According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a chronic headache that usually begins with a warning sign such as blind spots or tingling of your legs or arms. Migraine symptoms include pain on one or both sides of your head, nausea, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that nine out of 10 adults and two out of every three children will experience a headache at least once in their lives. When you have a migraine, there are many non-pharmaceutical options to consider.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress can provoke your migraine attacks. When you experience stress, your muscles tense up and can trigger a migraine. To relieve this tension, you can participate in various relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation, according to the Mayo Clinic. In mediation, relaxation results from focusing on a specific object or activity such as breathing. Yoga combines meditation with slow and deliberate body movements to help calm you. Sometimes, simply resting in a dark and quiet room with a cold compress over your head can help soothe an aching migraine.
Lifestyle Modifications
According to the NINDS, you can take charge of your migraines with lifestyle changes. Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily, eating lots fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water to prevent dehydration are just some simple lifestyle modifications. The Mayo Clinic recommends you avoid such foods as chocolate, aged cheese and beverages such as alcohol that all have the potential to provoke a crippling migraine. You must also get a good night's rest and lose weight if you are obese. Lack of sleep and being overweight can increase your risk of developing a migraine.
Alternative Therapies
The Mayo Clinic states that acupuncture, biofeedback and massage are great and effective ways to provide migraine relief. Acupuncture involves placing tiny needles at strategic locations in your skin to calm your migraine discomfort. Biofeedback is a technique that allows you to control stress-related muscle tension. Massage relaxes your muscles and can help you get a good night's sleep. It can also decrease the number of migraines you experience.
