How to Heal and Prevent Migraine Headaches

A migraine headache is vascular in nature, caused by the dilation of blood vessels and a release of chemicals from the nerve fibers around the vessels. The result can be a debilitating headache, accompanied by symptoms that can last for days. Although there is no cure, there are things you can do that may prevent frequent occurrences.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep a journal to record the frequency of your headaches and what you were doing the days and hours before the attack. You may be able to track a pattern and avoid some of the triggers that often precede migraines.

• 2

  Stay away from triggers, which may include stress, bright or flickering lights, specific odors, monosodium glutamate, aspartame and caffeine. Hormonal changes associated with birth control and menstrual cycles are often triggers for women that may diminish after menopause.

• 3

  Recognize the aura that often accompanies migraine headaches. Not everyone will experience an aura, which may be in the form of a smell, taste, visual or speech disturbance. You may experience this phenomenon one or two days before the actual migraine attack.

• 4

  Change your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, exercise regularly, and avoid fasting and extreme dieting. Include the relaxation and breathing techniques of yoga in your exercise regime.

• 5

  Talk to your physician about prophylactic medications if you have two or more migraines a week or if your headaches interfere with your quality of life. They aren't 100 percent effective but may reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.