Tips For Reducing Migraine Symptoms Naturally
If you are suffering from migraine pain, it is advisable for you to see a doctor online. This is important because migraines are not typical headaches. A person suffering from migraines can experience a pounding pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. And when it strikes, the person would do anything to get rid of it. While some medications can help in reducing migraine symptoms, there are some natural ways too that can help in reducing them.
Migraine is one of the most common conditions all around the world. It can sometimes even pass on to children from their parents. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, almost 12 percent of people in America suffer from migraine headaches. As I mentioned above, migraines are not typical headaches. This neurological condition has other symptoms that may include –
- Vomiting
- Visual changes
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to sound, smell, or light
- Feeling of tingling or numbness in the feet or hands
Chronic conditions of migraines can be debilitating and can make it difficult for the sufferer to do daily work. The pain makes it hard for the person suffering to focus on anything. If you are looking for natural treatments for migraines, read along. I have prepared a list of at-home treatments that can work as an alternative to other medications to manage migraine symptoms. These treatments will at least help you in reducing the severity and duration of your migraine. So, let’s get into it and learn more about these treatments.
1. Avoid food that can trigger migraines
Your diet plays a very important role when it comes to preventing migraines. Some many foods and beverages are known to trigger migraines. So, you must avoid these foods and beverages. These may include –
- Chocolate
- Processed foods
- Red wine
- Alcohol
- Foods that contain nitrates. For example hot dogs, sausage, and deli meats
- Cheese with the naturally-occurring tyramine, like feta, blue, Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar
- Pickled food
- Dried fruits
- Beans
- Cultured dairy products that may include sour cream, yogurt, and buttermilk
Also, while caffeine may help ease migraine pain in some people, too much of it can trigger migraines. It can also cause a caffeine withdrawal headache. In case you are wondering which foods trigger your migraine, maintain a daily diary. You can note down everything that you eat and see how you feel afterward. This food diary will help you stay away from the foods that can be potential triggers. Making some changes in your diet can help in preventing migraines in the future.
2. Try acupressure
Acupressure is the practice in which pressure is applied with the fingers and hands to specific parts of the body. This practice is used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms. Stimulating specific points of the body can help in releasing muscle tension and reducing pain.
A 2014 systematic review shows that acupressure is a credible therapy to offer relief from chronic headaches and other conditions.
One of the popular points where you can apply pressure is the LI-4 point. It is the space between the base of your left index finger and thumb. You need to apply firm circular pressure to this point for 5 minutes. This may help in relieving the pain you are experiencing because of headaches.
3. Essential oils
You can use essential oils as natural remedies. Oftentimes, they are used as antimicrobials in homemade cleaning products. Lavender is an essential oil that can help in easing migraine pain. It is known to reduce stress and anxieties as well. A 2012 research shows that inhaling lavender oil for 15 minutes can reduce the severity of migraine pain. You can either inhale lavender oil directly or apply diluted form to your temples.
4. Ginger
Ginger can help in easing nausea that can be caused by many conditions, which also include migraines. And it may also have some more benefits for migraine sufferers. A 2014 study showed that ginger powder can help in decreasing migraine severity and duration of pain. The effectiveness of ginger powder is comparable to sumatriptan, a common drug prescribed for migraines. Ginger powder also has fewer side effects than sumatriptan.
This is one of the biggest benefits of ginger, that it cannot hurt unless you have an existing allergy. There are no side effects of ginger if you do not have any existing allergy.
5. Sign up for yoga or do stretching
Yoga is known for improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension. This can help in managing the symptoms associated with migraines. In yoga, you use breathing, meditation, and body postures to improve your health and overall well being.
Research shows that yoga can help in relieving the duration, severity, and even frequency of migraines. It can also help in reducing anxiety and improving vascular health. A comprehensive 2014 study showed that yoga can offer better results than conventional migraine treatment.
6. Stress management
Stress is a big factor that can trigger migraines. It is like a loop – the pain caused by migraines increases the stress, which further triggers migraines. Managing your stress levels can help in preventing future migraines. There are a few activities that you can perform to manage your stress. These include exercise, meditation, or even journaling.
If you are not able to manage your stress by yourself, taking stress management classes can be helpful to you. You can also take a warm bath or listen to some of your favorite music to get some relief from stress. When you do these activities, you choose to take control of how your body reacts to stress in your life.
7. Massage
Massaging your neck and shoulders muscles can help you in relieving tension and getting rid of migraine pain. Massage can also help in reducing stress, which can further help in managing migraines. According to a 2006 study, a weekly massage is a good way to reduce the frequency of migraines. This can also help in improving the quality of your sleep.
The research shows that massage improves your stress coping skills. It is also helpful for your heart rate, as it can decrease your heart rate. It reduces anxiety as well as cortisol levels. You can either choose a professional masseuse for a massage or use a tennis ball to do a self-massage. You need to focus on your shoulders and back.
Conclusion
Symptoms associated with migraines can be challenging to cope with. Fortunately, tips to manage your migraine naturally can help you a lot. Try these methods and see the positive results yourself.