (Gr.2). Headache relief was 96% as shown by headache index in relaxation group patients as compared to 25% in alprazolam group patients (p<0.001). Mean plasma cortisol levels were found to be significantly lower in those suffering with chronic headache for over 5 years. Relaxation therapy with RajYoga meditation effectively modulated the plasma cortisol to normal range.
Conclusions- Spiritual based relaxation therapy (RajYoga meditation) was effective in chronic tension headache as measured by headache parameters. The mean plasma cortisol levels were lower in those who were suffering with headache for more than 5 years. Cortisol levels responded to relaxation therapy (RajYoga meditation).