Holistic Migraine Medicine

Migraine is a neurological condition best known for the debilitating headaches and visual hallucinations that come during a migraine attack. Although there is no cure for migraine, the condition can be managed by taking pharmaceuticals. Because some people don't like taking drugs, holistic methods for coping with migraine have become more popular, especially as more hospitals and treatment centers recognize the value of complementary medicine.

Holistic Medicine 101

Holistic medicine covers a wide arena, but in general the guiding philosophy is treating the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. In this way, the "whole" person is treated. For migraine, this includes supplements, practices and alternative ways of thinking about the significance of migraine attacks.

Herbs and Supplements

Some herbs and supplements can prevent migraine attacks or lessen their severity. The best evidence exists for herbs such as butterbur and feverfew. Magnesium and riboflavin supplements also can help with managing migraine symptoms, according to a 2005 study published in the journal Australian Family Medicine.

Lifestyle Choices

Carole Bernstein and Elaine McArdle, authors of "The Migraine Brain," suggest that migraine headaches can be avoided by learning to avoid personal migraine triggers. These triggers are different for everyone but tend to involve physical and emotional stress, allergies, and changes in the weather. Finding ways to cope with traveling is especially important, because during travel it's more difficult to control the environment.

Complementary Practices

Many migraine sufferers also report success with treatments such as acupuncture and holistic massage. Yoga therapy has been shown to successfully reduce some kinds of migraine pain, according to a 2007 study published in the journal Headache.

Best of Both Worlds

Some migraine sufferers reframe their aura hallucinations as spiritual occurrences. For example, the geometric imagery seen during migraine auras is called "entoptic imagery" by anthropologists, and has been noted by mystical traditions in Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. According to author Floco Tausin in an article published in Ovi magazine, "An inspired spiritual interpretation of migraine can already lead to favorable and pain-relieving thoughts, feelings and actions." For instance, migraine sufferers may find artistic inspiration in their visions, or new understandings of the divine. No matter if you try meditation or acupuncture, always communicate any complementary medicine with medical care providers so they can continue to provide compatible treatment.