Migraines affect roughly 17% of female adults, and approximately 6% of adult men. They can be triggered by stress, certain foods, hormones, and dehydration. An episodic migraine attack may have the victim suffer from sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, loss of vision or tunnel vision (called an aura); and intense pain. A migraine differs from a tension headache in that it is usually on one side of the head, and has intense pain that can be quite debilitating. They can happen once or several times per month, and usually last 4-72 hours without treatment.
Causes of Migraines
Root causes of migraines are from overwork, excessive anger, frustration, and lack of rest. There may also be an underlying problem of the nervous system that makes some people more sensitive.
Foods as Medicine
If you’re prone to migraines, a healthy diet is your friend. Avoid the bads, and get as much of the goods as possible.
First off, you’ll want to avoid gluten, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, high fat, processed foods, spicy foods, red meat, shrimp, garlic, cinnamon, vinegar and coffee.
You should have more leafy greens, veggies, fruits, berries, beans, bone broth, oats, rice, millet, wild-caught fish, eggs, chicken, mushroom,coconut, and seaweed.
Next-Level Natural Supplements to Consider
(With these, start small with one or two, and experiment to see which ones work best)
Feverfew taken up to 4 times a day can reduce frequency and symptoms.
Butterbur twice daily lowers inflammation and helps circulation to the brain.
CBD oil at the first sign of pain.
Magnesium daily helps ease muscle pain.
Essential oils like lavender and peppermint to the neck and temples.
Some Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas. (Ask a licensed Acupuncturist with experience in TCM).
More Things You Can Do for Relief from Migraines
Migraines can be relieved, prevented and reduced with regular acupuncture, or chiropractic. You could also benefit from less screen time, and more walking in nature, or doing yoga. Take time regularly to rest, and meditate. Have a consistent sleep schedule. Good spiritual and emotional health can be developed through positive practices that reduce frustration and anger, and increase hope and faith.
If the migraines are severe, you'll still want to see a doctor. But, you can still use most holistic remedies alongside medical treatments without fear of negative interaction. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you.
*Most of these tips were collected from the text Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe
If you’d like to talk to an experienced acupuncturist about headaches or migraines, call or email:
Michael Savalli LAc
Community Zen Acupuncture
Commack, NY
(934) 221-7111
Image by pressfoto on Freepik
Thanks Mike! I love how detailed this was...