How can a migraine attack be diverted?

Posted by editor07 on Friday 27 Mar 2009

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Migraine is a neurological disorder that is characterized by severe, pounding pain on one side of the head and may branch out to the other side, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Migraine is a common disorder and is more likely to affect women than men. There are several sub-types of migraine that are triggered by various factors such as intake of a faulty diet, increased levels of stress, working for prolonged periods of time, excessive smoking, lack of sleep and intake of alcohol. Hereditary factors and hormonal imbalances, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy and intake of oral contraceptives can also result in migraine attacks.

How to divert migraine attacks?
There is no sure shot treatment for curing a full blast migraine attack. However, there are various preventive remedies that can be adopted in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of these attacks. Migraine headache can be quite debilitating and may interfere with the normal working of the individual. It may prolong from a minimum of 4-72 hours and can cause a great deal of agony to the sufferer.

Relaxation: One of the best ways by means of which a full blast migraine attack can be diverted is by taking out adequate time for relaxation on a daily basis. Our stresses out lifestyles and demanding jobs often trigger migraine attacks. Thus, it is best to practice meditation and deep breathing exercises for about half an hour everyday to keep migraine attacks at bay.

Meditation not only helps calm the mind and relieve tension, but also increases blood circulation and nourishes the vital organs of the body. The minute you sense a migraine attack approaching, you must turn off the light and lie down and relax in a darkened room.

Diet: The diet of an individual susceptible to migraine attacks is of utmost importance. All migraine triggering foods should be eliminated from the diet. These include tyramine rich foods, nuts, meats, aged cheese, foods containing glutamic acid and fermented, processed, canned and picked foods. Excessive intake of tea or coffee and chocolates can also trigger migraine attacks.

Aromatherapy: This is a branch of alternative medicine that makes use of volatile plant materials or essential oils to promote the healing of the mind and body. The essential oils of lavender, sandalwood, rosemary, eucalyptus and peppermint are highly beneficial for preventing and treating migraine headaches. You can use any of these essential oils in cold compress, in baths and for massaging the head in combination with base oil.

Ginger for migraine: Ginger root is a valuable spice that adds aroma and flavor to various cuisines all across the world. It is also known for its therapeutic value for treating a number of ailments. Ginger root helps deal with migraine attacks and combats nausea and vomiting effectively. For best results, take an inch of fresh ginger root and peel it. Nibbling on it will help subside nausea.