Migraines

What causes migraines?

Migraines are severe and complex headaches involving triggered nerves, leading to the release of inflammatory substances in your blood vessels.

Though everyone has their own migraine triggers, a few of the most common include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Drinking alcohol
• Dehydration
• Strong odors
• Hormone changes
• Bright or flashing lights
• Changes in the weather
• Certain foods

Food triggers include caffeine, processed meats, artificial sweeteners, blue cheese, and chocolate. 

What symptoms do migraines cause?

Migraines may proceed through four distinct stages. However, most people don’t have all four. The third stage, the painful headache, is the only one everyone experiences. 

Stage 1: Prodrome

You may have subtle signs the day before your migraine begins, such as having food cravings or feeling irritable and tired. 

Stage 2: Aura

Aura is an immediate early warning sign because it causes neurological changes shortly before your migraine begins. Many people with aura see wavy lines and flashing lights. You could have other sensations like tingling or numbness. 

Stage 3: Migraine attack

Migraines typically begin with throbbing pain in one temple. Your pain may stay on one side or progress to include both temples.

In addition to excruciating head pain, migraines cause body-wide symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and odors. 

Stage 4: Post-drome

After your headache pain ends, you may need a few days to fully recover. During this time, you may feel tired, confused, and depressed. 

How are migraine headaches treated? 

Acupuncture has the remarkable ability to heal migraines’ root causes. The experienced Zen Attitude Acupuncture team can target overactive nerves, tense muscles, and other migraine concerns, depending on where they insert the acupuncture needles.

At the start of a migraine, acupuncture eases pain and supports healing. A series of acupuncture sessions can help prevent future migraines.

The team provides holistic migraine care, including other natural treatments that help stop migraines and ease your pain after the headache begins. Personalized care may include naturopathic medicine, craniosacral therapy, homeopathic injections, or vitamin injections. 

While they all support migraine care, craniosacral therapy has a direct impact. This gentle, manual therapy helps reduce migraine severity and frequency.

You can get relief from migraine headaches without the side effects of conventional medications. Call the nearest Zen Attitude Acupuncture office or book online today to learn more.