How can I use Alternative medicine to help with Migraines?
80855
Source Naturals brand migraine blocker works pretty well for me.  I also recommend going to an acupuncturist.  Some insurance companies will cover the costs, too.  Good luck, I get them too so I know how you feel...
364978
Migraines are often due to or aggravated by nutritional deficiencies, so if you want to avoid them in the longterm, it's a good idea to support your whole system with the relevant nutrients. Calcium magnesium (with vitamin D) and EFA's (essential fatty acids, from fish oil, flax, etc.) usually make a big difference, though it might take a while for them to do so. \n\nThere's a Reckeweg homeopathic remedy (I don't remember which number it is -- the Dr. Reckeweg remedies are referred to by number, e.g. R28, R87 etc. -- but they could tell you at a health food store which one it is) that is very good for migraines in both the longterm and the shortterm: it should start working right away when you feel one coming on, but will likely also lessen the frequency & severity of migraine attacks in the future.\n\nThe other thing that supposedly works *really* well is (homeopathic?) lithium by BioLogic. A friend of mine who has worked in the alternative medicine industry for 20-odd years says that taken at the first sign of migraine, it can make it go away within five minutes. \n\nSo there are definitely things that can help. I'm not super-specific here, but this gives you some ideas of things to look into, at least.\n\nGood luck!
423605
Sleep. Advil. Ice.\nTalk to your doctor about medication. I'm on preventative for migraines.
700983
Different medications work for some and not others. My MD had me try Midrin and it didn't work.\n\nHe had me try 5 different drugs before we found one that relieved my migraine.
168653
The over-the-counter and prescription medications that are used to treat migraine pain fall into two general categories: those for use during an attack and those that help prevent attacks. A sufferer may need to take different medications to address distinct symptoms. For example, some drugs can help relieve the nausea and vomiting, while others may ease the head pain.\n\n"It's important to have as many drug options as possible for migraine," says FDA's Levin, "because different people respond differently to medications, and what works for one patient may not help the next."\n\nAn over-the-counter drug may help some migraine sufferers with mild to moderate pain. In January 1998, a version of extra-strength Excedrin called "Excedrin Migraine" became the first over-the-counter medicine specifically approved by FDA for migraine.\n\nPeople who want to use an over-the-counter migraine medication should see their doctor anyway, Levin says, to rule out more serious conditions. (See "Should You Call a Doctor?")
514593
rub your temples with some peppermint oil...it helps a lot. or check out the aromatherpy line from bath and body works, they have some stuff for headaches that works great!
338932
Sleeping is the only way I can get rid of my migraines but to ease the pain I've found caffeine sometimes works, pulling on my hair, tying something tight around my head (in a kung-fu-fighting style... I use the belt from a bath robe), putting anything that is very hot or cold on my head... and when all else fails I just bang my head against a wall, I really do!
649640
Take a hot bath,relax,and try Excedrin Migrain Headache(or some medicine like that)
329681
It depends on what is causing the headaches.\n\nI think a lot of migraines stem from sinus problems.  Try flushing your sinuses with a lukewarm saline rinse.  Also, try tiger balm under your eyes and nose while standing in a steamy shower.  Open up those sinuses!\n\nYou might want to check your diet and activities.  Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine withdrawel is notorious for setting off migraines.\n\nI would seriously recommend keeping a migraine diary.  Record every time you have a migraine.  Also record such things as the pollen count, barometric pressure and what you ate that day.  I know it sounds tedious... but it is an excellent way to start to track down alternative causes.\n\nGood luck!
