Migraines: Some Relief Please!

If you have ever had a migraine, you realize that something intense is occurring in your head and brain. The very worst tension headache is probably a medium-level migraine. By definition, migraines are “headaches that last from 4 to 72 hours, is throbbing, is moderate to severe in intensity, is unilateral, becomes worse with exertion, and is associated with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.” (Merck) There are some known factors that lead to migraines. The most prominent factor is hormones, leading more women than men to suffer from migraines. Some women have migraines from puberty to menopause, some women have migraines after menopause. In men and some women, there is no direct correlation to hormones that dictates when a migraine will occur. Other triggers are insomnia, change in barometric pressure, and hunger. Some people link computer screens, flashing lights, or certain foods to the beginning of a migraine. More than 50% of people who suffer from migraines have a family history of migraines.

In western medicine, changes in blood flow in the brain and changes of nerve polarization accompany a migraine. There are drugs that may prevent migraines in some individuals, and there are drugs that can stop a migraine when it is just beginning. Many people can tell when they are starting to have a migraine based on auras, fatigue, or tension. Regular over the counter painkillers help some people but not others. Taking NSAIDs with caffeine is helpful for some people.

In Chinese Medicine, migraines are an excess of heat and stagnation leading to upward pressure into the head or they are a result of a lack of yin fluids in the body. In either case, Acupuncture can be used to balance energies and keep qi circulating, instead of stagnating. Acupuncture and heat therapy combined can stop a migraine from progressing. The correct constitutional herbal formula will help prevent migraines from starting. A maintenance program of monthly acupuncture and a constitutional herbal formula is all some patients need to stay migraine-free.

There are also a number of home remedies that may be useful for stopping a migraine or preventing one at a time that you know you are prone to migraines (e.g. before a monthly period or on the weekend after a stressful week). Anything that draws energy and blood out of the head will usually be helpful. These techniques include the following: soaking the hands or feet in cold water or warm water, qi gong that focuses on energy flowing out the soles of the feet, gua sha on the neck and back, and even putting a rubber band on each finger in succession. By the time you have wrapped the 10^th finger, start unwrapping the rest. This leads to increased blood flow into the hands and away from the head.

Techniques such as biofeedback, deep relaxation, and oxygen therapy require a little more training or equipment to use them properly, but they may be the answer for you.

There is relief for migraine sufferers, and Chinese medicine can be a part of that. If you have any questions or comments on this article, please email me at marian@marianhughesacupuncture.com .

Wishing you the best of health,

Marian