Migraine attacks are different from other types of headaches. Symptoms of a migraine may include:
▸Vision changes
▸Sensitivity to sounds, light, or smells
▸Nausea or vomiting
Several medications can help treat or prevent migraine attacks. Natural remedies may be able to provide additional symptom relief.
Below are 15 home remedies to relieve and prevent migraines.
1. Acupressure
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Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific parts of the body. The goal of stimulating these points is to relieve pain.
One helpful acupressure point for headaches is the LI-4 point, which is located in the space between the base of the thumb and index finger of the left hand. Using your other hand, applying firm but non-painful circular pressure to the LI-4 point for 2 to 3 minutes may help relieve headaches.
2. Diet
People may find that making changes to their diet can help prevent migraine attacks. This is because, for some people, specific foods can trigger migraines.
Some common foods that can trigger migraines include:
▸Processed meats
▸Alcohol
▸Chocolate
▸Caffeine
People can try to identify potential migraine triggers by keeping a symptom diary and looking for patterns.
3. Essential oils
Some people may want to try inhaling essential oils to help relieve stress, anxiety, and headaches. The following essential oils are recommended:
▸Lavender
▸Peppermint
▸Chamomile
▸Basil
4. Ginger
Ginger powder is safe and effective in treating people with migraines, with significant pain relief after 2 hours of taking it. Ginger also helps relieve nausea and vomiting.
5. Stress management
According to the National Migraine Foundation, about 70% of people with migraines experience symptoms due to stress. It can even create a cycle where a migraine exacerbates stress, which then triggers another migraine. Whenever possible, it’s best to limit situations that can cause stress. Finding outlets like journaling, exercise, and meditation can help. Other strategies for relieving stress may include taking a warm bath, listening to music, or practicing breathing techniques. Some people find stress management classes helpful.
6. Yoga
Yoga can help people with migraines reduce the frequency, duration, and pain of their attacks. Short-term yoga interventions reduce clinical migraine symptoms. It also relieves anxiety, depression, and stress.
7. Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback is a type of therapy that involves learning how to consciously control body functions that are usually involuntary. For example, a person might learn how to relax a muscle. Sensors on the targeted muscles feed information into a small machine that gives real-time feedback on muscle tension, helping the user identify the tight muscles.
Using sensors on the forehead, jawline, or trapezius muscles in the shoulders may help people target the muscles that cause migraines.
8. Caffeine
While some people report that caffeine triggers migraines, others find that consuming caffeine can relieve migraine symptoms.
In addition, some people may find that drinking a caffeinated beverage after a migraine attack may bring mild relief.
9. Massage
Massaging the muscles in the neck and shoulders may help relieve tension and reduce migraines. Massage can also reduce stress.
A person may benefit from a professional massage. Anyone interested in self-massage for migraines can try taking a clean tennis ball, standing against a wall, and vigorously rolling it along the shoulders and back.
10. Magnesium
A lack of the essential mineral magnesium may trigger migraine aura or menstrual migraines.
11. Vitamins
B vitamins may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. They play a role in regulating neurotransmitters in the brain.
Vitamin D may also affect the frequency of migraine attacks.
12. Herbal supplements
Curcumin, grapefruit, and cilantro may show promise as preventive agents for migraines. The authors also found that chamomile and menthol may have potential for treating acute migraines.
13. Water
According to the American Migraine Foundation, about one-third of people who have migraines say dehydration may be a trigger.
Drinking enough water throughout the day may help prevent migraine attacks. Sipping water may also help manage some migraine symptoms, such as nausea.
14. Rest
Some people find it helpful to lie down in a dark room when a migraine strikes. For some people, falling asleep can also relieve pain. Getting enough sleep can also help prevent migraine attacks. Too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine. Most adults should get about 7 hours of restful sleep each night.
15. Compresses
Some people find that applying cold or hot compresses to their heads can soothe pain and help relieve migraines.
However, people with circulatory problems, diabetes, or certain skin conditions should avoid extreme temperatures.
Summary
Migraines can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. While medications may help relieve symptoms, some people may also find relief with lifestyle changes and home remedies. Ginger, acupressure, some essential oils, and yoga may help relieve symptoms. Knowing the triggers of migraine attacks can also help people prevent or manage them.
If your migraines become frequent or severe, be sure to contact your doctor. A headache specialist can recommend treatment options and help manage your symptoms.
