Those who have never experienced a migraine before tend to think that it is just a painful headache. For those of us that do experience migraines, we understand that this is false.
A migraine is a neurological condition that involves several symptoms. It is sometimes prefaced by what is known as an aura, i.e., a kind of warning sign that a migraine is about to hit. This aura can come in different forms that include a sort of visual disturbance like flashing lights, kaleidoscope style images, and also tingling sensations throughout the body.
Image by Robin Higgins
Symptoms of a migraine
There are several phases of a migraine, and each stage has its symptoms.
For example, the first phase can begin several days in advance and include depressive-like symptoms, lethargy, and irritability.
The next phase is often the aura stage, and as already mentioned, it involves flashing images and blind areas of your vision, such as tunnel vision. These are not very comforting for those experiencing this the first time.
Unfortunately, it only gets worse for the third phase. Nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light are just some aspects of this stage, which is the most debilitating time of migraine. The only things you can do are to lie down and push through it.
However, there are specific methods you can try to help relieve the symptoms, and depending on the severity of the condition, they all have some effect.
6 Ways to reduce migraine discomfort
Diet
Diet plays a significant role in keeping our bodies in top form. By altering your diet, you could reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks going forward.
Many types of food are known to be “triggers” for migraine attacks and include:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Foods containing MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- Processed foods
- Certain cheeses containing a compound called tyramine
There are other foods, but these are the most common dietary triggers.
One other thing to be aware of is your magnesium intake. If you are deficient in this mineral, you could find that increasing the number of foods rich in magnesium could reduce the severity of an attack.
Botox
Botox has been FDA approved as a credible method for relieving migraine pain but only for regular sufferers or experiencing migraines 15 or more days a month. It works by the doctor injecting the substance around the locations containing the nerves responsible for headaches and migraines. Once injected, it blocks the transmission of pain. You should be aware, though, that it takes several treatments to get the full effect, and you should find a reputable clinic like those at Revitalize U M.D. to carry out the procedure.
Lavender oil
This oil will not cure your migraine, but it lessens the impact of one. By applying the lavender oil to your temples, or inhaling it gently, you could find that you shorten the time it lasts. Anyone who has suffered from migraines will know that any shortening of the duration would be a welcome respite. A study in 2012 that showed people who inhaled the oil at least 15 minutes before an attack, experienced a shorter migraine.
Acupressure
Not to be confused with acupuncture, acupressure is the art of applying correct pressure to specific points of the body. It originated from China around 2000 years ago and is extremely popular nowadays for relieving many types of pain. There has been some evidence to suggest that it is useful for those suffering from chronic pain.
Ginger
This root vegetable is involved in alleviating the symptoms of several ailments, not least migraine, and headache. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in reducing the time of a migraine and the intensity of attacks.
Yoga
Yoga is the art of learning how to breathe correctly. It may sound odd, but once you learn how to use your body to the full extent, a number of things happen. You feel happier, healthier, and have mental clarity that comes from engaging in it. Yoga helps migraines in a similar way to acupressure, i.e., focusing on certain parts of the body, and regular practice could reduce the number and severity of migraines.
Summary
This list is a mixture of natural and synthetic methods to help to reduce migraines. It is best to find out which option suits you best, but remember that some of them, such as improving your diet and trying yoga, will benefit your entire body in numerous ways, not only in reducing chronic migraine pain. However, if you suffer very severely, other options such as Botox may be your only choice.
