Suppose you are suffering from the annoyance of migraine attacks. In that case, you recognize how easily this illness can ruin your entire day or sometimes even a week and why finding a proper migraine treatment that helps you feel better is so important. In addition to the debilitating headache, migraine causes many other unpleasant symptoms that can make you feel very sick, such as nausea, irritability, and weakness. And if you feel sensitivity to light and sound in the middle of a migraine, working, being at school, or even just getting out of bed can seem nearly impossible.

Medicines for the treatments of migraines.

Many medicines have been designed to treat migraines. The pharmaceutical drugs used to fight migraines fall into three broad categories:

Analgesic drugs.

These pharmaceutical drugs are also known as painkillers; these medications are taken during migraine episodes and are designed to ease the severity of symptoms.

Preventive drugs.

These types of medications are taken regularly, often daily, focusing on the reduction of the severity or frequency of episodes of migraines.

Your treatment choices depend on the frequency and intensity of headaches, whether you feel nauseous and vomit along with your headaches, how disabling your headaches are, and other medical conditions.

Anti-Migraines medicines – the newest implementation in the Western treatments for migraines

CATEGORY	GENERIC NAME	BRAND NAMES	KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS	IT CAN BE USED DURING AURA
Over-the-counter	ibuprofen	Advil, Motrin	Stomach upset or bleeding Rash SwellingMay raise the risk of heart attack or stroke
	aspirin + acetaminophen + caffeine	Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin, Goody’s	Heartburn Anxiety Insomnia Allergic reaction Liver damage Blood in stool or vomit Dizziness Easy bruising
	acetaminophen	Tylenol	Liver damage Allergic reactions Rashes
	naproxen	Aleve, Anaprox DS (prescription only), Naprosyn (prescription only)	Stomach upset Stomach bleeding Nausea Vomiting Rash Liver damage It may raise the risk of heart attack or stroke
Ergot	dihydroergotamine	DHE-45 injection, Ergomar, Migranal nasal spray	Nausea Numbness of fingers and toes	Yes
Triptans	sumatriptan succinate	Imitrex injection, oral, intranasal Zembrace injection, Onzetra inhaled, Tosymra nasal spray	Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or pregnancy
	zolmitriptan	Zomig	Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
	rizatriptan	Maxalt	Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
	naratriptan	Amerge	Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
	almotriptan	Axert	Tiredness Dizziness Headache Nausea Chest pain	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
	frovatriptan	Frova	Dizziness Flushing Palpitations Chest pain Headache Tingling Nausea	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
	eletriptan	Relpax	Dizziness Tingling Flushing Feelings of chest heaviness, burning, or tightness Nausea Headache	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
Combination triptan + NSAID	sumatriptan + naproxen	Treximet	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing Stomach upset or bleeding Nausea Vomiting Rash Liver damage	Not with hemiplegic migraine, migraine with brainstem aura, stroke, heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension
Ditan	Lamictal	Reyvow	Dizziness Sleepiness Numbness Feeling tired Tingling	yes
CGRP Antagonists	Atogepant	Qulipta	Constipation Nausea Upper respiratory infection	no
	Rimegepant	Nutrec	Nausea UTI Allergic reaction	yes
	Ubrogepant	Ubrelvy	Drowsiness Nausea Dry mouth	yes

Medicines commonly used to relieve migraine pain work best when taken at the first signs of an impending migraine – as soon as the signs and symptoms of a migraine begin.

Painkillers. These over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers include aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others). Painkillers can cause headaches related to drug abuse and possibly stomach ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract when taken for too long.

Migraine medications that combine caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen, under the brand name Excedrin Migraine may be more helpful than regular painkillers, but usually only for mild migraine symptoms.

Triptans.

Migraine medications from this group, such as Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosimra) and Rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), are commonly prescribed to prevent migraine attacks because they block pain pathways in the brain. In the form of tablets, injections, or nasal sprays, they can relieve many migraine symptoms. They can be unsafe for those at risk of stroke or heart attack.

Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal).

This prescription migraine medication is available as a nasal spray or injection. This migraine medication is most effective when taken shortly after the onset of migraine headache symptoms, which typically lasts for more than 2.4 hours. Side effects may include increased vomiting and nausea associated with migraines.

People that suffer from coronary artery diseases, hypertension, or kidney or liver illnesses should avoid dihydroergotamine.

Lasmiditan (Reyvow).

This newer oral tablet is approved for treating migraines with or without aura. In drug studies, Lasmiditan significantly improved headaches. Lasmiditan may be sedative and cause dizziness, so people taking it are recommended not to drive or use machines for at least eight hours.

Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)

Both, Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) belong to a group of oral calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist CGRP antagonists lately accepted by FDA for the cure of acute episodes of migraine with or without aura in adults. During clinical trials, Ubrelvy and Nurtec ODT appeared to be more effective than placebo in relieving migraine-like headaches and other symptoms such as stomach sickness, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light and sound.

Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) must not be taken with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Opioid drugs.

For people who cannot take other migraine medications, narcotic opioid medications can help. Because they can be very addictive, they are usually only used if no other treatment works.

