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Allopathic Treatment for Migraines

Headaches are a condition that every person experiences at some point in his lifetime, but migraines are extremely agonizing versions that often resist over-the-counter medication. Although researchers aren't sure exactly what causes migraines, they may be related to changes in a major pain pathway in the nervous system and and an imbalance in brain chemicals. Migraine sufferers often become sensitive to light or sound, and they can have bouts of nausea and vomiting during an episode. A doctor can prescribe medication to relieve symptoms; however, some prefer natural, or allopathic, remedies.

  1. Acupuncture

    • Acupuncture was originally introduced as an ancient Eastern therapy by the Chinese. The theory of acupuncture is that the body has rivers of energy (meridians) that flow up and down from head to toe. When one of these rivers is blocked, the body cannot be whole. Acupuncturists place tiny needles at specific points in the body that help unblock these channels and release the body's natural healing abilities. Migraine suffers use acupuncture to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with migraines.

    Feverfew Leaf

    • Feverfew leaf is an herbal remedy that is used for migraines and arthritis. The relief from migraines is attributed to parthenolide content contained in the leaves. It is believed that this remedy inhibits the release of serotonin and the formation of pro-inflammatory precursors. Additionally, feverfew leaf has shown to prevent blood vessel spasms that are part of the migraine response.

    Chiropractic Relief

    • Although most people think of a chiropractor as a "back doctor," studies have shown that spine adjustment also plays a role in migraine relief. Migraines may be caused by the dilation of the blood vessels in the brain controlled by the nervous system. Through manipulation of the back and spine, chiropractors reduce the stress on the nervous system related to tension and misalignment. It is believed that this treatment helps reduce pressure on the nerves and increase blood flow throughout the body.

    Magnets

    • Some sufferers use magnets to treat their migraines. For example, EnerMed is a magnet-based therapeutic device believed to help the brain balance regulatory frequencies. Studies have shown that migraine patients have rapid misfiring of magnetic frequencies during bouts of headaches. EnerMed uses magnets to trigger certain frequencies in the brain to help it revert to normal firing patterns.

    Magnesium

    • Magnesium deficiencies are prevalent in migraine sufferers, so some people believe taking magnesium supplements helps relieve symptoms. The American Association for the Study of Headache has said that there is no evidence that supports magnesium as a beneficial treatment, but it can be used as a migraine prevention method. The recommended dosage of magnesium supplements is 400 mg a day.

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