Migraine is severe headache that is triggered by different factors in different people and the most distinctive feature of this headache is that it occurs on one side of the head in a pulsating manner. It is chronic and afflicts numerous people worldwide. Nausea, vomiting, blind spots and dizziness are some other symptoms of migraine.
Various triggers of these headaches include dehydration, exposure to sun, hunger, too much of cold etc. Since it is chronic in nature many people resort to over the counter medicines which themselves are not devoid of any side effects. In this article we will introduce you to various natural ways in which you can control and manage the symptoms of migraine.
Natural Treatments For Migraine
Acupuncture
It is a Chinese alternative medicine which works with the body’s energy. The basic concept on which acupuncture works is flow of energy in the body which when obstructed causes numerous physical and mental maladies. This procedure is safe and painless provided it is done by a qualified professional acupuncturist. A quack will not only be unable to help but can cause considerable damage to your body as well.
Acupuncture is a comprehensive treatment plan which may also make use of Chinese herbs in combination with the actual pure acupuncture. This procedure involves pricking your skin by many micro needles. The spot which is pricked is determined by the acupuncturist and depends on your problems and health issues. The insertion of needles for migraine may not necessarily have your forehead skin or facial skin pricked. Many people claim to have found relief from acupuncture but scientific conclusions have been divided where it has been found to help in some cases whereas failed in some other. Depending on the severity of the health issue you may be called for multiple sessions of this therapy.
Yoga And Exercise
Yoga involves physical exertion, mental concentration through meditation and stress relief by using the right breathing techniques. The meditation aspect of yoga has been found to be helpful in controlling the pain by shifting the focus of mind away from the pain. Reduction of stress through deep breathing and relaxing poses like shavasana, Pranayam, Vajrasana alleviate the stress and calm the nerves.
Exercise also has similar physical affects as rigorous yoga and is suited to you if you do not have the patience for Yoga. Exercise in form of active sports, swimming, running and spending some time in gym reduces stress and release endorphins. Endorphins are feel good hormone and act as a mild sedative. However, the exercise for relieving migraine is recommended to be done in open air. Closed spaces like gym and air conditioning in them may actually increase your headache.
Recognise The Triggers
As mentioned in the introduction, there are some situations which trigger migraine attack. Initially it is difficult to recognise them, but if you find that you have been falling prey to migraine frequently then just begin to note your every activity and its timing. Over a period of time, depending on the frequency of your migraine you will find a pattern in your schedule and hence a trigger. The usual trigger can include stress, going without food for long, dehydration, heavily fried food etc.
Exposure to heat and cold also leads to migraine in many cases. Allergic reactions, alcohol, menstrual bleeding and certain type of foods are also known to cause migraine in some people. Once you have identified the trigger, always avoid the circumstances and situations leading to these triggers. For e.g. avoid fasting; your headache acts up because of hunger. In the same way, avoid getting into hot sun during afternoons if exposure to heat is your trigger. In such a situation, get out in the sun in the mornings for your daily dosage of sunlight. Just like these examples modify your lifestyle around avoiding the triggers of the migraine.
Diet
Diet is an important part of natural treatment. It is the food that determines your strength internally. If you are strong from inside then other treatments will also work faster. The first rule of any headache including migraine is to consume a lot of water and fluids. Water or juices maintain the fluidity of the blood which ensures an easy and uninterrupted healthy circulation in your body including the brain.
Apart from this, food that is rich in magnesium is known to relax nerves and inflate the blood vessels that facilitate the blood supply to brain alleviating the headache. Raw spinach, mackerel, lentils, whole grains, avocado, bananas and dark chocolate are some examples of magnesium rich food items. However, some people experience migraine due to chocolates as well. Omega3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and pain. Therefore they are also recommended in diet for migraine. Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil, eggs contain omega3 fatty acids. They are also known to reduce the duration of migraine.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb which has been traditionally used for curing migraine. It works by inflating the blood vessels for better circulation. This stimulates the brain and reduces the sensation of headache. Not only the pain, but it also reduces the heaviness and associated symptoms of dizziness, black outs and nausea. You can consume this herb in form of tea just as the headache begins. Mixing green tea in it is known to increase the potency of feverfew in alleviating the headache. Adding some chamomile is also a good idea considering it acts as a mild sedative. Have this concoction just before you sleep and you will find your headache gone by the next morning.
Massage
Gentle oil massage on your head or entire body is also considered helpful. Massage involves stimulating some pressure points to release stress. Direct application of essential oil on the head stimulates the blood circulation in the brain which reduces the migraine pain. You may use oils that are calming to your senses like lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla etc. Do note that these oils are very strong and should be used by adding them to other oils like coconut or olive that do not have a strong aroma of their own. Many ayurvedic stores have ready to massage diluted oils containing these wonderful aromatics which you can try using without getting into the hassle of doing it all by yourself when the migraine is already causing severe discomfort.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
