More and more patients are seeking a natural solution for migraine headaches. Recent studies have shown that a few natural approaches can help relieve and possibly prevent migraines. The medical professionals at Active Health provide a multi-fold approach to help relieve migraine symptoms.
Natural Methods Showing Promise to Lessen Pain and Frequency of Migraines
Nutritional Supplements
Studies supplements like Vitamin B, Feverfew, Melatonin, Butterbur and other nutrients can help reduce the frequency and severity of Migraine attacks. In fact, Butterbur has shown such great results in recent studies, that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society (AHS) have recommended it as an effective treatment for migraine (Holland 2012).
Hormone Imbalance
Many women report an increased frequency of migraines at or near their period. It is believed that these headaches are due to an imbalance in the excretion of hormones during the menstrual cycle. Another theory suggests that the headaches may be caused by the body’s inability to breakdown hormones once they have been secreted creating a hormonal “traffic jam” at the time of menstruation that results in a headache. Many women achieve relief from menstrual related migraines when they use birth control pills. Acupuncture, vitamins, nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies have been shown to be an effective alternative in hormone related headaches
Acupuncture
A British study documents that subjects who received 12 acupuncture treatments over 3 months used 15% less pain medication than those that didn’t use acupuncture.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps headaches by stimulating the body’s ability to resist or overcome illnesses and conditions by correcting energy imbalances. The belief is that migraine and headache pain develops when the natural flow of chi is disrupted, leading to an imbalance of energy, and that acupuncture can correct this energy disruption to restore physical, mental, and emotional health.
An expert analysis, known as a Cochrane review, found acupuncture could help prevent acute migraines as well as drug treatments do and with fewer adverse side effects. Evidence also suggests that acupuncture could help people with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches.
Massage Therapy
In a small study, people with migraines who had six weekly massage sessions had less frequent migraines and better sleep during the massage weeks and the three following weeks than a control group.
Chiropractic Care
Certain physiological anomalies, especially in the neck and jaw area can be realigned with chiropractic adjustments. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines may be caused by “changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.” One recent clinical trial indicates that 72% of migraine sufferers experienced improvement after a period of chiropractic treatment.
Headaches can occasionally be a sign of a more serious condition. It is recommended that patient’s with a prolonged history of headaches or severe headache pain should seek help from a physician prior to attempting any alternative remedies. Additionally, patients must consult with a health care professional to determine if there are any side effects or drug interactions with any natural remedies you use.
The chiropractic physicians at Active Health can help you create a customized care plan for natural migraine relief. Our clinic offers Acupuncture, Chiropractic Care, and Holistic Nutrition including nutritional supplements, herbs vitamins and homeopathic remedies.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10839648
http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies
Read more: http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-proven-migraine-cures-plus-the-one-that-doesnt-work/#ixzz2zXA8sa9w
http://www.webmd.com/balance/nontraditional-headache-treatments
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20538298_3,00.html
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Chiropractors-get-at-migraines-root-4958195.php
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2005/05/22/10268.aspx