Migraine Treatments That Could Change Your Life

Living with migraine is not easy; its symptoms, such as intense pain, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes nausea, can make life feel very difficult. It affects not just the person but also people who are in close proximity to them. Recognising the frustration and loneliness one feels during a migraine attack is crucial. These people need the understanding and support of family and friends, because comfort can go a long way during difficult times. There exist multiple strategies to mitigate migraine symptoms; the task at hand is to determine which is the most appropriate. 

Migraine Symptoms and Treatment

Migraine symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, but here are some common ones to keep an eye out for:

• A headache that feels like a pounding or throbbing pain, usually on one side of your head.
• Sensitivity to light and sound—bright lights and loud noises can make the pain even worse.
• Nausea and vomiting are pretty common when a migraine hits.
• Some folks see visual stuff (like flashes of light) or notice other sensory changes before the headache kicks in—this is called migraine with aura.
• You might feel super tired or worn out, sometimes even before the headache starts.
• Dizziness and difficulty balancing are also possible.
• And don’t be surprised if you experience brain fog, making it difficult to focus or think clearly during a migraine.

Migraine Treatment Medicine

Although there is no cure for migraines, these medications can enhance symptoms and quality of life. They are divided into acute medications for immediate relief and preventive medications to decrease the frequency and severity of migraines. Treatment plans vary by individual, with some needing only acute treatment and others requiring a combination of both types.

There are various drug classes used as migraine medications:

• Ergotamines, the first developed for migraines, are now less common due to more effective treatments. 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are often used, and if they fail, doctors may prescribe stronger medications. 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can also alleviate symptoms. 
• Triptans, which increase serotonin levels to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, are available in various forms, including pills and nasal sprays, with common types being sumatriptan and rizatriptan. 
• Opioids may be administered in hospitals if other painkillers are ineffective.

Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment

By balancing doshas, Ayurveda employs a natural migraine treatment method. The best method for you will be determined by your Ayurvedic practitioner. Your treatment plan may include.

Panchakarma therapy is a detoxification method designed to purify the body and eliminate toxins that may contribute to migraines. Examples of treatments include applying medicated oil to the nose (nasya karma), massaging the entire body with oil, ingesting medicated ghee, and engaging in sweat therapy. Additionally, it may involve lifestyle changes to enhance overall wellness. Let’s look at some of these.

• Yoga is an ancient practice that unites the mind and body through breathing techniques and poses, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. It may also alleviate pain sensitivity, including migraines. A 2020 study found that individuals practicing yoga alongside their regular migraine treatment experienced fewer and less severe migraine attacks. Certain poses, such as Child's Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, and Bridge Pose, can enhance blood flow to the brain and circulation, both of which can help alleviate migraines even more.
• Regular exercise releases endorphins, which have antidepressant and organic painkiller properties. They may also help regulate migraine frequency and severity. This can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from stress and anxiety, which are common causes of migraines. Moderate activities such as brisk walking, leisurely swimming, or water workouts can provide these benefits without the need for strenuous exercise.
• Relaxation techniques leverage the connection between the mind and body to alleviate stress and tension. Research indicates that these methods can also alleviate stress-related symptoms like pain, headaches, and high blood pressure. Several specific relaxation techniques are particularly effective in reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.  

Four methods of relaxation are described below: 

• In order to enhance oxygen intake and foster calmness, deep belly breathing is recommended.
• Enhances clarity and improves stress responses by focussing on the present moment through mindfulness or meditation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique for lowering stress and anxiety that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups one after the other.
• Mental imagery is a technique used to promote calmness and relaxation. Part of it involves observing a peaceful setting.

• Pathyadi is a liquid supplement made from various herbs, created by boiling plants to produce a concentrated decoction. It treats migraines with Ayurvedic herbs, including myrobalan, beleric, amla berry, turmeric, and neem, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities.

Migraine Treatment Massage

Massage therapy can vary in intensity and techniques, including the use of hot or cold stones and focussing on different body areas. The effectiveness of massage for headache relief differs from person to person, influenced by individual preferences and triggers. It's important to explore various massage types that have scientific backing to find the most suitable option for migraine relief.

• Traditional massage alleviates anxiety and promotes relaxation, and incorporating aromatherapy with essential oils can enhance these benefits. Lavender essential oil, in particular, is noted for its ability to reduce stress and improve sleep quality, with some studies indicating it may also lessen migraine symptoms. However, it's important to be aware that essential oils can have adverse effects, potentially triggering headaches or other reactions in individuals sensitive to scents.
• Trigger point massage may help relieve headaches by addressing issues in skeletal muscles that can refer pain to the head. While research on its effectiveness for migraines is limited, one study suggests that combining trigger point therapy with medication is more effective for migraine relief than medication alone.
• Reflexology is a massage technique where pressure is applied to specific areas of the hands or feet, promoting health and healing in other body parts. It can enhance relaxation, improve sleep, reduce stress levels, and decrease pain, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with migraines.
• Thai massage is an active form of therapy that combines muscle compression, stretching, pulling, and rocking, differing from the soothing nature of typical Western massages. It may help alleviate less intense migraine pain and can be included in a self-care strategy for migraine management. However, it's important to communicate if the treatment becomes uncomfortable.
• Hot and cold stone therapy utilises heated or cooled smooth stones to relieve pain and discomfort, similar to traditional heating pads and ice packs. Hot stone massage promotes relaxation and can improve sleep quality after treatment. Cold stone therapy, often used for migraines, involves placing cooled stones on the face and neck, though its specific techniques lack scientific validation despite evidence supporting cold therapy for pain relief.

Migraine Treatment Food

Certain foods and drinks may help prevent migraine attacks or alleviate symptoms. Key dietary components include:

• Magnesium-rich foods: Studies have shown a link between low magnesium intake and increased migraine frequency, particularly in adults aged 20 to 50. Foods high in magnesium include dark leafy greens, avocados, tuna, bananas, and dark chocolate, though the latter's effects on migraines are debated.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Increasing omega-3 fatty acids may benefit those with migraines. Foods rich in omega-3s include various types of fish. 
• Fibre-rich food can reduce the frequency of severe headaches or migraines, although more research is needed for definitive dietary recommendations. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, and beans are among the foods high in dietary fibre.
• Whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts, are generally recommended over processed foods for overall health.

Additionally, staying hydrated is important, as dehydration can trigger migraines, and increased water intake reduces the severity and frequency of migraines. 

Best Treatment for Migraine

The best treatment for migraine differs from person to person . Since every individual has a unique set of triggers, the course of treatment should be tailored to the individual's triggers and medical background. Your medical consultant or doctor would decide which one is perfect for you after a thorough diagnosis. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make a migraine go away?

There are various migraine treatment options; you can choose to use natural remedies like yoga, massage therapies, or pharmaceutical ones like over-the-counter pain relievers. 

How do I deal with a migraine?

In addition to over-the-counter medications, many methods exist for treating migraines. Traditional massage therapy with aromatherapy, trigger point therapy, reflexology, hot and cold stone therapy, and Thai massage are some of the options.

Is migraine curable?

While there is currently no known cure for migraines, there are a number of strategies to manage their symptoms, including taking medication, making lifestyle modifications, and avoiding triggers that worsen the condition.