For many people, tension headaches and migraines are all side effects of busy lifestyles, hectic schedules, and overexposure to bright screens. Dealing with headaches is a daily issue for many and often involves taking a range of different over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Some Australians are trying to move away from these OTC medications since many have negative side effects that are harmful if taken continuously. One of the more effective ways to reduce your exposure to OTC medications is to opt for the acupuncture Brighton locals swear by.
Understand Your Headache
Research has shown that an average of 1,2 million Australians aged between 20 and 64 suffer from a range of different headache types. It’s also not uncommon for people to confuse the symptoms of a common headache with those of a migraine. What’s the difference?
Migraines are headaches of varying intensities which can be accompanied by bouts of nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. While regular headaches are primarily caused by stress, migraines don’t have a specific cause but do have recognisable triggers that can often be difficult to manage.
For the most part, the term “triggers” refers to the physical or sensory stimuli that cause the onset of the migraine. Triggers vary for each person, and it’s not uncommon to have more than one trigger.
A few of the more recognisable migraine triggers include the following:
- Genetics: A significant cause of migraines has to do with a genetic mutation. This means that if you have a family history of migraines, there’s an extreme possibility that you will develop them.
- Allergies: Another common trigger of migraines has to do with seasonal or environmental allergies. This happens when allergies irritate or aggravate blood vessels, which can cause a migraine attack.
- Environmental: Surrounding factors in your environment can trigger the inflammation that causes a migraine. These can include certain foods, weather elements, lack of sleep and even stress.
Notable Remedies to Opt for Migraine Relief
Many people make use of a combination of prescribed and OTC medications to deal with migraine episodes, which can happen at a moment’s notice. There are, however, a few other treatments and remedies that you can try for migraine relief. Our team of experts have compiled a list of the more significant ones.
1. Opt for Acupuncture
One of the most effective treatments recommended for migraine sufferers involves regular sessions of acupuncture. Studies have shown that the frequency of headaches and migraines can be reduced by at least 59% by regular acupuncture and a combination of other holistic approaches.
Relief happens because acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, which in turn, releases endorphins. Known more commonly as the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins also encourage muscles to relax during the acupuncture treatment. This can drastically reduce the frequency with which a person may experience migraine episodes.
2. Adopt Stress Management
Medical experts estimate that a staggering 7 out of 10 migraine attacks are caused by various types of stress. If you’re prone to bouts of stress, it may be a good idea to work on managing these symptoms without relying on medication.
A few of the more common techniques our experts recommend include the following:
- Add acupuncture or other Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments to your wellness routine.
- Adopt a hobby that helps you focus on developing more focused breathing techniques. Yoga, pilates, and meditation are common examples to consider.
- Take warm, relaxing baths and be sure to add lavender essential oil to boost relaxation.
- Consider listening to relaxing music or adding journaling to your wind-down routines as these will boost relaxation.
3. Increase your Magnesium Intake
A little-known fact is that a magnesium deficiency is a common trigger for migraines. Speak to your physician for a quality magnesium supplement. You can also add the following foods to your diet for a more natural and sustainable approach:
- Leafy green veggies such as spinach
- Snack on nuts such as cashews and almonds
- Increase fruit intake and focus on avocados, bananas, raspberries, guavas, and raspberries
- Whole grains
- Yoghurt and low-fat milk (keep in mind that dairy can be a trigger, so you will need to ensure this isn’t the case for you before increasing your intake)
The main reason that magnesium works is that it helps to regulate nerve cell activity, which can also prevent overactivity in the brain. Since this overactivity is a huge trigger for many people, a simple increase in magnesium can make a considerable difference.
Final Thoughts
Anyone suffering from migraines will agree that these stabbing headaches can make you feel exhausted, sick, and can seriously hamper your daily activities. More severe migraines may require stronger medication, which can cause a host of negative side effects.
You can avoid this by signing up for a few acupuncture sessions, improving your diet, and focusing on relaxation techniques to reduce your stress. While these techniques may not eliminate your migraines, they will go a long way toward reducing their frequency. A few simple tweaks to your daily care routine will make a huge difference!