Migraine headaches can be extremely debilitating and disrupting in everyday life. Migraine headaches affect one in every seven people worldwide and are characterized by severe, throbbing pain that can last for hours or even days. Other symptoms that may accompany them include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. While OTC and prescription medications can help relieve symptoms, many people seek natural remedies to avoid potential side effects or to supplement their medication regimen. Here are eight fantastic natural migraine headache relief methods:
Drink Plenty of Water
It is crucial to consume at least eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated in order to prevent migraines. In addition to keeping you hydrated, water aids in the removal of pollutants that may contribute to headaches. You can consume herbal tea, coconut water, or even a bit of salt in your water to rehydrate your electrolytes. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks can all exacerbate migraines. A good reminder to drink plenty of water during the day is to keep a water bottle with you. If you have trouble getting enough water in your system, consider flavoring it with fruits like cucumber or lemon.
Get Adequate Sleep
Migraines are frequently triggered by a lack of sleep. To help prevent headaches, aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. By regulating circadian rhythms, a regular sleep schedule can help prevent headaches. Napping during the day should be avoided because it can interfere with your sleep at night. Turn off electronics, dim the lights, and practice relaxation techniques to create a relaxing bedtime routine. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment is essential for good sleep. Maintain a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try reading a book or taking a warm bath before bed.
Try Acupuncture
Thin needles are inserted into certain body sites during the practice of acupuncture in order to reduce pain and encourage healing. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture is a successful treatment for migraines. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and are released when acupuncture is performed, which can assist to reduce migraine discomfort. Moreover, it helps to increase blood flow and lessen muscle tension. Find a qualified acupuncturist with experience who can customize your care to your unique needs. Although acupuncture is typically seen to be safe, it is crucial to let your acupuncturist know about any health issues or drugs before starting treatment.
Go see a chiropractor
Although it’s not quite understood how your spine and muscles can cause migraines, it is often the core cause of migraines. Because of this, you may want to consult a chiropractor who will most likely recommend performing chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT). You will avoid taking medication and you will most likely see long term improvement if you have recurring migraines. If you are already seeing a chiropractor and don’t see any form of improvement, you may want to suggest CSMT to them or maybe switch over and start seeing a new chiropractor who may have more knowledge on this type of therapy.
Consider using pain-relieving devices
Using specialized pain-relieving devices for headaches can offer several benefits. For start, pain-relieving devices are designed to target specific areas of the head and neck, providing relief where it’s needed most. Many pain-relieving devices are non-invasive, meaning they do not require surgery or injections, which can minimize risks and side effects. They are also a drug-free alternative to traditional pain relief, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to medication. For instance, the effective pain tuner by Rezzimax is a handheld device that uses resonance and simple vibration therapy to alleviate headache pain. Compared to traditional pain relief methods, pain-relieving devices can be more cost-effective in the long-term, as they can be used repeatedly without the need for ongoing medication.
Use Cold Therapy
A cold compress applied to the head or neck can help relieve migraine pain. A cold pack, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or even a bag of frozen vegetables can be used. A cold compress, applied for 15 minutes at a time, can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. To avoid skin damage, avoid applying ice directly to the skin and take breaks between applications. After the cold compress, apply a warm compress to promote blood flow and relaxation. Cold therapy can also be accomplished by using cold gel packs or frozen towels. To avoid skin irritation, wrap them in a cloth.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress, which can be a migraine trigger. Forward bends, downward-facing dogs, and child’s pose are some yoga poses that can help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to migraine pain. Other mind-body techniques, such as meditation and tai chi, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation in addition to yoga. Mindfulness practice can help you become more aware of physical sensations and reduce the intensity of migraine pain. Mind-body techniques can be incorporated into your daily routine to aid in stress reduction and migraine prevention.
Use Essential Oils
When applied topically or inhaled, essential oils such as lavender and peppermint have been shown to relieve migraine pain. To inhale the scent, apply a few drops of essential oil to your temples or add a few drops to a diffuser. Essential oils can be massaged onto the skin after being diluted with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath or inhale the scent by putting a few drops on a tissue or diffuser. Before applying oils to the skin, test for allergies and dilute them.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises can aid in the reduction of stress and tension, both of which can contribute to migraine pain. Take slow, deep breaths and concentrate on relaxing your body. To relieve stress and tension, deep breathing exercises can be done anywhere and at any time. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth can help you slow your heart rate and relax. Inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Deep breathing exercises can be performed while sitting or lying down. Try practicing for at least five minutes at a time, gradually increasing the length of time.
Natural remedies for migraine headache pain can be effective, and the tricks mentioned above are all excellent ways to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. It is important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone, and it is always best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.
Article by Chloe Taylor
Chloe Taylor is an experienced lifestyle content writer and editor whose passion has always been home decor. Besides this, she enjoys creating nice and engaging articles about work-life balance, as well as revealing some small and simple tricks for making our environment more eco-friendly.
