Migraines

I've never suffered from migraine headaches myself thank goodness. I've heard enough from some of my friends to know how terrible they can be, and based on the odd bad headache I've experienced in my life, I really wouldn't want to experience a migraine if I could help it. 

I'm blown away by how many people have asked me what they can do for migraines and chronic headaches. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (that's almost 10% of the population) suffer from migraines and many more women than men.

A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that may or may not be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances and other symptoms. I had a friend when I was a teenager who had to shut himself away in a dark room for three days every time he had a migraine because any light or the smallest noise would cause him excruciating pain.

Traditional research has described migraines as vascular headaches involving excessive dilation or contraction of the brain's blood vessels, but more recent research indicates that inflammation in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord is associated with abnormal nerve activity, thus causing the extreme pain. Another factor behind migraines and the reason for the higher incidence in women than men may be due to fluctuations in the level of estrogen associated with the menstrual cycle. This is why I believe that the liver has a lot to do with migraines. The liver filters and cleans the blood and deals with a lot of toxins as well as hormones. When the liver is overworked either because of poor digestion, poor nutrition, excessive toxicity caused by chemicals in our food (pesticides, antibiotics, hormones etc), or environmental toxins, migraines will occur as the body's response to alert us of the need to cleanse. Pain is a symptom of internal issues, the liver just being the root of the issue in this case.

Even though migraines are most common between the ages of twenty and thirty-five I find it interesting that children often suffer from them too, with symptoms showing up first as headaches, colic, periodic abdominal pains, vomiting, dizziness and severe motion sickness. Children who are exhibiting these symptoms may be dealing with food allergies and poor digestion. Very often, adults who begin experiencing migraines will have a long history of other health issues which, if they had been dealt with naturally when they were children, could have prevented the onset of the migraine symptoms.

There are usually five phases in a migraine:
1) The day before, there may be detectable changes in mood, memory problems, an alteration in the senses or speech problems
2) Just before the headache begins, some people see flashes or patterns of light and/or experience numbness of the hands or mouth.
3) The headaches start with severe, throbbing pain. Other symptoms may occur.
4) The headache dissipates but nausea may linger.
5) The person may feel tired and lethargic and just want to sleep.

A migraine can be triggered by all kinds of factors including allergies, constipation, stress, liver malfunction, lack of sleep or too much sleep, emotional changes, hormonal changes, sun glare, flashing lights, lack of exercise and low blood sugar.

Natural remedies for migraines

1) Tiao He Cleanse - a 14 day program to cleanse the liver and get the bowels moving. It's important that toxins have a safe way to be eliminated. Constipation is the first sign of problems.

2) Liver Cleanse - a herbal combination to use after the Tiao He Cleanse for maintenance
3) Milk Thistle - builds the liver and supports liver function
4) Heavy Metal Detox - if heavy metal toxicity could be a factor - eg. mercury fillings
5) Thai-Go - a powerful antioxidant that will reduce inflammation
6) Fenugreek & Thyme - herbal combination that cleans the head of mucus and congestion
7) Feverfew - for acute pain
8) Niacin - has been effective in reducing migraines

It's important to look at diet too. Cheese, nitrates (found in hot dogs and lunch meats), MSG, chocolate and citrus fruits can trigger headaches and limiting carbohydrates can be beneficial. I would also look at food allergies, especially with children. (See 'Food Allergy' post)

A Gall Bladder Cleanse may also help. This is something I recommend to everyone at least once a year anyway, regardless of symptoms.  See 'Gall Bladder Cleanse' under Cleansing category.

Resources:

• Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A Balch
• Natures Treasure Chest

Comments

[Justine M]

Thank you so much for this - I have suffered with bad headaches / mild migraines since we were at school. Interestingly they stopped during my preganancy and have not been anywhere near as bad since. I will give the liver cleansing a go and keep you posted!

[Lincoln Park Chiropractic]

I've being researching about migraines and reading your blog, I found your post very helpful. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.