Living with migraine means navigating both the physical and emotional challenges that come with this complex condition. In a recent episode of the Migraine Circle Podcast by CEFALY, Danielle Vinci from CEFALY sat down with Adriane Dellorco, founder of Yoga for Migraine, to discuss her experience with episodic migraine, the role of hormonal changes, and how holistic approaches like yoga have helped her regain control.
Meet Adriane Dellorco
Adriane Dellorco was first diagnosed with episodic migraine in her mid-20s while working as a public school teacher. Stress and hormonal shifts around her period were early triggers. Over time, her attacks became more frequent and severe, eventually progressing to chronic migraine.
“I remember my first real doozy — I was throwing up in the car on the way to urgent care. That’s when I knew something more serious was going on.”
Despite trying various medications, birth control methods, and alternative treatments, Adriane struggled to find lasting relief. That changed when she discovered CEFALY — a neuromodulation device that helped her reduce her dependence on medication and regain control over her life.
“Within a month of using CEFALY, I was no longer chronic. It was life-changing.”
The challenges of hormonal migraine
Hormonal fluctuations were one of Adriane’s biggest triggers. Like many women, she initially tried birth control to stabilize her hormones and prevent attacks — but it made her migraine attacks worse.
“Treating the hormonal aspect was one of the first things I tried, but the type of birth control I used actually made my migraine worse. It took time to figure out what worked for me.”
Her journey reflects the trial-and-error process that many migraine patients face when balancing hormonal health and migraine management.
What finally worked for Adriane
Adriane explored a wide range of treatments, including:
✅ Medications (preventative and abortive)
✅ Botox
✅ Acupuncture
✅ Dietary adjustments (including the “Heal Your Headache” diet)
✅ Jaw splints (recommended by her dentist)
Most of these approaches offered mixed or temporary relief. What ultimately helped was combining different strategies into a layered approach:
- CEFALY for neuromodulation and acute relief
- Yoga for migraine for stress relief and relaxation
- Pain reprocessing therapy to manage fear and anxiety around symptoms
- Daily self-care routines, including consistent sleep, hydration, and gentle movement
“It’s about finding a balance — combining different tools and strategies until you find what works for you.”
Try CEFALY for Migraine Relief
The power of yoga for migraine
Adriane discovered that traditional yoga classes could sometimes make her symptoms worse, especially those involving inversions or fast-paced movements. This led her to develop a more migraine-friendly yoga practice:
✔️ No inversions (like downward dog)
✔️ Slow, controlled movements
✔️ Use of props to provide support
✔️ Focus on relaxation rather than intensity
“Yoga for Migraine is designed to calm the nervous system and reduce tension, not push the body to its limits.”
She also practices Yoga Nidra — a guided meditation that promotes deep rest and has been particularly helpful during the prodrome phase (the early warning signs of a migraine).
Managing prodrome and early symptoms
Adriane has learned to spot the early signs of an attack:
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Neck tension
- Heightened sensitivity to light and sound
To stop an attack before it escalates, she leans on her toolkit:
✔️ CEFALY for early relief
✔️ Yoga Nidra for deep rest
✔️ Taking an abortive medication early when necessary
“It’s all about acting early — the sooner I treat it, the better my chances of avoiding a full-blown attack.”
The emotional side of migraine
Living with migraine isn’t just about managing physical symptoms — it also takes an emotional toll. Adriane shared the heartbreak of missing family events and the anxiety of feeling like she’s letting her children down:
“My daughter said, ‘You never feel well,’ and that broke my heart. But I’ve learned to lean on my support system and accept help when I need it.”
Community support has been a key part of her healing process. She runs the Yoga for Migraine Facebook group and maintains close connections with fellow migraine patients.
“It helps to know you’re not alone. Having that community makes a huge difference.”
Self-Care is Health Care
One of Adriane’s guiding mantras is: “Self-care is health care.”
She emphasizes the importance of pacing yourself, setting boundaries, and replacing overcommitment with restorative practices:
“I was trying to live a crazy full life — teaching, parenting, dancing — and it was too much for my nervous system. I had to let go of some things and replace them with self-care.”
This balanced approach has allowed her to reintegrate the things she loves, including dance, at a slower and more manageable pace.
Advice for Those Starting Their Migraine Journey
For those newly diagnosed with migraine, Adriane recommends:
💡 Track your symptoms and patterns — knowledge is power.
💡 Be open to trying different treatments — what works for one person may not work for another.
💡 Prioritize stress management — consistent self-care is key.
💡 Seek out a support system — whether it’s friends, family, or an online community.
“Migraine management is a journey. It’s about building a toolkit that works for you — and knowing that it’s okay to adapt as your needs change.”
Migraine relief is out there
Adriane’s story highlights the importance of a holistic, layered approach to migraine management. Combining neuromodulation with yoga, stress management, and pain reprocessing therapy has allowed her to reduce her medication use, regain control over her life, and find balance.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — but there is hope. Keep building your toolkit, listen to your body, and know that relief is possible.”
Want to try CEFALY for yourself? Visit www.cefaly.com to learn more about this innovative approach to migraine relief.