Anti-nausea drugs.

These remedies help if an episode of migraine with accompanied by aura, nausea, and vomiting. On the top of the list of anti-nausea drugs are:

chlorpromazine,
metoclopramide (Reglan),
prochlorperazine (Compro).

Anti-nausea drugs are usually taken along with painkillers.

Some of these medications are not safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not use these medications without consulting your doctor first.

What is a migraine?

Migraine is a medical condition characterized by a pulsing sensation or extreme pain, typically on only one head side. A migraine episode can last anywhere from hours to days. At times, the pain can be so intense that it hinders you from accomplishing even simple routine tasks.

Certain people experience an aura before or during a migraine attack. This aura can consist of visual disturbances such as blind spots or flashes of light or issues such as trouble while speaking, tingling in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face.

If you suffer from a migraine attack, you may experience the following symptoms:

Vomiting and nausea
Increased sensitivity to sound, light, and at times touch and smell
Throbbing pain or pulses
Pain that affects only one side of your head but can often affect both sides

Regular pharmaceutical medications can lessen pain and can prevent future attacks. Natural remedies for migraines, along with some lifestyle changes, can be even more beneficial, practical, and 100% safe.

What causes migraines?

Although the causes of migraine are not fully understood, genetic and environmental factors appear to play a role.

Alterations in the brainstem and their interactions with the trigeminal nerve, one of the main pain pathways, may be involved. The same can happen with imbalances in brain chemicals – including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in the nervous system.
Scientists are learning the role of serotonin in migraines. Other neurotransmitters, including calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP), play a role in migraine pain.

What triggers migraines?

There are many known migraine triggers, including:

Hormonal Changes in Women. Estrogen instability, often before or during menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, and climacteric state, triggers headaches in many women.
Hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives can also make migraines worse. However, some women find that their migraines occur less often when taking these drugs.
Beverages. These include alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine, like coffee.
Emphasize. Stress at work or home can cause migraines.
Sensory stimuli. Bright or flashing lights can trigger migraines, as can loud noises. Strong odors – such as perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke, and others – trigger migraines in some people.
Sleep changes. A deficiency or too much sleep can trigger migraines in some people.
Physical factors. Forceful physical efforts, including sports, physical work, and even sexual activities, can trigger migraines.
Medications. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can make migraines worse.
Food. Aged cheeses and salty and processed foods can trigger migraines. So maybe skip meals.
Food additives. Those additives include the sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in many foods.
Weather change. A change of weather, especially from dry to rainy, or a fall in air pressure can trigger a migraine.

Migraines risk factors

Numerous factors make you extra vulnerable to migraines:

Family history. If your close relatives suffer from migraines, you can be impacted by this ailment.
Age. Migraines can start at any age, although the first often occurs during adolescence. The peak of migraine usually occurs in 30 years, and in the following decades, it gradually becomes less severe and less frequent.
Gender. Females are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than males.
Hormonal changes. In women with migraines, headaches may begin just before or shortly after the onset of menstruation. The amount of different hormones in your bloodstream often goes out of balance during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines usually improve after menopause.

Symptoms of migraines

Migraines affecting children, adolescents, and adults can go through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. Not everyone who gets migraines goes through all the stages, but each stage manifests different symptoms.

Prodrome

One or two days before a migraine, you may notice subtle changes that alert you to an impending migraine, including:

Constipation,
Mood changes range from depression to euphoria,
A thirst for food,
Neck numbness,
Increased urination,
Fluid retention,
Yawning frequently.

Aura

For some people, an aura may occur before or during a migraine. Aura manifests by reversible symptoms of migraines initiated by the nervous system. They are usually visual but can include other disorders as well. Every symptom typically initiates slowly and progressively, builds up over quite a few minutes, and can last up to 60 minutes.

Examples of migraine auras include:

Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light
Loss of vision
Sensations of pins and needles in an arm or leg
Paleness, numbness, and even feeling of paralysis (only feeling) on one side of the face or of the body
Difficulty speaking

Attack

The attack of Migraine typically lasts 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. The length of migraine attacks varies from patient to patient. Migraine may occur rarely or attack several times a month.

During a migraine, you may have:

The pain is usually on one side of the head but usually on both sides.
Pain that throbs or pulsates
Sensitivity to bright light, loud sounds, and sometimes to odors and physical touch
Nausea and vomiting

Postdrome

After a migraine attack, you may feel empty, confused, and unconscious for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated. The sudden movement of the head may briefly cause pain again.

Natural Treatments for Migraines

Holistic natural treatments for migraines with proven efficacy include meditation and mindfulness training, acupuncture, essential oils, hypnotherapy, nutraceuticals, or vitamins and minerals that are believed to have medicinal benefits. Research shows that up to 80% of migraine and headache patients have tried alternative treatments. Many are turning to holistic treatments because traditional treatments have not been effective, may have caused side effects, or have yet to try them.
Holistic migraine treatment can be used with traditional therapies or as a single approach.

