Migraines are a type of severe headache triggered by the excessive and prolonged stimulation of nerve endings in the head. The causes are generally unknown but can occur due to physical injuries or neurological issues like multiple sclerosis. Symptoms will depend on what triggers your migraines, but migraines are usually indicated by a red or purple aura around the eye area, a sharp persistent headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
Natural remedies for migraine include the following:
1. Migraine diet
Your migraine symptoms are often triggered by a specific food or product you consume. The first step in getting rid of migraines is figuring out what your triggers are and avoiding them as best as possible. Try keeping a log or food journal listing all the foods you eat for about two weeks, and take note of any that are followed by a migraine. Eliminating these suspect trigger foods may help to alleviate symptoms.
2. Lavender oil
Lavender oil affects the hypothalamus and limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates your body’s hormonal system, moods, and sleep patterns. The right level of hormones is necessary to help you cope with stress. To apply this oil, you can use fresh dried lavender flowers or buy the essential oil to incorporate in aromatherapy or massage.
3. Acupressure
Acupressure, or the use of pressure points on the body, is said to relieve migraines in some people. It is an alternative therapy that involves inserting fine needles into points in unvarying locations along your body’s meridians or energy channels. These points are said to affect other parts of the body. Almost 100 acupuncture points on the head, neck, shoulders, and arms can be used to treat this condition. This therapy is one that really helps with pain management and also helps with migraines in many instances.
4. Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb that is most effective when used as a tea. It has been used to treat migraines for centuries. It reduces the number of migraine headaches and also improves the duration of a migraine attack when used as an herbal supplement.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a great form of self-care; for many migraine sufferers, and many studies show it may help relieve migraines. There are a wide variety of yoga styles available in book form, DVDs, or in person classes (i.e., hatha, yin, functional yoga, etc.) so you can find a style that’s comfortable for you. You can also try poses that involve deep breathing and relaxation techniques, head movements, and head and neck stretches that can help you reduce the pain of a migraine.
6. Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique used to lower anxiety levels. Biofeedback for migraines is used to detect a patient’s body temperature, skin conductance, heart rate, muscle tension, and brain wave patterns. It is a way to learn how to control your body’s physiological functions in the brain so that you can train yourself to reduce pain, headaches, or migraines or reduce their severity. A therapist will teach you how to control your breathing and move your body in certain ways that are proven to be effective in preventing migraines.
By incorporating these natural methods, you may find that your migraines begin to disappear or at least subside a little bit. Before trying anything new, talk to your doctor about effective natural and prescription ways to manage your migraine symptoms over time.
