Four Alternative Treatments For Migraine Headaches

3 April 2015
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Do you suffer with migraine headaches but don't wish to treat them with prescription drugs that might have negative side effects? If you are one of nearly 36 million people in the United States who get migraines, you may want to consider one of these alternative forms of treatment.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that works by stimulating certain acupoints along the body by penetrating fine needles through the skin. This form of alternative treatment has long been used to treat chronic pain but has also been proven to alleviate pain associated with migraines and can even prevent the onset of headaches. Because of its effectiveness, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states acupuncture should be integrated into current treatment methods for migraines. For more information about acupuncture treatment, contact West Omaha Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is traditionally known for using spinal manipulations as a means to treat those with back pain. However, through the years, chiropractic care has been known to treat a variety of disorders and diseases. A study on the effects of chiropractic medicine on migraine headaches done at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia states that 72 percent of migraine sufferers noticed substantial improvement when seeking chiropractic care as a treatment option.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have long been used for treatments of many kinds of ailments. They are made from the roots, wood, flowers, leaves and berries of different kinds of plants. Using essential oils may not completely get rid of a migraine headache or prevent a one, but using them can relieve the pain and associated symptoms. Some people prefer to massage drops of essential oil directly onto their forehead while others prefer to use them for aromatherapy. Common essential oils used in the treatment of headaches include:

  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Spearmint

Feverfew

This perennial plant has been used as an herbal treatment for centuries and has also been proven to be an effective alternative treatment for some who suffer with migraine headaches. Feverfew contains a chemical called parthenolide and acts as a prophylactic or preventative treatment. Taking the herb will not treat a migraine after its onset. Some who take Feverfew on a daily basis have reported less migraines or they stop getting migraine headaches. The herb also reduces inflammation and helps take the pressure off of nerves.

If you've tried prescription drugs that cause negative side effects or ineffective over-the-counter medicine, you might want to try acupuncture, chiropractic care, Feverfew or essential oils for the treatment and relief of your migraine headaches.