Alternative Migraine and Headache Treatments
The value of massage in treating headaches has not been demonstrated convincingly through clinical trials. Nevertheless, massage is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension. It is especially effective in reducing tightness of tender muscles, such as those in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, and increasing blood flow in those areas. For some people, massage may provide relief from headaches caused by muscle tension.
Among herbs used for migraine and headache treatment and prevention, only the effectiveness and safety of feverfew has been examined in clinical trials. Feverfew is the most popular herbal remedy for prevention of migraine headache, and studies have shown that it is helpful and well-tolerated, with only mild side effects. However, the evidence is not convincing that this herb is more effective than a placebo (inactive pill). More rigorous and larger clinical trials are required.
Another herb thought to prevent migraines is butterbur.
Another approach that has origins in herbal medicine is aromatherapy. In many traditional medical practices, the use of essential oil, simply by smelling it or by applying it to the skin, is thought to encourage relaxation and alter pain perception. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of lavender, ginger, or peppermint oils may help relieve tension-type headaches. These oils, for example, can be massaged into the temples in small amounts (careful that they don’t enter into the eyes) to help relieve tension headaches. More research has to be done to determine the effectiveness of this therapy.
Certain foods, such as chocolate, aged cheese, citrus fruits, red wine, and others, may cause headaches in susceptible people. For long-lasting management of headaches, it is important to identify and reduce food-related headache triggers (along with others, including stress, sleep deprivation, and fatigue). This can be done by maintaining a careful diary of headaches and eating habits. To date, only a few dietary intervention trials have been conducted to determine if dietary changes can reduce headache pain.
Alternative Treatments for Migraines and Headaches
In this article
- Biofeedback for Migraines and Headaches
- Stress Management for Migraines and Headaches
- Acupuncture for Migraines and Headaches
- Massage for Migraines and Headaches
- Herbs for Migraines and Headaches
- Essential Oils for Migraines and Headaches
- Dietary Changes for Migraines and Headaches
Massage for Migraines and Headaches
The value of massage in treating headaches has not been demonstrated convincingly through clinical trials. Nevertheless, massage is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension. It is especially effective in reducing tightness of tender muscles, such as those in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, and increasing blood flow in those areas. For some people, massage may provide relief from headaches caused by muscle tension.
Herbs for Migraines and Headaches
Among herbs used for migraine and headache treatment and prevention, only the effectiveness and safety of feverfew has been examined in clinical trials. Feverfew is the most popular herbal remedy for prevention of migraine headache, and studies have shown that it is helpful and well-tolerated, with only mild side effects. However, the evidence is not convincing that this herb is more effective than a placebo (inactive pill). More rigorous and larger clinical trials are required.
Another herb thought to prevent migraines is butterbur.
Essential Oils for Migraines and Headaches
Another approach that has origins in herbal medicine is aromatherapy. In many traditional medical practices, the use of essential oil, simply by smelling it or by applying it to the skin, is thought to encourage relaxation and alter pain perception. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of lavender, ginger, or peppermint oils may help relieve tension-type headaches. These oils, for example, can be massaged into the temples in small amounts (careful that they don’t enter into the eyes) to help relieve tension headaches. More research has to be done to determine the effectiveness of this therapy.
Dietary Changes for Migraines and Headaches
Certain foods, such as chocolate, aged cheese, citrus fruits, red wine, and others, may cause headaches in susceptible people. For long-lasting management of headaches, it is important to identify and reduce food-related headache triggers (along with others, including stress, sleep deprivation, and fatigue). This can be done by maintaining a careful diary of headaches and eating habits. To date, only a few dietary intervention trials have been conducted to determine if dietary changes can reduce headache pain.