Migraine has become a common phenomenon with about one in seven people suffering from this condition globally. DR PRAVEEN JACOB shares myths and tells you how to fight it naturally
Migraine, an excruciating headache coupled with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, not only hampers your sleep cycle but also your quality of life. It has become quite a common phenomenon; with about one in seven people suffering from this condition globally. The condition makes you so helpless that you become ready to alleviate the excruciating pain. Medications can help manage pain, and antidepressants and beta blockers can help prevent recurrent episodes. However, all of these methods have potential side effects, including nausea, insomnia, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Clinical studies have shown that home remedies provide more effective pain relief compared to conventional care.
Causes
If you have found out the root cause of your migraine then half of the battle is won. Dehydration, high blood pressure, tight muscles in the neck or shoulder, emotional stress, certain medications, supplements or reactions to other foods are some of the prominent causes of migration. Even Helicobacter pylori, better known as H-Pylori bacteria, has been found to be one of the most effective causes of migraine, ulcers, and other stomach problems. Therefore, switching to natural remedies is a drug-free way to diagnose migraine symptoms. These home remedies can help prevent migraines, or at least help reduce their severity and duration.
Myths
They are like normal headaches
It is important to note that headaches are only one symptom of migraine. Along with the headache, migraines also cause nausea, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, vertigo, weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
It can affect only adults
Migraines can affect anyone from children to older adults. It can affect a 5-year-old child. Besides the excruciating headache, they can also experience abdominal pain, irritability, episodic confusion, severe dizziness, difficulty in concentration and extreme tiredness.
During migraine, only one side of the head pains
There is no set pattern for migraine headache. It can be either one-sided or they can involve the whole head, or even the back of the head or neck, and sometimes the face too. All the patients don’t end up throwing up when they are hit with migraine.
Women are more prone to migraines
Women are three times more likely to have migraines, but men suffer from migraines. While 18-20% of women suffer from migraine, 8-10% of men also suffer from migraine. But the same is not clear.
Natural Remedies
Keep yourself well hydrated
If you want to treat migraine without medication, one should drink loads of water or an electrolyte beverage. When you are not hydrated well, dehydration can often result in headache. If you are opting for electrolyte beverage then ensure that it doesn’t have added sugar or colour in it. Excessive sugar can also aggravate the headache. Taking a vitamin C drink is also a good option.
Perform yoga regularly
Studies have shown that yoga can be effective in controlling the head. Yoga is an ancient discipline that promotes a holistic approach to pain management through a combination of breathing techniques and posture. These asanas and pranayama have no side effects. Exercising twice daily under the guidance of a certified trainer will reduce the severity of migraine pain and help prepare for future attacks.
Try acupuncture
Through this alternative medicine technique, pressure points are identified on the body to provide relief from pain and other such symptoms. Studies have also credited acupuncture as one of the trusted alternative therapy for people suffering from chronic headaches. Even patients going through throbbing migraine pain, who have tried out sessions with acupuncturists, will also advocate acupuncture being one of the safest non drug options for pain relief during migraine.
Mindful meditation:
An effective tactic
Contemplative meditation involves focusing on the present moment with a non-judgmental mind. This in some way helps to reduce stress, which is one of the most common causes of migraine. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and relaxation can sometimes soothe headaches and reduce stress.
Exercise
In order to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, doing some physical activity regularly can help.
Self-massage can be helpful
Massaging at the temples, shoulders and back of the head can help with headaches. Working with a massage therapist can resolve chronic neck and shoulder tension that can cause headaches. It is always recommended to apply pressure to the LI-4 compressor, also called Hegu, located between the base of your thumb and index finger. It will help relieve pain and headaches.
Natural Migraine Relief Kit
Natural migraine relief kits are available online and provide 100 per cent natural remedies to fight and cure migraines and headaches. These herbal probiotic kits made with indigenous herbs including black cumin, cumin, moonleaf, ginger, and peppermint aim to resolve headaches and pain by allowing intestinal flora to flourish in your gut.