People often suffer from headaches and migraines. Both conditions are extremely painful and debilitating; however, taking an integrative approach to treating them may make them much less frequent and severe.
Inhaling lavender essential oil has been shown to ease migraine throbbing, while regular exercise can also reduce stress levels and help prevent headaches.
1. Ginger
Ginger can provide effective migraine pain relief at an economical and easily-accessible home remedy price point. One study revealed that when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ginger significantly reduced migraine headaches.
Ginger tea can provide relief during a migraine attack by simply adding one teaspoon of dried ginger powder to boiling water and steeping for five or 10 minutes. Additionally, feverfew (an herbaceous perennial related to daisies) has long been known to soothe nausea and vomiting.
Essential oil designed specifically to treat migraines may also help, though ensure it meets food-grade standards instead of being an aromatherapy product you could taste directly on the skin.
2. Exercise
Migraines can be debilitating conditions, making relief essential. While medications can help manage migraines, they may also come with unwanted side effects that must be considered when making decisions about treatment plans.
Exercise has proven itself an effective and holistic method for relieving migraine symptoms. Regular physical activity has shown to lessen both frequency and intensity of headaches.
Exercise may offer relief for those living with migraines by alleviating its unsettling throbbing pain as well as improving sleep patterns and relieving stress.
For extra physical activity, yoga classes or regular walks could be just what’s needed to add an extra bit of fitness into your life. Just make sure not to overexert yourself; too much exertion may trigger migraines!
3. Diet
An eating plan rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and fiber may be effective at helping prevent migraines. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water is also crucial.
Migraines may be caused by specific foods and drinks, particularly those containing aspartame/MSG or nitrates (found in processed meats, pickled and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut/kimchi). A food journal could help identify potential migraine triggers.
Before undertaking an elimination diet, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian first as these strict dietary changes may not work for everyone. Acupuncture can also help alleviate migraine attacks by balancing energy flow through pathways known as meridians – this treatment works by helping balance the flow of “chi” (energy) which accompanies migraine attacks.
4. Sleep
Migraines differ significantly from standard headaches in that they tend to last much longer and be caused by dehydration or stress, often manifesting with intense head and facial pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting and an intense sensitivity to light and sound. If coupled with other symptoms like auras and slurred speech they can even mimic strokes or heart attacks and lead to serious impairment.
Sleep disturbance and inadequate or excessive sleeping time are known triggers of headache, and psychological sleep interventions may improve overall quality and decrease activity levels in headache patients.
Avoid vigorous exercise just before bedtime as this could increase the likelihood of migraine attacks. Yoga, Tai Chi and walking may all provide gentle exercise options suitable for evening routines; in addition to practicing meditation and breathing exercises.
5. Stress Management
Stress is a known trigger of migraines and has been shown to raise blood pressure, muscle tension, disrupt sleep patterns and release stress hormones into the system. Studies show that learning how to reduce and cope with stress effectively may help prevent and treat migraines more effectively.
If you suffer from chronic migraines, consulting with a therapist or medical professional for guidance on stress management techniques such as biofeedback testing – using electrical sensors to track energy flow – could help. This may include biofeedback testing.
Many people who have never experienced migraines find it hard to sympathize with those living with this debilitating condition, and find it hard to empathize. By employing holistic remedies and making lifestyle adjustments, migraines can be managed naturally and lead back to normal lives.