447523
just answered a similar question for someone else. I'll paste the answer below. Also...Excedrin now puts out "Excedrin Migraines". I've found that on the rare migraine I get now...it helps a lot! \n\nAnyway, here is how I finally stopped getting migraines so frequently:\n\nMigraines are caused by fluctuating hormones. I've suffered from them terribly! I finally found a doctor who gave me this advice...and it's very rare now that I get them! :)\n\nHe told me to stay away from the following foods for a week before my period is due..and until my period stops:\n\nOnions, caffeine, chocolate, red wine, cheeses, foods with electrolytes and nitrates (such as gatorade, bacon, ham, processed meats), nuts, dried fruit and yogurt.\n\nSounds like there is nothing left to eat..but you manage to find things when the alternate is those AWFUL migraines.\n\nI hope this helps you too
87249
try the herb Feverfew it help stop a migraine and will prevent them also
164249
Hi. I can relate. I am a brain tumor survivor and I know how bad migraines can really be. Whats worked for me is the eucolyptus and spearmint all natural headache relief available at Bath and Body Works. Also, if available have someone massage your temples while you close your eyes and relax. Prescriptions don't work for some of us. Hope this helps. \n\nGood luck and best wishes,\n\nChris
1064014
Alternative headache treatments include:\n• acupuncture or acupressure\n• biofeedback\n• chiropractic\n• herbal remedies using feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), white willow (Salix alba), or skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), among others\n• homeopathic remedies chosen specifically for the individual and his/her type of headache\n• hydrotherapy\n• massage\n• magnesium supplements\n• regular physical exercise\n• relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga\n• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). (A test that electrically stimulates nerves and blocks the signals of pain transmission)
273815
Many physicians believe that exercise for 15-20 minutes per day is helpful for reducing the frequency of migraines.\n\nAt least two British studies have shown a relationship between the use of eyeglasses containing prism and a reduction in migraine headaches.\n\nThe plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Clinical trials have been carried out, and appear to confirm that the effect is genuine (though it does not completely prevent attacks).\n\nKudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has been demonstrated to help with menstrual migraine headaches and cluster headaches. While the studies on menstrual migraine assumed that kudzu acted by imitating estrogen, it has since been shown that kudzu has significant effects on the serotonin receptors. Kudzu Monograph at Med-Owl.\n\nCannabis has been reported to help people through an attack by relieving the nausea and dulling the head pain. There is some indication that semi-regular use may reduce the frequency of attacks. Further studies are being conducted.\n\nMassage therapy and physical therapy are often very effective forms of treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. However, it is important to be treated by a well-trained therapist who understands the pathophysiology of migraines. Deep massage can trigger a migraine attack in a person who is not used to such treatments. It is advisable to start sessions as short in duration and then work up to longer treatments.
5427
I am a reflexologist and yes, I have helped many of my clients with their migraine's.  Start by working your big toe, where your frontal cortex is located.  A long the medial phalange to the end of the medial metatarsal.  These locations are your cervical(neck and upper back) and thoracic spine(mid back). Also Work the plantar foot under your toes.  This is where your trapezius and scapular muscles are located. Many headachs and migrains will start from the cervical spine so by releasing that tension even along your ocippital ridge will help reduce the pain. Every reflexologist is diffrent but it is important to get the work done. I have learned diffrent points and styles of reflexology and the best and most effective method was from Dr. Manzanares.  He's a medical doctor from Spain.  Very cool and knowledgable man.  Also look into CrainoSacral Therapy, very powerful stuff.
689096
I had a dull migraine for 4 months before I decided to tell my doc. Topamax cured it right up. \n  If you can't get into the doctor, try a fruit diet for 3 days.. eat or drink nothing else (except a multi-vitamin) except fresh, canned or frozen fruit and it's juice, drinking plain water is fine too.\n  I have no idea why this works but a doctor told me to do it years ago and I tried it. It greatly relieved the pain but it's only a temporary fix. \n  Lay off the caffeine too.
105960
As you state, there is no cure for migraines currently. Migraine is an inherited disease of the brain that has to do with a neurotransmitter called serotonin. At least 70% of migraine sufferers have a family member with migraine. Although medication is the mainstay of treatment, there are many methods of reducing the number of headaches you experience. Some simple ones include limiting your caffeine intake to one cup per day or eliminating it all together. If you do drink caffeine then you should not miss a day due to the potential of withdrawal headache. Regular exercise can prevent headaches. Get regular sleep. Wake up at the same time everyday, even on weekends. Too little or too much sleep is a common headache trigger. Go to the National Headache Foundation website for a list of food triggers. Identifying triggers will require completing a headache diary for several weeks to several months. There are vitamins, which have been proven to reduce headaches. Magnesium 400mg and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 400mg have both been shown to reduce headaches. It may take up to 3 months to see the full effect. The only downside is the number of pills and the cost. To alleviate this problem for my patients, I worked with a vitamin manufacturer to develop a multivitamin with the above doses of vitamins plus all the vitamins in a regular daily multivitamin. Due to interest outside my practice we have made it available over the internet.\nWe also recommend a trial of physical therapy, which has been very effective. Behavioral therapy is also important since the number one trigger of migraine is stress.\nDon't give up. Remember migraine is a disease just like diabetes is. Diabetic don't make enough insulin, you don't make enough serotonin.\n\nGary A. L'Europa MD\nFellow of the American Headache Society\nDirector, NeuroHealth\nMedical Director, The NeuroHealth Headache Center\n227 Centerville Rd\nWarwick, RI 02886