Migraines can be excruciating headaches that cripple an individual, leading to light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting – often forcing them to stay inside in darkness and avoid work or social engagements.
Alternative therapies may be effective at managing migraine symptoms and preventing future attacks, including acupuncture, biofeedback, massage therapy and yoga.
Acupuncture
Migraine sufferers may struggle to find relief. Traditional pharmaceutical treatments do not always provide desired or adequate results, or have adverse side effects that diminish quality of life. While alternative therapies may reduce frequency of migraine attacks while improving quality of life.
Attainable treatments include acupuncture, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), physical therapy and massage; yoga may also help alleviate headaches by including breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation into its practice; biofeedback monitoring technology allows patients to see their stress levels on a monitor and learn to control them more effectively.
Chiropractic care
Migraine pain can often be compounded by stress. Massage may help ease tension and relieve headaches. Furthermore, following a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine – both of which have been known to trigger migraine attacks in some people – are both helpful strategies in managing migraine pain.
Acupuncture and some medications can help adults avoid migraines. Acupuncture may alter how your brain processes pain signals, according to one recent study; adults receiving treatment reported decreased frequency and length of migraine episodes as a result. BotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections might also help alleviate pain symptoms associated with migraine attacks in some adults.
Daith piercing
Daith piercings are an emerging trend as an alternative therapy for migraines. To ensure the best experience and outcome, consult with a licensed piercer prior to making this decision and keep the area around your piercing clean until healing takes place.
Migraines are debilitating head attacks that can last hours or days and feature throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound as well as light sensitivity. There are various medications and alternative treatments that may help alleviate symptoms, so consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
Cold compresses
Migraine pain typically involves an excruciatingly painful headache that lasts approximately one hour, as well as other symptoms like nausea and vomiting that are hard to treat with medications alone; alternative therapies have proven successful at relieving these symptoms.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique for relieving pain that involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body. Studies suggest it may reduce migraine attacks while relieving other types of discomfort as well.
Meditation and yoga can provide relief from stress-induced migraines, while regular physical activity is proven to prevent migraines in some individuals.
Exercise
Migraine attacks can be brought on by stress and physical activity. But there are ways to combat them effectively through exercise and relaxation techniques, which also may help prevent future migraine attacks.
Research indicates that exercise can be one of the best non-pharmacological remedies for migraines. Before embarking on an exercise plan, however, it’s wise to consult a physician as sudden and rigorous workouts can trigger migraines in some people and stay hydrated while exercising is key for best results.
Biofeedback provides relief for migraine pain by teaching patients to utilize information such as muscle tension, skin temperature and brain waves to decrease stress.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is produced naturally by our bodies and found in food sources such as mushrooms. As an antioxidant, Coenzyme Q10 may provide protection from oxidative stress that triggers migraine attacks.
Studies have demonstrated that supplementing with CoQ10 reduces both the frequency and duration of migraine headaches, making treatment available over-the-counter and recommended at 300mg per day – keeping a daily headache diary may also prove useful in tracking this effect.
Neuromodulation, using magnetic and electrical stimulation to treat headaches, can offer two hours of pain relief according to one recent study.
Essential oils
Migraine treatment options include lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies and holistic therapies that have proven their efficacy in preventing migraine attacks and relieving symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Meditation may also prove helpful.
Drug trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of oral calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists (GEPants), such as ubrogepant and rimegepant, at relieving migraine pain for those suffering from chronic migraines. However, such medications must not be consumed by those consuming food containing CYP3A4 inhibitors as this could cause adverse interactions.
People suffering from migraines should consult with a headache specialist, a physician with additional training in treating and managing headache disorders. A headache specialist can recommend alternative migraine therapies that are safe for you.
