A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. 18% of American women, 6% of men, and 10% of children experience migraines. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they're thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Triggers of migraine include stress, lack of sleep or jet lag, hunger or dehydration, alcohol, caffeine, food additives, such as MSG, medication overuse, smells, lights and sounds, weather changes, female hormones such as menstruation, pregnancy, and physical activity such as overexertion. Other than medications, some natural remedies such as relaxation techniques, i.e. meditation, guided biofeedback; restful sleep; hydration; exercise; acupuncture, herbs, and dietary supplements.
Acupuncture treatment relieves muscle tension in the neck and shoulder, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, regulates hormone and menstrual flow, and helps digestion. I recommend a diet high in magnesium, calcium, potassium, fiber, EPA, eating plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, beans, lean meat, fatty fish, and dairy products. I recommend vitamin D3 2000 IU/day in capsule form and turmeric powder 4 tsp every morning with an empty stomach.