Natural Migraine Relief

By: Phillip Elder Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Natural Migraine Relief Alternatives?

The most important thing to consider when talking about natural migraine relief alternatives is the lead up history. What sets off the migraine spiral in you? What are your headache and migraine triggers? You need to consider foods, lifestyle and biochemical factors. It is encouraged that you keep a headache/migraine diary. When you have a bad episode, record what you have been doing in the days before and see if there is a common trigger to all the headache/migraine incidents.

Common headache and migraine triggers are:
Food - Chocolate, yeast, cured meats containing nitrates, caffeine, nuts, pickled foods,
monosodium glutamate (MSG), aged cheese, yogurt and sour cream, onions,
red wine, brown vinegar and citrus fruits to name a few.
Lifestyle – Stress, stress 'let-down'(on a weekend or holiday), missing a meal, lack of
Sleep, oversleeping, fatigue, long travel journeys or overexertion when you
are unfit.
Biochemical factors - Some medications including birth control pills, hormone
replacement therapy and some angina medications. Hormone fluctuations –
menopause, menstruation.

The most natural way to manage a headache or migraine involves releasing tension in the muscles at the base of your skull. When you feel a headache or migraine coming on, stretch your neck by lying on your back on the floor with a rolled towel where the tag of your shirt would be. Stretch it for at least 20 minutes. Placing a heat pack at the base of your skull helps the muscles to relax. You can self massage the muscles, you know when you get the right one because pressing the muscle will increase the intensity of the headache.

Find out why you're getting excessive tension in the muscles at the base of your spine. Visit a Chiropractor and get an x-ray examination of your spine. Chiropractors are the experts in treating headaches and migraine naturally and without the use of drugs or herbs.

The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever in Europe. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. It is supposed to help with migraines but little evidence exists.

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. It has been reported to help with migraine symptoms.

The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.
There are plenty of medicines that are supposed help with migraine and headache symptoms but sadly (as with the herbal remedies) there are side effects. The most natural form of treatment with the least side effects is Chiropractic.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Doug Eldred is a Chiropractor in West Ryde, Sydney, NSW. He has a particular interest in helping people get their bodies back into balance, and consequently living a pain free and completely mobile, long, healthy life. www.backdoctor.net.au www.headachesnomore.com www.rydemassage.com Doug has a particular interest in helping people with headaches and neck pain, shoulder blade pain, low back pain, and fott, ankle, knee and spinal problems caused by foot dysfunction.