MIGRAINE TRIGGERS AND HOW TO GET RID OF MIGRAINE PAIN

Migraine is a type of headache that usually occurs with multiple symptoms. Migraines are different for everyone. It’s often identified by intense, sharp, throbbing ache on either side of the head along with symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to light and sound. Most migraine headaches can last for three to five hours, while severe ones can last up to three days. Some people may get migraine headaches every few days, while others get them once or twice a year.

Dr Kausthub Desikachar outlines the triggers that provoke migraine and measures to follow to rule out migraine headaches.

Migraine headaches are provoked by abnormal brain activity. There are several triggers for migraine headache, which include:

Environmental Factors –

like the strong smell, smoke, loud noise, sudden temperature changes, and bright lights trigger migraine headache.

Physical Factors –

like extreme physical exertion or intense workouts can cause migraine.

Sleep Pattern –

getting too much sleep, jet lag, or lack of sleep is the most common cause of migraine.

Emotional Factors –

getting too stressed, anxious or depressed about work, home, relationships, finance etc., can lead to severe migraine pain. Over excitement can also be a trigger for the same.

Hormonal Changes In Women –

Variations in estrogen level before menstruation or menopause are also noticed as triggers for migraine headaches.

Unhealthy Food Habits –

Skipping meals, indulging in salty processed foods, excess alcohol, caffeine, foods with additives is a significant cause for migraines in youth.

Medications –

The usage of certain medicines like sleeping pills, hormonal treatments, and birth control pills can trigger migraines.

Some additional possible triggers include:

• Dehydration
• Over-tiredness
• bad sitting posture
• low blood sugar
• Genetics

TREATMENT

There is no permanent cure for migraine yet; there are only medications to rule off specific symptoms.

Dr Kausthub Desikachar suggests few natural remedies to try at the time of a migraine attack that can help you alleviate migraine symptoms.

1. Rest in a dark room by closing your eyes for some time.
2. An ice pack or a cold, damp cloth placed on your forehead and neck can help relax your muscles around the head which can lessen the pain.
3. Sipping hot Ginger tea with no milk and added honey can help reduce the pain. Ginger is an ancient traditional remedy for headaches and neurological problems.
4. Boil water with coriander seeds and steaming it helps soothe the symptoms of migraine.
5. Keep yourself hydrated.

Kausthub adds that Yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation have shown to reduce the symptoms of migraine. A Trusted Study found that migraine headache recurrence and severity had lessened in people who practised Yoga. The choice of Asana and Pranayama will differ from individual to individual and hence should be learnt under the consultation of a competent and capable mentor.

CONCLUSION

Yoga is a holistic way to combat migraines before they occur and help lessen the symptoms if you’re in the middle of one.
While medications can help you relieve the symptoms for a short time, mindful practices like Yoga can go a long way as these poses help improve the circulation and blood flow to the brain. It is advised to consult your Yoga teacher to guide you to the appropriate practices for you.