Classic migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a severe and often disabling pain in the head—usually on one side only—accompanied by sometimes alarming symptoms such as altered perception, a feeling that the skull is in the grip of a tightening vise, pins and needles or numbness, nausea and vomiting, and an inability to do anything. Symptoms can come and go and last for hours— sometimes even days. No two people usually experience the same symptoms, and one person can experience different symptoms on different occasions.

Migraines—which have been compared to an electrical storm going on inside the head—arise from the dilation or constriction of small arteries in the head region. Many different factors seem to cause them, but those most often reported are extreme stress, disco lights and noise, menstruation (women suffer from migraine much more than men do), and eating or drinking “trigger” foods, such as chocolate, cheese, oranges, coffee, and red wine.

Self-hypnosis

The technique of warming the fingers by using the power of your mind has been shown to produce lasting benefits for many sufferers of chronic migraine. The technique, which is a form of self-hypnosis, involves willing your fingers to a temperature 96°F (35.6°C) by concentrating. It is not easy but can be done—and is said to work for 85 percent of people.

Herbal Beauty

Reflexology

The same reflex points used to ease headaches can work for migraine sufferers also.

Relaxation

Therapies such as meditation, tai chi, and yoga are effective for prevention in the long term by teaching the body how to relax and “harmonize” within itself. All three are best learned from a qualified teacher first.

Nutritional, dietary and herbal therapies

The herb feverfew is well known to be effective in preventing attacks. One fresh leaf a day (eaten either in a salad or sandwich) is the recommended amount if you are prone to regular bouts of migraine. But it is not nearly so effective if an attack has already started. An alternative to eating the raw leaf is to take 125 mg capsules or tablets (available from most good health food or drugstores).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), the B vitamins (especially vitamin B3, niacin), and the mineral magnesium are also said to help not only prevent attacks but alleviate the symptoms. If you do not want to go to the expense of consulting a qualified nutritionist for individual advice on optimum dose levels, take a good-quality multivitamin containing these ingredients. Another supplement said to help is royal jelly. Beneficial foods include carrots, celery, beet, cucumber, spinach, and parsley. For best effect they should be juiced and drunk.

A number of pressure points are effective, the majority of which are on the upper back, shoulders, and the back of the neck. Try pressing the back of the head, under the base of the skull, halfway between the ear and the midline, in a hollow in the neck muscles. Press slightly upward and toward the opposite eye.

Homeopathy

For acute attacks, tablets of natrum mur, lycopodium, nux vomica, silicea, or spigelia (6c dose, taken hourly) can be beneficial, but self- help is not normally recommended for migraine, because the treatment depends on your particular circumstances and symptoms. Homeopathy is most effective if individually tailored to your needs by a qualified practitioner.

Massage and aromatherapy

Massage of the head, neck, shoulders, back, feet, and hands can sometimes bring relief, but you will need the help of a friend. The massage should be soothing rather than vigorous—use long, smooth strokes—and be continued as long as you find it comfortable or it brings relief. If trying aromatherapy use the same oils as for headaches.

Hydrotherapy

As immediate first aid for migraine pain, apply a warm washcloth or compress to the back of the neck and the side of the head affected (both sides if necessary). Lie or sit somewhere comfortable, and if light is a problem close your eyes (or darken the room with the drapes. Keep the washcloth in place—warming it by running hot water over it and then wringing it out—for as long as it brings relief.

Making waves

A device developed in Britain during the 1980s that makes use of low-level electromagnetic waves claims to have a success rate of around 80 percent in reducing the incidence of migraine. The device, invented by UK electronics engineer and migraine-sufferer Steven Walpole, gives out minute electromagnetic impulses every few seconds to “correct” the deficiency in the sufferer’s brain waves that is said to cause the migraine. So, for example, correcting a deficiency in theta brain waves, which are involved in pain control, reduces pain.

The device is small enough to be worn like a large watch or pendant, hut has to be specially programmed by a trained practitioner, using a computerized brain frequency analyzer, before it is effective. Available in Europe, North America, South Africa, and Australia under the brand names Trimed and Empulse, the device is claimed to work for other kinds of pain relief also, including arthritis, back pain, and sciatica, as well as a variety of allergic reactions.

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