If you’ve had a migraine, you know how terrible these can be! Much more than a severe headache, migraines may include enormous pain and pressure in the head, face and neck; nausea and possibly vomiting; and extreme sensitivity to stimuli, including light, sound, smell and temperature. You may also experience migraine auras or halos: glaring lights that surround what you’re looking at, causing difficulty with focus.
While prevention is obviously the best option (keep reading for some natural therapies for migraine relief!), some sources of migraines, including stress and hormonal changes, may be unavoidable. There may also be a genetic component to the propensity of having migraines.
The good news is that there are several ways to get rid of migraines naturally without prescription or even over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Talk to your doctor or neurologist to make sure these options are safe for you and any other medications you may be taking.
#1 Acupressure for Migraines
One of the most interesting natural therapies for migraine relief is acupressure. Applying pressure to specific parts of the body may stimulate the body to release muscle tension and alleviate the pain of a migraine.
One popular pressure point to get rid of a migraine quickly is the L1-4, the soft tissue between the left thumb and pointer finger. Applying firm (not painful) circular pressure in this area with the opposite hand for about 5 minutes may relieve the pain for some people.
#2 Dietary Changes to Get Rid of Migraines Naturally
While not all migraines can be prevented, some can. If you regularly experience migraines, it’s worth taking a look at your diet and evaluating if any of these common culprits could be contributing to the suffering. Eliminating some or all of these foods is a relatively simple way to get rid of migraines naturally.
- Foods with nitrates, including hot dogs, deli meat, bacon and sausage
- Alcohol, particularly red wine
- Foods with MSG
- Processed foods
- Pickled foods
- Cultured dairy products, such as buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt
#3 Ginger for Fast Migraine Relief
Ginger is more than a starlet from Gilligan’s Island. Ginger root is a natural anti-nausea food. A 2014 study tested the effectiveness of ginger powder compared with sumatriptan, a commonly used migraine prescription.
The study compared 100 patients with migraines over the course of five migraine experiences. Based on self-reported evaluations of the timing of onset of the migraine, severity, and the migraine’s responsiveness to the treatment, the ginger powder pills were just as effective in providing patient satisfaction as the pharmaceutical. What’s more, ginger has fewer risks of side effects.
So next time you feel that creeping onset of a migraine, reach for some fresh ginger root!
#4 Magnesium for Migraines
An essential mineral, magnesium is one of the most important minerals to the body. Many suffer from magnesium deficiencies and don’t even realize it. Some symptoms include leg cramps, insomnia, high blood pressure and, yes, migraines.
Maintaining a healthy level of magnesium in the body may prevent migraines. If you feel one coming on, you may find fast migraine relief from taking a magnesium supplement or consuming one of these delicious foods rich in magnesium:
- Dark chocolate
- Avocado
- Nuts, particularly almonds, cashews and Brazil nuts
- Tofu
- Seeds, especially chia, flax and pumpkin
- Bananas
- Leafy greens such as kale or spinach
#5 Complex B-Vitamins
B vitamins, particularly B2 (riboflavin) have been repeatedly proven as natural therapies for migraines. While scientists don’t fully understand how or why, it has been shown to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks, with little to no side effects.
And because B vitamins are water soluble, excess amounts are flushed out through the urine, not stored in the body. This means you’ll likely need B-vitamins daily.
#6 Vibration Therapy to Get Rid of Migraines Quickly
One of my favorite ways to get rid of a migraine naturally is the use of vibration therapy. A tool like the BIPRI 8-Motor Headband offers a relaxing, fast and hands-free way to naturally alleviate the debilitating pain of a migraine. The vibration, coupled with deep breathing relaxation techniques, provides targeted relief at the site of pain. What other natural remedies have you found to relieve migraines? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter!