Treating migraines is as much art as it is science. There is no one cure fits all when it comes to this chronic disease. There are many different treatments, from a number of different schools of thought, which come together in allowing migraineurs to have a fighting chance of managing their condition.
Just relying on pharmaceutical therapy is not enough. Drug treatments have variable success rates and wildly different side effects from person to person. Natural, alternative therapies are a necessary part of a migraineurs treatment arsenal. Take a look at our top 9 natural remedies for Migraines. They may be more effective for you than medication:
Diet
Eating the right food, in the right amounts, has a profound effect on human health. This is especially true for migraine management. Chemicals found in certain foods are known triggers for migraines. Avoiding them will go a long way in helping to stay on top of your condition. It is best to avoid completely, or at least eat in moderation:
- Processed meats (deli meat, bacon, sausage, hot dogs) (contain Nitrates)
- Chocolates (contain Nitrates)
- Cheeses, such as blue cheese, feta cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, swiss cheese. (contain Tyramine)
- Alcohols, especially red wine (contain Nitrates and Sulfites)
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) containing food, e.g Chinese food
- Cold foods, such as iced drinks and ice cream
- Pickled foods (contain Tyramine)
- Beans (contain Tyramine)
- Dried fruits (contain Tyramine)
- Cultured dairy products (buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt)
Caffeine
Caffeine is an interesting natural remedy we added to this list. It has been reported to help some people with their attacks, whilst acting as a trigger for others. Some experts believe it is consistency which is important with caffeine intake. If you are a caffeine drinker during the work week, it is important for you to try to be consistent during the weekend as well. This can then act as a preventative medicine for migraine attacks.
Being consistent seems to have a beneficial effect in migraine management, but this advice is reserved for those who drink caffeine in moderation. If you know you are drinking too much caffeine in the week, you should make every effort to reduce your amount to a more healthy level.
If you are not normally a caffeine drinker, perhaps drinking will not have any positive effects in migraine management. Every migraineur is unique. Try caffeine for yourself, see if it is helpful in preventing attacks.
Essential oils
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy and are made up of plant extract dispersed in oil. They are firmly in the alternative medicine cabinet, but alternative medicine does not always mean pseudoscience.
An interesting study in 2012 highlights the benefits of lavender oil during a migraine attack. Those who inhaled the oil during a migraine attack for 15 minutes felt relieved of their symptoms faster than those who were given a placebo.
Peppermint oil is another essential oil which shows promise in migraine management, specifically the menthol found in peppermint extract. A study from 2010 shows that applying menthol solution to the forehead and temples is effective in treating migraine related nausea, pain and light sensitivity.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique rooted in the same philosophy as acupuncture. It is based on the ancient Chinese idea that ‘life energy’ flows through certain ‘meridians’ in the body. Applying pressure at the correct points helps to clear ‘blockages’ in these ‘meridians’
Scientifically, this theory of the human body is false. It should be seen as a primitive attempt of understanding human physiology, without the benefit of modern methods of investigation. That being said, acupressure has been shown, scientifically, to help in the treatment of various medical symptoms, such as chronic headaches, lower back pain and migraine-related nausea. So, before you scoff at its philosophy, try it with an open mind. You might find it helps your migraines better than you thought.
Ginger
This root vegetable is well known for its benefits to human health. Ginger can help reduce muscle pain, improve heart health, aid digestion, lower cholesterol and even help menstrual pains. One reason all migraineurs should include ginger in their diet is its proven ability to help ease nausea caused by migraines too.
New research has found another interesting effect of ginger on migraines: powdered ginger has been shown to decrease the duration and severity of migraines. Ginger powder is as effective as sumatriptan, without the associated side effects.
Yoga
Yoga is a popular spiritual exercise practised by millions worldwide. It focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental well-being. Its benefits include increased flexibility, muscle tone, bone health and weight loss. The reason we’ve included it in our list is its efficacy in migraine relief. A 2014 study has shown Yoga, when used as an adjunct to regular therapy, helps reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headache attacks.
Adding Yoga into your life will not only keep you physically healthy into old age, but also help with migraine management. Make sure you do not write it off without giving it a try.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a ‘mind-body’ technique which allows users to gain control over involuntary body functions, such as blood flow, heart rate and blood pressure. Autonomic processes, which are usually controlled automatically by the vegetative nervous system, can be hacked to aid in blood pressure management, anxiety, stress and pain perception.
Biofeedback, if mastered, can help users improve their physical, mental and emotional health. It can help migraineurs manage pain more effectively, as well as manage stress and anxiety, which is a big trigger for attacks.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to various health issues, migraines being one of them. Magnesium can be found naturally in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale and collard greens. It can also generally be found in any food which provides dietary fiber. If you are not sure you are getting enough from your diet, magnesium oxide supplements are available to easily increase your daily intake. Maintaining a good amount of magnesium in your body will help prevent migraines with aura, as well as menstrual-related migraines. If you suffer with either of these, make sure your magnesium levels are within normal limits.
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, with the idea of relieving pain and stress. It is an alternative therapy with numerous studied health benefits. Improved circulation, relaxation, reduction of stress hormones, increased flexibility can all be achieved with continuous massage therapy. Anxiety and stress symptoms overlap with migraines, so having a regular massage to unwind will also help manage migraine attacks. Massage also helps people sleep better. Poor sleep quality is a known migraine trigger, so improving sleep via massage will invariably help reduce migraine attacks. A 2006 study proved the efficacy of massage on migraine management, finding therapy reduced migraine frequency.