Unlike ordinary headaches from allergies or dehydration, migraine is considered a chronic neurological condition. Migraine symptoms occur in one side of the brain at a time, causing intense pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound and, most famously, “auras” which include colorful geometric hallucinations and sight reduction. Traditional pharmaceuticals prove effective for migraine treatment, but they come with side effects and may be cost-prohibitive for some. Holistic treatments for migraines include complementary practices for sufferers as well as true alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
Herbs and Supplements
Some common over-the-counter substances and herbs that can reduce and prevent migraine symptoms include caffeine, aspirin, acetaminophen, and the herb feverfew, according to the National Institutes of Health’s online guide to migraines. Always notify your medical provider when trying herbs and supplements, as some may have contra-indications for prescription migraine medications.
Botox
A surprising supplement for migraine includes the chemical botox, most famously known as an aesthetic aid for wrinkles. According to the 2010 article “Botox May Prevent Some Migraines” published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, botulinum toxin A was reported to lessen migraine pain and reduce frequency in a small clinical study. Botox also helped those with the most painful kind of migraines, known as “exploding head migraines.” Only a medical provider should administer botox.
Yoga
Yoga has a reputation as a pious ritual, but this mind-body practice can actually be performed without adhering to any religion. Yoga comes in many forms and styles, but all help strengthen the mind’s focus and the body’s balance, coordination and core strength. Yoga’s effect on migraines has received backing by clinical research too. A 2007 study published in the journal “Headache” reports that patients who tried yoga therapy for three months had a significant reduction in migraine frequency as well as less over-all pain when the migraines did occur. A limitation of this study is that it focused only on migraine suffered who do not have aura symptoms.
Chiropractic
Although still controversial to many medical providers, chiropractic doctors treat migraines with osteopathic treatments, or re-alignments of the spine. Treatments can last for months, as spinal realignments have a slow-working but holistic effect on the overall health of the body, according to chiropractic theory. Chiropractic care can be complementary to traditional migraine care. This research remains sparse but encouraging. A 1999 clinical study published in the journal “Australian Chiropractic and Osteopathy” reported that after 13 weeks of chiropractic treatment, migraine patients without aura had less frequent migraines, less painful migraines and a reduced need to take their migraine medication. Like all complementary treatments, keep an open line of communication with your medical provider when exploring chiropractic care.
About this Author
Ryan Hurd is a writer and consciousness studies researcher living in California. His dream expertise has been featured in the Huffington Post and Psychology Today. Hurd has a MA in Consciousness Studies, and is the author of “Enhance your dream life.”