At-Home Remedies for Migraines

At-home remedies for migraines are popular, safe, and effective. Migraines aren’t your usual headaches. It can be accompanied by nausea, pounding pain, and increased sensitivity to sound and light. If you have a migraine attack, you’ll do anything to make it disappear.

If you do not see satisfactory results with medications or conventional methods, natural remedies are a safe approach to mitigating migraine symptoms. These natural remedies for migraines can lessen their duration and severity and prevent reoccurring.

Yoga – tops the list of natural treatments for migraines

Yoga, in combination with other treatment regimens, can be beneficial in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches. Physically inactive people have a higher chance of experiencing migraines.

Gentle yoga, which concentrates on meditation and breathing, is an excellent way of eliminating stress. However, staying away from intensive classes or poses that strain your neck would be best. You should consult a yoga teacher before carrying out yoga.

Yoga can improve your automatic cardiac balance. Migraines are linked with circulatory system regulation and autonomic nervous system disturbances. Yoga can improve balance reducing the likelihood of migraine attacks.

Essential Oils – perfect natural treatments for migraines

Essential oils possess certain health benefits. They can help you find relief from migraine headaches. Here are some essential oils that can help you deal with migraine symptoms:

Peppermint: Appling this on your temples and forehead can help alleviate pain from tension headaches. Apply only a generous amount, as it can lead to irritation and skin rashes.
Sage: This popular spice can be used to provide effective relief from muscle cramps, stress, tension, and menstrual cramps. Some people use sage to get relief from migraine headaches.
Lavender: This is one of the most popular essentials used in aromatherapy. It can effectively deal with pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Some research has shown that when breathed in, lavender can safely alleviate migraine symptoms.
Chamomile: Migraine is often related to anxiety and stress. Dealing with these issues can ease migraine headaches. Drinking chamomile tea can help you relax and alleviate stress and anxiety.

Diet Changes – one of the critical components of any approach to migraine treatment

Along with these natural remedies for migraine, you can make specific dietary changes to help you deal with the symptoms. Certain foods can trigger migraine symptoms, such as:

Caffeinated beverages
Chocolate
Alcohol
Red wine
Processed food

You should be well informed of which food items are triggering for you. Keeping a migraine journal or food diary should help you track potential triggers.

Changing your food pattern and diet can significantly prevent future attacks.

Are natural treatments for migraines safe?

At-home remedies for migraines and natural treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture may cause minimal or no side effects. Most of the negative consequences are often associated with inexperienced or unqualified practitioners. You must seek natural treatments in consultation with qualified practitioners.

Since at-home remedies for migraines are natural, the results can slowly materialize. However, they are much safer and, at times, can produce remarkable results even compared to conventional solid medications and other migraine treatments. They can also be combined with traditional methods to provide awe-inspiring results.

Homeopathy – #1 on the list of natural treatments for migraines

Homeopathy also offers numerous natural remedies for migraines. They’re safe and can sometimes provide results where even conventional methods fail. Some excellent homeopathic remedies include:

Belladonna: If you’re experiencing violent or throbbing headaches or the pain begins spontaneously, belladonna is one of the most effective and widely used homeopathic remedies for migraine attacks.
Spigelia: If you’re experiencing migraine attacks on the left side, spigelia is a very potent homeopathic remedy. The pain might be intensified by motion or touch.
Glonoinum: This homeopathic remedy is beneficial for easing congestive headaches. If you’re experiencing throbbing pain, heat, and redness on the face, glonoinum can provide effective relief.
Natrum Muriaticum: If you have a migraine resulting from stress or any mental grief, natrum muriaticum can provide significant relief. It can also prove to be very beneficial for anemic headaches.

Homeopathy is an excellent alternative treatment for migraines. It’s safe and provides remarkable results. Consulting with your homeopath will help determine the best homeopathic remedy for your symptoms.

Acupuncture – #2 on the list of natural treatments for migraines

This traditional Chinese technique is instrumental in rebalancing the flow of positive chakra. It can also eliminate the negative energy that leads to pain. Acupuncture is known for stimulating various systems of the human body. This is very advantageous in triggering a healing response.

Depending on your symptoms, needles are inserted into various pressure points. The acupuncture needles invigorate the nerves to release hormones with health benefits like endorphins. This ability of acupuncture to stimulate the immune and circulation system can aid in relieving tension and migraine headaches.

Acupuncture is one of the safest natural treatments for migraines. If done by a qualified professional, it has little to no side effects.

Conclusion

About 1 in every four women experience migraines. The symptoms can be very frustrating and hinder your everyday life. It can severely curtail your quality of life and prevent you from concentrating on anything else. At-home remedies for migraines and other Natural treatments for migraines offer a safe and effective alternative to dealing with migraine symptoms.

Natural Treatment for Migraines in Philadelphia

If you reside in Philadelphia or the nearest suburbs and need natural treatments for migraines, always remember that Philadelphia Holistic Clinic is the #1 natural treatment facility that houses all available natural treatment methods under one roof. Some patients use the term at-home remedies for migraines, but still, if you need advice and supervision from a professional. Contact the clinic at (267) 403-3085 to book an appointment for Alternative Holistic Evaluation.