A migraine attack is not a typical headache. According to the migraine research foundation, migraine is the most common condition in the world. Migraine attacks can affect both children and adults. In America, almost twelve percent of people suffer from migraine attacks.
As mentioned above, a migraine is not a simple severe headache. According to the best general physician, this symptom is a part of a neurological condition and may also have other symptoms, including:
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Visual changes
- Sensitivity to smell, light, or sound
Migraine attacks can be a chronic condition and debilitating that can impact people’s life. There are different products are used to reduce the symptoms associated with migraine. However, many people prefer natural home remedies as an effective treatment for migraine headaches.
Home Remedies for Migraine Attacks
Here is the list of some natural and effective home remedies to reduce the severity of migraine attacks:
1. Acupressure
Acupressure therapy can play an essential role in relieving some migraine symptoms. In acupressure therapy, you apply pressure to specific parts of the body. Stimulating specific parts of the body by this therapy is believed to alleviate pain and release muscle tension.
The most popular pressure point is the LI-4 point, this point is between the base of the pointer finger and left thumb. Applying firm pressure to the Li-4 point, using the other hand for five minutes, may relieve migraine attacks.
A study looked at forty people who had migraine attacks without aura. The following study found that pressure on the PC6 acupoint (this point is located three fingers above the base of the wrist), was effective to reduce migraine-associated vomiting or nausea.
2. Avoid Certain Foods
Diet plays an essential role in preventing and reducing migraine attacks. Many beverages and foods can be migraine triggers such as:
- Chocolate
- Foods with nitrates, including bacon, deli meats, and sausage
- Alcohol, especially red wine
- Cheese that contains a natural compound known as tyramine, such as Swiss, feta, cheddar, Parmesan, and blue
- Beans
- Pickled foods
- Processed foods
- Foods that are packed with monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer
- Foods that are very cold such as iced drinks or ice cream
- Cultured dairy products such as sour cream, buttermilk, and yogurt
- Dried Fruits
A little amount of caffeine may reduce migraine attacks in some people. Caffeine is also in some products-considered effective for migraine attacks. However, too much caffeine may also cause a migraine attack.
You need to know which foods trigger migraine attacks for you and which are helpful to reduce the severity. When you come to know, skip the foods that trigger and include those who reduce.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils are often considered effective for migraine symptoms. Lavender is an important oil recommended for anxiety, stress, and headaches. A study found that lavender oil inhalation helped reduce the severity of migraine attacks.
4. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese old technique in which very thin needles are injected into certain parts of the skin to relieve a wide variety of health problems. A study found that twenty sessions of manual acupuncture with usual care were more effective to prevent migraine in patients with a history of episodic migraine.
5. Ginger
A study using one-hundred participants compared the effectiveness of ginger powder with sumatriptan, a common migraine product. The following study found that effective of ginger was comparable to sumatriptan, and participants were willing to continue the use of ginger as a treatment.
6. Try Yoga
Yoga uses meditation, breathing, and body postures to promote well-being and health. A study concluded that yoga may relieve the duration, frequency, and intensity of migraine attacks. In addition, it also improves anxiety and releases tension in migraine-trigger areas, and may also improve vascular health.
The researchers said that yoga can be beneficial as a complementary therapy for treating migraine.
7. Add Magnesium to Your Diet
Magnesium deficiency is associated with migraine attacks and headaches. Supplements of magnesium oxide may help prevent migraine with aura. These supplements may also prevent hormone headaches (menstrual migraine). A study found that 500 mg of magnesium oxide taken two times a day for eight weeks was helpful in preventing migraine without significant side effects.
You can also add some foods that are packed with magnesium to your diet, including:
- Sesame seeds
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Peanut butter
- Milk
- Eggs
Conclusion
Migraine attacks can upset daily activities. Therefore, it is essential to reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches. The above-mentioned home remedies can be effective in reducing the severity of migraine attacks. Click here for Magazine Hubs for more information on the topic available.