If you are a migraine patient and deal with it quite often, know that you can prevent the symptoms and curb down the pain with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies.
No one should ever go through the ordeal of Migraine pain. Migraine is considered the most terrible kind of headache, worse than sinus or stress pain. That's because bouts of nausea, mood swings, extreme sensitivity to sound and light, and vomiting often follow migraine pain. A migraine attack can drain an individual emotionally and physically, which can hamper their daily activities.
If you are a migraine patient and deal with it quite often, know that you can prevent the symptoms and curb the pain with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. In the long run, the following home remedies and medications will help you beat the Migraine more effectively.
Why does migraine pain occur?
Migraines are chronic and painful headaches, often recurring, caused by abnormal brain activity. According to the American Migraine Association, around 12 to 15% of the American population is affected by Migraine.
While the cause of Migraine is not clear yet, researchers have found that specific triggers affect nerve communication and blood vessels and chemical reactions in the brain, which leads to dreadful pains.
Food and diet triggers: Certain foods and beverages that are associated with migraine pains are alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, cheese, and foods that contain tyramine. Lack of water and irregular meal hours can also aggravate the symptoms.
Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal changes majorly contribute to migraine pains, including low blood sugar levels and menstrual cycle.
Emotional triggers: Anxiety, work stress, shock, depression, excessive crying, and over-excitement can lead to migraines.
Medications: Certain medications, especially the pills that work on our hormones, cause migraine pain. They include combined contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicines, and sleeping medicines.
The environment around you also has an impact on your brain activity, which can lead to a migraine attack. In many instances, stuffy rooms, sudden temperature changes, strong odors, perfumes, smoke, and bright lights have activated the pain. Depending upon the severity, a migraine attack can last from hours to days. People often experience flashes of warning symptoms, known as Aura, at the onset or during the attack.
Migraine is categorized into four stages: Prodrome, Aura, Attack, and Post-drome. The first stage generally begins during childhood or adolescence. The symptoms also change with each stage.
When home remedies for migraine may not work
While you can tackle the symptoms and improve them over time with the below-mentioned home remedies and lifestyle changes, you must visit your healthcare professional immediately if you experience the following:
-Severe headache that resembles a thunderclap
-High fever
-Continuous vomiting
-New pain areas
-Shooting pain that increases after involuntary action, such as sneezing or coughing or a sudden movement
-Mental confusion, slurred speech, and dizziness
-Vision problems and body numbness
7 proven home remedies for migraine pain relief
1. Inhale Lavender Oil
Strong evidence confirms that breathing in lavender oil can help manage the symptoms of acute Migraine. Lavender oil is used to release stress and relax the mind. You can either apply the oil on your skin or breathe in the aroma released from an oil diffuser. You will see positive results within 15 minutes.
2.Practice yoga
Yoga is a combination of postures, meditation, and breathing techniques known to treat several health issues, including Migraine. Practicing yoga regularly will significantly reduce the pain's frequency, intensity, and duration.
Yoga also helps reduce stress, fight depression, and regulate the nervous system and vascular health. Thus, it is an ideal natural therapy for relieving Migraine pain. You can also use yoga as a complementary treatment to improve your overall health and well-being.
3. Reduce the flow of blood with ice
Reducing the flow of blood to your brain might help relieve migraine pain. Place an ice or frozen gel pack on your shoulder, scalp, neck, and forehead until the ache reduces. You can also use a soft towel rinsed in cold water for the treatment.
4. Massage with peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a variety of pains, including mild to moderate headaches, sinus problems, and migraines. According to a study, the menthol in peppermint oil does the trick. Massaging the oil on the forehead and temple will reduce migraine symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity, and relieve pain.
5. Avoid the following foods
Many foods and beverages trigger the symptoms of Migraine. You must avoid these foods if your Migraine is recurring and very intense:
-Chocolate
-Foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate), such as typical Chinese foods and instant noodles
-Alcohol, especially red wine
-Tyramine-rich food. Tyramine is naturally found in Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Swiss, and Blue cheese
-High-acidic foods, such as pickles and processed foods
-Foods with high nitrate content, like bacon, sausage, deli meats, and hot dogs.
-Dehydrated fruits
-Pickled vegetables
-Fermented dairy products like curd, sour cream, and buttermilk
Caffeine. However, a small dose of caffeine can help ease your headache. Try having green, black, or ginger tea instead of coffee.
6. Go for acupressure therapy
Acupressure is a traditional therapy that applies pressure with fingers on specific nerve points (also known as acupoints) in different body parts to stimulate them. The stimulation helps relieve various muscle and joint pains, including migraines. Acupressure also enables you to get rid of stress and nausea. The acupoint that relieves Migraine is called Hegu (LI-4). It is between the thumb and index finger, just below the joint.
7. Active lifestyle
An active, stress-free lifestyle is a great way to cure migraine pains. Try to get some fresh air every day, go for runs or walks, or workout 5 days a week, for 15 to 30 minutes at least. Additionally, practice meditation, pursue a hobby, adopt a dog, or choose an activity that improves your mood and helps you rejuvenate.
While there have been substantial developments of new treatments for Migraine in the last decade, Botox being one of them, you will tackle your migraine pain with these remedies effectively.
Author Bio:
Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga, and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
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