Migraine headaches---those pounding, severe headaches that make it difficult to open your eyes and even cause nausea---are often treated by medications. But some people may experience side effects, be unable to take medications or just want to find a more natural remedy to ease migraine pain. There are many naturopathic---meaning natural or herbal---remedies that can effectively treat migraine headaches.
Ginger
Drinking a cup of ginger tea, with about 500 or 600mg of ginger mixed in water, can alleviate migraine headache pain. Try to drink it as soon as the headache strikes, or when you notice the first symptoms. Try drinking it regularly to try to ward off migraines.
Supplements
There are several types of supplements that can help alleviate migraine headache pain, including magnesium citrate, niacin, vitamin B6, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, butterbur, feverfew and wobenzyme.
Heat and Cold
To beat migraine pain with a natural remedy, try soaking your feet in hot water (don't burn yourself). At the same time, hold an ice pack or cold compress against the back of your neck to draw blood from the head and relieve pain.
Acupressure, Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation
Get rid of pain with a visit to a chiropractor, who can manipulate and realign your spine to take the strain off of the neck and head and alleviate migraine pain. Acupressure and acupuncture, which apply pressure or insert tiny needles to specific points in the body, can also offer relief from migraine pain.
Biofeedback, TENS and Relaxation
Biofeedback is a type of therapy teaches how to relax the body and take control over the body's processes and messages to help alleviate pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses a device that emits small electrical impulses to alleviate pain. Relaxation techniques can be beneficial for migraine sufferers to learn, as tight, tense muscles can worsen migraine pain. Relaxation techniques can include progressive muscle relaxation, visual imagery, deep breathing techniques and meditation.
