Migraines affect more people than you might realize--about 11 out of every 100 people get migraines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you're one of that 11 percent, you know that migraines aren't ordinary headaches. These pulsing, pounding headaches are often accompanied by nausea, flashing auras and extreme sensitivity to light. Many people rely on over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications for migraines when they strike, but alternative remedies may help, too.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Magnesium Supplements
Taking 200 milligrams (mg) of magnesium every day may help stop migraines before they have a chance to start, according to the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase. Low magnesium levels correlate with increased risk for migraines; supplementing with magnesium may reduce the frequency of migraines for as many as 80 percent of people who experience them. Magnesium injections may also relieve and even completely eliminate the pain caused by a migraine in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Knowledgebase.
Acupuncture
According to the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture may also provide relief for people with migraines. When you go to an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will insert long, thin needles into specific areas of skin, known as acupuncture points. People who use acupuncture as part of their migraine treatment regimen experience quicker pain relief and take less pain medication, according to the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan notes that people who use acupuncture often continue to experience migraine relief for one to three years after receiving acupuncture therapy, and some people experience permanent migraine relief after employing acupuncture.
Feverfew
The herb feverfew may also help relieve migraine pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking 250 micrograms of feverfew every day--whether you have a migraine or not--can help reduce how many migraines you get, how long they last and how much they hurt, according to the University of Michigan Health System. It may take four to six weeks for feverfew to make a difference in your migraines, and the University of Michigan says you'll be more likely to get good results if you use a standardized feverfew extract instead of teas or tinctures.
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