Acupuncture & TCM Articles

What Natural Remedies Can You Take For Migraine Headaches?

The National Headache Foundation says that more than 29.5 million Americans have migraine, and although some rely on prescription medications, a growing number prefer natural remedies for migraine headaches.

A natural remedy for migraine headaches might be anything from herbs to supplements, acupuncture to aromatherapy.

Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine

If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you might try something from one or more of these categories.

Seven Nutrients

These nutrients are listed alphabetically to avoid indicating a preference.

1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is a compound the body produces from tryptophan, an amino acid. The body uses it to make serotonin. Since supplements that affect serotonin levels are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been put forward as an effective natural remedy for migraine treatment.

2. Butterbur

An extract of butterbur root has been found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine in children and adolescents. A clinical trial of this herb was reported in an early 2005 issue of the journal "Headache". Butterbur appears to relieve pain and spasms.

3. Fatty Acids

Research done in the U.S. suggests that fish oil combined with magnesium taurate may be a great natural remedy for migraine. Both reduce blood vessel spasms, which appear to be the main cause of migraines.

4. Feverfew

This herb has long been considered a natural remedy for migraine and other headaches. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets' release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances.

5. Magnesium

This mineral is one of the most promising natural remedies for migraine headaches. Contained in fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables, magnesium is needed for healthy muscle, nerve and blood vessel tone. As a natural remedy for migraine, it is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms.

6. Petasite (Petasites hybridus)

It was in Germany that Petasite was found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine. German researchers showed that people taking Petasite had fewer migraine attacks, and their attacks were shorter. They also had less pain than those taking a placebo.

7. Vitamin B2

Belgian researchers in a 1998 double-blind study learned that vitamin B2 (riboflavin) gave more effective migraine relief than a placebo. This natural remedy reduced both the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Manual Therapy

Since no one treatment will work for everyone, you may want a natural remedy for migraine that involves manual therapy. Two possibilities are acupuncture and shiatsu.

1. Acupuncture

The Chinese art of acupuncture triggers relief by inserting delicate needles at specific points in the neck and head. Many people, including German researchers, have found it an effective natural remedy for migraine. Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines in Germany.

The researchers gave almost 900 patients one of three treatments: standard migraine drugs, traditional Chinese acupuncture, or "fake" acupuncture. Those who received "fake" acupuncture treatments had needles inserted in areas of the skin not used in traditional practice. In each group, virtually the same percentage of people cut in half the number of days affected by migraine each year.

2. Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of acupressure rather than acupuncture. As a natural remedy for migraine, shiatsu massage helps relieve tension and reduce stress. Whereas migraine tends to block blood flow or cause "overflow" to the lower head, shiatsu massage releases the blood flow and energy, restoring natural flow.

You can learn to do shiatsu for your own migraines, and get almost instant relief. Or have a family member give you shiatsu. The technique is simple, and regular massages are both preventative and remedial.

In a future article, we will consider the value of additional natural remedies for migraine headaches. If you are pregnant, be sure you ask your health care professional before using this advice. All migraine sufferers should seek professional counsel on using a natural remedy for migraine.