Thursday, December 18, 2008

Tips on Reducing Frequency of Migraine Attacks


With a very busy world and with hectic schedules, migraine headaches have become very common. Migraine is a very painful kind of headache that occurs on one side of the head. It is at times accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and changes in vision. It can be aggravated by exposure with light.

There is a 4:1 ratio among women and men who suffers from migraine. It is mostly women who get affected. However, for most of the affected women, migraine disappears during pregnancy.

"The typical migraine headache is one-sided and pulsating, lasting 4 to 72 hours. Accompanying complaints are nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Approximately one third of people who experience migraines get a preceding aura, in which a patient may sense a strange light or unpleasant smell. ….Other symptoms of the aura phase can include auditory or olfactory hallucinations, temporary dysphasia, vertigo, tingling or numbness of the face and extremities, and hypersensitivity to touch. "

Here are some tips on how to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine according to chinese medicine:

1. Eat natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, organic meat. Avoid processed foods.
2. Avoid "fire inducing" foods such as alcohol, soda, and processed foods
3. Meditate daily to 20-30 minutes per day to calm the mind.
4. Practice deep abdominal breathing several times per day.
5. Use acupuncture and acupressure points to help balance chi flow
6. Drink more water

Click here to read the article

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