Go Against The Grain

Of course there are many conventional medical treatments, involving all sorts of prescriptions medications available, to those seeking a migraine treatment; however there are also many non-conventional or alternative therapies accessible for the management of migraines and the painful symptoms that accompany them. A few of the most common alternative treatments available are Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Chiropractic, Massage, as well as the use of Supplemental Therapies.

Acupuncture

In the case of migraine treatment acupuncture, which is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of very fine needles into certain points of the body, can be very effective. It is important that a properly trained person administer this type of therapy, but the good news is that with pain associated with migraines the effects can last for months, and studies have shown that acupuncture is useful as an additional management or acceptable alternative in regards to pain management.

Biofeedback

This therapy would definitely fall under the “alternative” category, but before discrediting biofeedback, know that it is a legitimate management for pain and has shown great results for long term relief in migraine treatment.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care or spinal manipulation therapy has been a proven method for persons seeking an alternative migraine treatment. Studies have shown that in the case of tension and migraine headaches, manipulative therapy can be as effective as preventative medications in helping to keep off the onset of migraines. Once a migraine has begun, chiropractic therapy can also greatly reduce the painful symptoms if care is given in a timely manner.

Massage

Massage Therapy can be a very useful migraine treatment, especially if the headaches and migraines are triggered by stress or tension. A massage therapist is trained in working the muscles around the head, neck, shoulders, and back in order to increase blood flow in those areas and help relieve muscle tension. Additional studies have shown that the use of massage therapy along with Chiropractic care can be even more beneficial. This is because when given first, massage therapy can help to loosen the muscles in the head, shoulders, and neck and produce better results with spinal manipulation.

Supplemental Therapies

Many different supplements are shown to be helpful in the case of migraine treatment. A few of the most commonly used supplements are as follows;

• Magnesium
• Vitamin B-2
• Coenzyme Q10
• Feverfew
• Gingko Biloba
• 5-hydroxytryptophan

Magnesium citrate

Research has shown that those who suffer from frequent migraine attacks typically have lower Magnesium levels. One can increase their intracellular magnesium level by taking an oral magnesium supplement. Tests have shown that added magnesium citrate used effectively in combination with riboflavin can have a positive effect on migraine pain. However, if magnesium citrate is taken in a dosage higher than 300mg side effect such as the ones listed below may occur.

• Diarrhea
• Gastric  Irritation

5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5 – Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5- HTP is an amino acid found in food and is a forerunner to the neurotransmitter serotonin. By adding more 5-HTP one can raise their serotonin levels in the brain while also increasing their endorphin levels helping aide in the overall improvement of their mood and disposition. It has been proven that those suffering with chronic migraines typically have low serotonin and low endorphin levels. The thought process is that low serotonin and endorphins levels make it extremely challenging to tolerate or endure pain.

Feverfew

Feverfew is commonly associated with migraine relief due to its natural ability to obstructing the release of blood vessel dilating substances from the platelets that create migraine pain. Feverfew also prevents inflammatory substances from developing and increasing migraine pain levels. When researched, information revealed that feverfew can help reduce vomiting when undergoing a migraine as well as decrease the severity of the migraine attack.

Ginko Biloba

Ginko Biloba is a powerful antioxidant made popular by its ability to help improve blood circulation in both the body and the brain. Ginko Biloba is possibly one of most well-known herbal remedies and can be used in the treatment of migraine headaches. The reason that Ginko Biloba makes for such a great treatment options is its ability to hinder platelet aggregation. This powerful antioxidant possesses flavonoids and terpenoids which have been tested to show that they help dilate blood vessels which in return surges blood flow. After clinical studies were done on the use of Ginko Biloba as a treatment for migraines information was returned stating that migraine attacks were drastically reduced because of the use of Ginko Biloba.

Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, Massage Therapy, Migraine Support Formula, natural migraine treatment