If you suffer from migraines or headaches, you know what a substantial effect they have on your well-being.
You may find yourself unable to function, work, or be active at home. Aside from pain, symptoms may include nausea, sensitivity to light and noise. As a result of chronic pain levels and disruptions in the daily routine, many people experience stress and anxiety as well.
We all know the quick solution – Medication.
But if you find that meds do not reduce the frequency of episodes, or if you are looking for a healthy solution, so you can avoid consuming pain medication regularly – You’ve come to the right place.
What most of us don’t realize is that headaches and migraines are usually a mere signal of an internal imbalance in our bodies and mind. A real deep level treatment must address this existing imbalance, rather than only mending the main symptom- pain.
STEP 1- Know your triggers
It’s not surprising that as individuals, every person’s headache is triggered differently. From now on, try to observe what happened prior to an episode:
Which foods you’ve eaten, Alcohol consumption, have you been stressed about something? How are your sleeping habits?
If you’ve been feeling tired, heavy or have a high blood cholesterol or sugar levels- Your trigger may be high toxin levels and a detoxification may be an effective answer.
Once you recognize your triggers, you will know your body well and be aware of factors you should avoid.
STEP 2- Negative foods and positive foods
As we said before, every person is triggered differently, but there are several foods that are universally known as migraine and headache triggers:
Red wine & alcohol, cheese, chocolate, processed meat, foods rich in sugar, food preservatives and coloring and other foods with MSG.
Positive foods are homemade and unprocessed foods, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains and plenty of water. If you know of any food allergies or intolerance, avoid these foods as they are likely to trigger migraines.
STEP 3- Eating and sleeping habits
Our body loves habits- Good ones, of course. The body functions at its best on a schedule.
Try to be constant with your meal hours and sleeping schedule.
Don’t miss meals or stay very hungry, since blood sugar fluctuations may trigger headaches or migraines.
As for sleeping, try to get at least 7 hours a night – On the other hand, avoid over sleeping. As you must know, over sleeping may result in a throbbing headache.
STEP 4- Physical and mental stress levels
If you have any neck and shoulder tension, try whatever you can to release it, as it can cause tension in the muscles surrounding the skull – leading to headaches.
Shiatsu, massage therapy and posture exercise such as Pilates and Feldenkrais can help. To relax your mind and soul, we recommend trying meditation, guided imagery and yoga.
STEP 5 – Herbs: Nature’s medication
Herbal supplements can address an internal imbalance and reduce headaches and migraines in both frequency and pain level. For a home remedy during an episode – Try drinking black coffee with a squirt of lemon juice or a tablespoon of vinegar and half a cup of water.
Medicinal herbs associated with headache/migraine relief are Fever few, Melissa officinalis, Lavendula officinalis and Verbena officinalis
Keep in mind to take herbs which also relate to your personal imbalance.
For stress relief it is recommended to use relaxant herbs, as well as adaptogenic herbs, which enhance the ability to cope better with stress and a hectic life. For example: Schisandra (Schisandra Chinensis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra).
For detoxification it is recommended to use herbs that encourage liver cell regeneration, as well as herbs that stimulate lymphatic drainage and secretion of hepatic toxins. For example: Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Cleavers (Galium aparine). This combination of herbs is designed to aid in the process of purifying the body of toxins.