A migraine headache is characterized by intense pain, but can have multiple other symptoms as well. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to lights and sounds are common complaints with migraine headaches. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are some ways that some migraine sufferers deal with their pain, but there are other methods that can help bring you relief from your migraine without relying on a pill.
Muscle Relaxation
Having a migraine headache is likely to cause you to tense your muscles as you try to deal with and alleviate your pain. MayoClinic.com recommends muscle relaxation exercises as a healthy way to treat your migraine headache. Meditation and yoga both encourage relaxation and may reduce your symptoms. Use books or videos from the library to learn the techniques so you can begin relaxation as soon as a migraine strikes. MayoClinic.com adds that any type of relaxing activity, such as listening to music or taking a bath, may also bring relief.
Exercise
Exercise is an effective treatment for many health conditions, including depression and obesity. Exercising may also reduce your migraine symptoms, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports. Regular exercise helps manage your stress level. High levels of stress can cause migraine headaches and physical activity can help bring your stress level down so you can alleviate your symptoms. Take a walk, go for a job or swim a few laps as some exercises that can help calm and relax you so you can manage your stress.
Ice Pack and Pressure
Resting in a dark and quiet room is one way for you to concentrate on pain reduction without outside distractions. If you have migraine pain, take a break and lay down somewhere with low light and without noise. Apply an ice pack to the area of your head where you are experiencing pain, MayoClinic.com recommends. Another pain reduction technique is to press firmly on the areas of your head where you feel pain. Use your fingers or hands to apply gentle pressure, which may help you reduce the amount of pain you feel.
Alternative Medicine
There are many alternative methods for helping treat your headache pain and you may consider one or two of them as healthy ways to deal with your migraine symptoms. MayoClinic.com reports that acupuncture may be effective at treating migraine pain. An acupuncturist inserts small needles in various parts of your skin, depending on where your pain is localized, to help reduce it and eliminate it. Biofeedback is another alternative treatment that involves special equipment that helps you relax by pinpointing your responses to certain stressors. Intravenous magnesium may be effective if you are experiencing acute pain, MayoClinic.com adds. Speak with your doctor to determine if any of these treatments are right for you.
