Headaches, especially those that occur on a regular basis, are not only painful, but they can disrupt your everyday life as well. Migraines are a more severe type of headache, which can lead to blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. While many treatment options exist for these conditions, most involve over-the-counter or prescription medication. Natural treatment is another option, and may work well for those who choose not to risk suffering from the possible side effects associated with man-made drugs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an old, traditional Chinese method used to relieve pain in the body, and is especially effective in the treatment of migraines.
During the procedure, thin needles are placed in various, yet strategic, areas of the body. Barrie Cassileth, Ph.D, of CoolNurse.com, states that those using this method to treat headaches usually undergo 10 or more weekly sessions that last for 20 minutes. In traditional acupuncture, the acupuncturist twirls the needles himself. However, when treating headaches or migraines, electrical stimulation of the needles is more commonly used. While this method has proven helpful for many patients, its overall efficacy has yet to be determined, requiring further studies.
Chiropractic Therapy
Considered to be one of the most famous forms of alternative therapy, chiropractic therapy is used mainly to treat those suffering from migraines. These types of headaches are believed to be caused by irritation of the neck muscles, nerves and abnormal movement. Therefore, the careful manipulation of these areas provided during a chiropractic session helps to relieve the pain. Patients considering this option need to be prepared to undergo more than one session, because the problem is typically not fixed during one visit. This, however, is at the discretion of the chiropractor.
Meditation
For those experiencing headaches or migraines due to stress or tension, meditation may be a good alternative treatment option. This alternative method allows you to relax your mind and body, while remaining conscious. However, one of the key points of meditation is deep breathing; this helps carry you into your state of relaxation. As this occurs, your mind is freed of tension and stress, thus releasing any pain you may be experiencing as a result of these conditions.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback helps relieve a wide range of headache pain by incorporating various relaxation techniques. Biofeedback assists patients in learning how to cope with stress without the adverse physical effects it can produce. A biofeedback course generally lasts for 8 to 10 weeks, with sessions ranging between 30 and 45 minutes. During these sessions, you may be taught deep breathing exercises and guided imagery, which both offer you an escape when stress strikes and headaches loom on the horizon.
