What are Migraines?
Migraine headaches are a different type of headache from the more common form of tension headache, which tends to be mild or moderate in its pain intensity, occur bilaterally on both sides of the head, and not usually be caused by another disorder. Migraines, however, are severe and debilitating in intensity, occur unilaterally on one side of the head, and may be associated with neurological, inflammatory, or vascular disorders. Up to 24 hours before a migraine takes place, inflammation can be caused by a depression of neurological activity in the brain, and this will irritate the cranial nerves, which then leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, auras or light spots, sensitivity to light and sound, numbness, speech difficulty, sinus problems, muscle tension, eyestrain, blood sugar imbalance, or hormonal imbalances such as PMS. When not treated, migraine headaches can be devastating.
How can I treat Migraines?
Traditional Chinese medicine’s primary treatment of migraines involves acupuncture and identification of dietary allergies. It is important to eat wholesome, organic foods with no preservatives, fresh fruits such as papaya and pineapple, fresh vegetables such as carrots and asparagus, whole grains such as brown rice and bran, beans and legumes such as lentils and mung beans, and fish and poultry. Other remedies include eating smaller and more frequent meals, drinking tea made of chrysanthemum flowers, peppermint, and green tea, and drinking fresh carrot and celery juice three times daily. If the onset of a migraine is felt, physical exercise should be limited to a gentle 10-minute walk.
What should I avoid in my lifestyle for Migraines?
To prevent migraines, it is important to avoid spicy foods, heavy starchy foods, rich and greasy foods, dairy products (especially cheeses), chocolate, coffee, red wine, and other forms of alcohol. Contraceptive pills, MSG, and artificial sweeteners have also been known to trigger migraines.
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