Here at our Laurel, MD chiropractic office, we get a lot of questions about migraines. This is because a true migraine simply presents differently than your run-of-the-mill headache. They are typically accompanied by more intense symptoms than headaches, including vomiting, neck pain, vision issues, and more.
This is because migraines are a type of neurological condition and unfortunately there is no “cure” for a true migraine. However, there are some home remedies, that can help with the symptoms associated with migraines and that can help prevent future episodes and provide some much-needed relief.
A chiropractic adjustment is one of the best solutions for treating migraines as an adjustment will help free up that nervous system and restore proper nerve function, in addition to providing immediate relief for migraine-related pain that permeates through the neck.
However, if you are looking for additional home remedies that can help with the symptoms associated with migraines, or that may help shorten the length of your migraine and prevent future issues, we are here to help. Here are some of our favorite natural home remedies that are proven to help with migraines.
Ice Whether you are suffering from a migraine or any other type of migraine, ice is one of the best treatments available for headache pain. Depending on the origin of your pain or the type of headache you are experiencing there are two locations you may want to use your ice;
- On the back of the neck
- On top of the forehead
You should leave the icepack on for 20 minutes, remove it for an hour, and then apply the ice again. While it may feel best to just leave the icepack on (and there is nothing harmful with that), it’s best to rotate off and on with ice.
There has been a great deal of research on the benefits of essential oils, and while more information still needs to come out on these natural products, experts already know that certain essential oils can help with some of the symptoms associated with migraines. Some of the most common essential oils studied in relation to migraines include lavender, peppermint, basil, and chamomile.
The best way to use essential oils is through a diffuser. Make sure to consult with your doctor before starting essential oils as certain oils may be harmful to children, people with asthma, or women who are pregnant.
There are a few different vitamins and supplements that will not only help with migraines when they happen but can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines when taken regularly. B vitamins are known for regulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Vitamin B2 specifically has been studied about migraines and has been shown to impact the number of days, frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines.
Vitamin D may also help with frequent migraines, as one study found that people with migraines and vitamin D deficiency had more days with migraine pain than those without that specific vitamin deficiency.
Acupressure is a proven solution to help naturally with pain relief, and while it can be done by a professional, it’s also something you can easily do yourself at home. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points in the body.
If you are looking to perform acupressure on yourself, the easiest and most effective solution for headaches is the LI-4 point. This is the space between the base of the left thumb and the index finger. Apply firm, but not painful pressure to this point with your opposite hand for five minutes to relieve headache pain.
Studies have found that this may not only help with pain but migraine-related nausea as well.
Your morning yoga practice may have more benefits than just limber limbs and a stronger core. There have been a couple of studies on yoga when compared to more conventional migraine treatments. Both studies found that individuals who practice yoga had greater relief, and better recovery from migraines when compared to those who tried other treatments alone.
Regular yoga practice can also help with stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can be linked to migraines or make episodes worse.
Ginger is a natural way to help with some of the pain-related symptoms associated with migraines, as well as nausea and vomiting. Several clinical trials have looked at the effectiveness of ginger when it comes to migraines and there are very few side effects.
While ginger can be found in a variety of products, one of the best ways to consume ginger is through all-natural ginger powder.
There are so many health benefits associated with magnesium, yet many people experience a deficiency of this essential mineral. However, if you take regular magnesium supplements, it can reduce the frequency of magnesium episodes. Many studies have found that those who have regular migraines tend to have lower levels of magnesium than those who don’t.
Several double-blind studies have also found that magnesium can provide pain relief during a migraine as well.
The absolute best thing that you can do for yourself when struggling with a migraine is to get rest. When your body is dealing with a migraine, it’s processing a lot at once, and giving yourself time to rest is the best way for your body to recover.
Many people dealing with migraines have extreme sensitivity to light, so make sure you are in a cool and dark place to rest so your body can give itself time to recover.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. So many different types of headaches and other related ailments can be tied back to dehydration. You should always be drinking at least eight glasses of water per day and should be drinking 10 glasses if you are prone to migraines. Keep in mind, not all liquids count as hydrating. Soda, alcohol, and caffeine can all dehydrate the body.
Many people find that dehydration is a trigger for their migraine episodes. This means in addition to staying hydrated regularly, it’s important to start drinking plenty of fluids whenever migraine symptoms start to hit.
The best part about all of these remedies is that they are things you can start trying yourself right at home. They’re all easy, low-cost solutions that require very little time commitment and are good for your overall health as well.
If you are experiencing consistent or recurring migraines, it’s also important to look into stress management and other lifestyle changes that can help mitigate the frequency and intensity of these migraines.
