Natural Migraine Relief: What Works Best?

Written and verified by Holly Hazen

There are several natural migraine relief alternatives that claim to be effective, but are not scientifically proven. Nevertheless, they might work for you to stop your attacks if you start early. I've not been this lucky.

And then there are natural migraine relief methods that are often frowned upon but have good evidence behind them. My personal experience is that they help in some ways but aren't strong enough to abort an attack. 

The book Migraine for Dummies says that:

I love that!

Yet, I think that natural alternatives to the many medications are worth looking into.

Even if abortive or preventive medication works for you, the prospect of taking medication daily can be daunting.

And things get worse when side effects occur, or the medication is not as effective as it is supposed to be. There is a constant threat of overdose if they are not effective.

Natural therapies can provide you with choices around natural migraine relief. It provides the hope for safer, side effect free prevention. And if you’re lucky, it may give you the freedom from persistent migraine pain.

Are you after instant pain relief?

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Which Natural Migraine Relief Methods To Experiment With First

As a migraine sufferer I have tried most natural migraine relief therapies that have come across my path.

In desperation I have even tried ones that are not especially effective for migraines.

In my experience, methods to help reduce muscle tension and stress are very helpful (and keep me sane), but never abort an attack.

So let's look at options that have some good evidence behind them:

For me, the ginger, meditation and acupuncture work best. When I had weekly acupuncture the intensity of pain with each migraine decreased substantially.

I am just experimenting with deep breathing now that engages my diaphragm and totally relaxes my back, neck and spine. Using the right muscles to breath reduces tension build up in those areas.

Get Tested For Allergies To Help To Eliminate Triggers

Allergy testing could be important for you as a migraineur to help eliminate triggers. 30-50% of people can improve migraine occurrence by avoiding allergic reactions and 85% can experience a reduction. I think 30 to 85 percent is certainly worth the effort if you fall into that group!

As for allergy tests, you can get a standard food panel done in one go. It will test for specific IgG antibodies in the blood for a number of food groups. It will only be one single finger prick for you and a little blood.

My test was from US BioTek Laboratories in Seattle, Washington USA. It was easy. The results surprised me showing that I was allergic to pineapple, garlic, and eggs. Things I eat often.

After the test I avoided using these foods for over a year. The migraines have become shorter and less severe but not less frequent. I think any step forward is good.

More information about allergies can be found on this page - What comes first... Migraine or Allergy?

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What Herbal Treatment Options To Consider

What's the first thing you think of when I say natural migraine relief? Is it to take herbal treatments? They come in a wide variety, from peppermint tea to more exotic chinese herbs, and supplements for migraines like feverfew and butterbur.

You can read more about those options here:

• Feverfew for Migraines

• Butterbur

• Migraine supplements to consider for migraine prevention
  
  

There are other herbal supplements to consider - rosemary, ginger and ginkgo biloba.

Other Alternative Therapies That Might Help

There are more therapies which may be beneficial for migraineurs. It is nearly impossible to try all of them. But read about them, and find out which appeals to you the most. These were some of the ones that appealed to me:

• Chiropractic or osteopathic bodywork
  
  
• Physiotherapy
  
  
• Massage
  
  
• Chinese Medicine
  
  
• Reflexology
  
  
• Stress reduction exercises – tai chi, yoga, meditation
  
  

My advice is to experiment and find out what works for you. And remember that you may require a stronger pain management treatment strategy if your migraine episodes are severe and chronic.

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What You Can Do Right Now

Finally, I want to stress how your lifestyle may have an impact on your migraines. So, changing your lifestyle for the better is always a good idea.

Reduce stress - take time out each and every day to do something relaxing.

I know this sounds cliché but watch what you eat. Avoid common food triggers. Eat organic where possible and eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Reduce coffee, never drink Guarana and other energy drinks laced with sugar.

Read more and educate yourself on your migraine type. There is a lot of information available if you prefer natural migraine relief. Read e-books, books, this website and the internet. Read whatever you can until you get clear on some of your options.

I can recommend these to give you all the tips and secrets you will need:

• My book Migraine Management

• My Migraine Pain Management Course - the first module is free!

• Sign up for my free 5 week e-course Migraine Relief Secrets to learn the basics and the most recent natural relief for migraines. Here's the link...

Until next time, stay strong,

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_{Reference: Stafford, D. and Shoquist, J. MD. (2003) Migraines for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, Inc: New York. p.95.}

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