Q: What is migraine? What causes it, and how can I treat
it?
A: A migraine is a vascular headache, which means there is too much blood flow into the head causing pressure.
What causes a migraine ranges from stress and tension to hormonal changes, allergic reactions- anything that would normally cause any type of headache, including a genetic predisposition.
Many prescription medications for migraines don't work all the time and they have been known to cause rebound headaches due to toxicity in the body from taking them for a prolonged time!
So, it is a good idea to try holistic, natural means
for treating them such as massage, stretching, aromatherapy,
gel pack hydrotherapy application (use a frozen pack
for migraines on the back of the neck or head for 20
minute intervals), herbs, acupressure or acupuncture,
stress reduction methods, chiropractic or osteopathic
treatment and homeopathic.
Q: What is an aura?
A: An aura is a visual sensation that sometimes
accompanies headaches,
usually before the headache begins or at the onset.
It may include seeing subtle or bright lights around
an object or a trailing light where an object has moved.
Auras typically accompany a migraine headache.
Q: What is a headache trigger?
A: There are many things that can trigger a headache. Among the triggers are a genetic predisposition, learned habits, certain medications, dietary factors, psychological problems, physical disturbances, environmental factors, hormone imbalances, body structural problems and lifestyle factors.
For more information see article titled "What
Causes Headaches to Occur?" Also try keeping a
headache journal to track your own triggers. Free
Headache Journal.
Q: What is the link between migraine and hormones?
A: Changes in hormone levels during (and sometimes before) menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy and when taking oral contraceptives can bring on a migraine headache.
There are varying opinions as to why this occurs but
most holistic practitioners attribute hormonal migraines
to increasing or decreasing levels of estrogen, emotional
stress and irregular sleep pattern accompanying changing
hormone levels, and problems with the liver breaking
down excess hormones.
Q: What alternative therapies are used to treat migraines,
tension headaches, cluster headaches, hormonal headaches,
and sinus headaches?
A: Many different therapies may be beneficial on their own or in combination with others. It is according to the individual's constitution as to what will help them.
The list of alternative therapies includes acupuncture,
acupressure, chiropractic, osteopathic, biofeedback,
various other stress reduction therapies, massage, stretching,
hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, homeopathic, and herbalistic.
Q: What is a rebound headache? What causes it, and how
can I treat it?
A: A rebound headache is a headache that is brought about by the prolonged use of some headache medications or other pain relieving medications.
The symptoms are: generalized, throbbing, steady pain. One may also experience anxiety, diarrhea, nausea and sleeplessness.
The first step in treating this type of headache is
to recognize it, which may be difficult because sufferers
are not aware that their medications could actually
start to become the problem. Sometimes hospitalization
is needed in order for people to withdraw from medications
and begin treating their headaches with natural means.
Q: Are headaches hereditary?
A:They certainly can be, which is referred to as a genetic predisposition. If other family members have a history of chronic headaches it is best, if possible to talk with them. One may uncover certain triggers and information that may help them.
Q: What type of doctor should I see to diagnose and
treat my headache?
A: That's according to how you would like to approach treatment, medically or naturally. Many different doctors are experienced in treating headache pain and some practitioners claim to be headache specialists.
Q: What treatment is there for cluster headaches?
A: The same natural treatments that were listed in question #5. Also, cluster headaches may respond well to oxygen therapy. You can rent an oxygen machine through your local hospital or a medical supply center.
They may also respond well to intranasal capsaicin spray- go to www.sinusbuster.com.
Note: The use of alcohol and cigarettes seem
to play a key role in cluster headache development.
Q: Why should I use a natural remedy?
A:Using a natural means of treatment for any malady is the least offensive to your body. A medication may mask a certain problem but create other problems. Many medications affect the liver adversely. For example, headaches usually respond very well with the use of natural methods.
Q: What natural remedy is best?
A: That depends on you and what is causing your headaches! A lot of people have been able to decrease the frequency and duration of their headaches with massage and stretching.
What's great about natural treatments is that if one does not help you, it most likely will not hurt you either. So, try them all and see what helps you personally.
Q: What can prevent chronic headaches or reduce their severity?
A: Know what causes your headaches and alter accordingly- keep a headache journal (see the one offered for free on the site), keep your headache muscles loose and relaxed with stretches and massage as instructed on the DVD in the "Headache Free...Naturally" kit.
Q: Why do I get headaches?
A: Practitioners use different means of categorizing headaches. Six of the main headache types are listed on my site in the article "What sort of headache do you have?"
Q: If I eat more healthy foods, will I experience more
headache relief?
A: Not necessarily. Relief depends on what causes your headaches. Some foods considered healthy, (such as specific herbs, fruits and even vegetables), may actually trigger your headaches.
Try eliminating certain suspect foods and then reintroduce
them back into your diet and watch your body's reaction.
You might also consider being tested by a nutritionist
to find what foods you could be allergic to.
