Can homeopathy help with migraine?

Can homeopathy help with migraine?

Migraine is a complex condition that can affect up to 15% of the population in the UK.   It is generally most troublesome during the ages of 20 through to 50 and is often associated with people building a career or raising their family.   The throbbing pain is worsened by movement.  

Cluster headaches are more distinctive.  The attacks are brief but intense lasting anything from 20 minutes to an hour and there can be more than one attack during a day.  Once the headache eases off long intervals occur before the next one.    The pain is severe and burning and can affect the front of the head and eye with the pain radiating to the face and the neck. 

Some of the symptoms associated with migraine are:

• Wavy lines in the field of vision
• White or coloured lights or spots in the field of vision
• Weakness of one side of the body 
• Numbness of hands and the mouth
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Throbbing or sharp pains

Some of the common triggers of migraine are:

• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Red wine
• Monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer)
• Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
• Leaving too long between meals 
• Deficiency of B vitamins
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Anger
• Bright or flashing lights
• Eye strain
• Hunger
• Hormonal
• Sinus problems
• Dental problems 

If you suffer the debilitating effects of migraine attacks you will already have been working out your own triggers and will be doing your best to avoid them although there are times when circumstances can set off a migraine.  

Ensure that you remain well hydrated since your body needs water to maintain its normal physiological function and is more beneficial to the body than tea, coffee or alcohol.  If you find plain water boring then create your own flavoured water by adding slices of fresh lemon or lime.  Fuzzy headaches and lethargy can be signs of constipation and drinking more water will go some way to improving the bowel function.

When you are stressed B vitamins can become depleted and stress can also slow down the digestive process so it it worthwhile taking a complete overview of your whole and adopting a whole health approach using homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle factors can be beneficial when you are looking at ways to reduce the incidences of migraine headaches.  

After taking a detailed case history, a homeopath will carefully carefully select a remedy that closely match your symptoms.   Some homeopathic remedies are given below for information

Aconite Napellus   

The headache comes on suddenly particularly after being exposed to cold, dry wind.  The head feels heavy with a pulsating, hot burning sensation and the symptoms are aggravated by music but better for rest. 

Bryonia Alba

Headaches that are brought on by fright, anger or constipation.  The pain is bursting and if the head is being hit by a hammer from the inside and the scalp feels sensitive.  Any form of motion makes the symptoms worse.

Gelsemium 

The headache can be brought on by fear, grief, stage fright or worries about upcoming event.  The eyes feel heavy, the muscles around the neck and shoulders feel sore and the person feels weak and apathetic.  

Ipecacuanha 

Headaches are accompanied by nausea and there is no relief from vomiting.  The brain feels bruised and the pain extends to the teeth and tongue

Iris Versicolor 

Gastric upsets with nausea, sour vomiting and diarrhoea accompany the headache that begins with blurred vision after relaxing from mental work and the effects are felt more on the right temple. 

If you do suffer with continued migraine or cluster headaches please visit your GP who will be able to undertake tests to eliminate any other underlying health issues

References:

Macleod J, Ewards C, Bouchier I, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine 15^th Edition, Churchill Livingstone

Murphy,Robin ND, Nature’s Materia Medica 3^rd Edition

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/21/B-Vitamins-Offer-Migraine-Relief.aspx

http://www.migraine.org.uk/information/triggers/