Natural Pain Relief for Migraines

According to the Migraine Research Foundation about 18% of American women and 6% of American men suffer from migraines. This equates to more than 30 million Americans battling migraines throughout their lifes. They also estimate that half of these people suffer from migraines on a near daily basis.

So what causes these attacks? Doctors do not have all of the answers, but they know there is a correlation between the spasming and dilation of blood vessels supplying the brain and the painful attacks. The trigeminal nerve might also play a role, as well as an imbalance in serotonin levels. Those suffering from a migraine show lower than normal serotonin levels.

Migraine Triggers

Researchers have also found there are certain triggers for migraines that vary from person to person. For women, hormone levels  fluctuate and might trigger a migraine attack. The effects of hormones on migraines might explain why the prevalence of migraines in women is higher than men.

In addition to hormonal imbalances, certain foods might trigger attacks. Alcohol, particularly red wine and beer, aged cheeses, chocolate, and aspartame have been shown to affect some migraine sufferers. As with all headaches, stress plays a role. Sensory stimuli such as bright lights and sunshine, changes in sleeping patterns, physical exertion, and weather changes might also play a role. Certain medications list migraines as a side effect.

Though some of these triggers are unavoidable, there are ways to make an attack less painful. For severe cases, doctors might insist on prescribing medication. If migraines are interfering with your everyday life, you and your doctor will need to discuss the possibility of medication. But for someone who only occasionally suffers from migraines, natural pain relief might be the solution. The first thing you should do is assess your lifestyle. You and your doctor should determine if you are getting adequate fresh air, exercise, and sleep.

Assess the Problem

Next, take a look at your diet, and attempt to spot trigger foods. Use a journal to record the foods you eat and your body’s reaction. Once you have determined that specific items trigger attacks, limit their use. If some of the culprit foods are your favorites, keep a detailed journal of when attacks strike. There is a chance you might still be able to indulge at certain times, especially if you are a woman who finds your migraines coincide with your menstrual cycle.

If tracking your diet does not reveal anything, speak with a professional dietitian or nutritionist. They might prescribe an elimination diet which often begins with a short fast. This way your system is clear of all triggers, making them easier to spot as they are reintroduced. They might also suggest nutritional supplements such as vitamins C,E, or B3, evening primrose, calcium, magnesium, or Omega 3 fatty acids.

If your migraine attacks are not eliminated by diet changes, there are additional things you can do to prevent the onset of headache pain. Massage therapy helps release muscle tension and restore normal blood flow. A trained therapist can target specific areas to reduce the effects of a migraine. Several sessions might be needed to resolve any long term problems, but regular massage is helpful in healing a variety of ailments and repeat sessions will yield a variety of positive results.

Easing Migraine Pain Naturally

Hydrotherapy can be very helpful in halting the onset of a migraine headache. Some doctors recommend splashing cold water on your face as soon as the first symptom appears. Many migraine headaches begin with blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes or general fogginess that sufferers recognize as the onset of an attack. After the splash of cold water, rest with your eyes closed for at least an hour. Even if this does not completely eliminate the symptoms, the cold water and rest eases the severity.  

If you have identified stress as a trigger for migraines, use essential oils to ease tension and anxiety. A blend of chamomile and lavender during a particularly stressful week might prevent a migraine attack. Those experiencing a great deal of muscle tension might try a blend of peppermint and lavender. A few drops of each oil can be added to a base oil and massaged into the temples, neck, and shoulders.  Many people find aromatherapy valuable for treating a variety of stress-related problems.

Another way to prevent migraines is yoga. The gentle stretching movements aid relaxation and help with flexibility and circulation. A yoga instructor can suggest certain positions to help you target areas where tension builds and triggers a migraine attack.

Migraine headaches cause serious pain and problems and can leave someone bedridden for a day or more. In order to lessen their severity and frequency, try incorporating natural treatments into your lifestyle. You might find you are able to eliminate migraines, particularly those that are stress-related, without medication.