Migraine is a neurological disorder that is accompanied by severe headache, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. It is more likely to affect women than men and can be quite debilitating. Migraine treatment involves pharmacological as well as natural or therapeutic approaches.

Alternative migraine treatments:

Natural or non-medication treatment for migraine involves acupuncture, biofeedback, shiatsu, meditation and exercise. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress and combat a migraine attack.

Patients susceptible to migraines are advised to refrain from consuming various foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolates, tyramine foods such as sharp cheese, wines, processed meats and nuts as they can trigger a migraine attack.

Patients who are prone to getting migraine attacks must follow a particular sleep pattern, avoid working for long hours, must quit smoking and excessive intake of alcohol.

In case a migraine begins, you can take compressed ice therapy to relieve the pain.

Avoid staying hungry for a long time and take your meals on time.

Regular exercise helps combat stress and releases endorphins or the ‘happy hormones’. You can try going for a brisk walk, skipping, jogging or swimming.

Biofeedback is a scientifically validated technique by means of which individuals learn to recognize the signs given by their body and can take preventative measures before a full blasted disease occurs.

Essential oils of lavender, sandalwood and eucalyptus have been found useful in treating migraines.

It must however, be remembered that non-medication therapies are only preventative methods by which you can stop a full blast migraine attack but cannot treat it. If the problem persists, you must visit a doctor and get yourself treated with the help of medicines.

Migraine treatment with medications:

Individuals suffering from mild migraine headaches can take over the counter (OTC) drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen sodium. These drugs provide short-term relief to the symptoms of headache, menstrual cramps, body ache and fever. It is unadvisable for you to take an overdose of these medications as they can cause rebound headaches and can also result in permanent liver damage.