Migraines are a specific type of headache that lasts 4-72 hours, is throbbing in nature, is one-sided, and is worse with exertion. Migraines may also be associated with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light, sound or smell. You only need to experience 3-4 of these symptoms to be medically diagnosed as suffering from migraines. Currently it is estimated that 24 million Americans suffer from migraines. They occur in women more often than men, mostly between ages 10-40 and more than 50% of the migraineurs have a family history of this disorder.

According to Western medicine, the cause of migraines is unknown and their mechanisms are poorly understood. Triggers include cycling estrogen, insomnia, changes in barometric pressure (weather changes) and hunger. There is some speculation that some foods such as chocolate, cheeses and red wine can trigger them also.

In Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine and acupuncture, most migraines are due to an upward counterflow of Qi in the head. This upwardly counterflowing Qi is usually due to liver depression and its various complications. In women, blood vacuity not nourishing the liver is often the cause or trigger of this upward counterflow. As this yang Qi ascends to fill up the bony box of the head, it may draft with it dampness, phlegm, and turbidity. If this congestion recurs over a long period of time, it may also result in the formation of blood stasis in the channels and network of vessels of the head.

As with other health issues, an herbalist or acupuncturist will need to evaluate the client with migraines to determine their particular pattern. After doing so, a specific herbal formula and / or acupuncture program can be determined. Acupuncture may be used either preventively or as an intervention during an acute attack. Often, acupuncture can abort or decrease migraine pain within minutes of insertion of the needles. You may want to have your headaches evaluated by a chiropractic physician to see if chiropractic adjustments may relieve the issue and to see if the root cause of the headaches are a spinal issue.

As with other health issues, it is critical to evaluate your lifestyle, diet, exercise program, stress level, bad habit intake (alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, diet products) and the amount of rest / sleep you are getting. If you take prescription medications on a daily basis for migraines, it's critical not to just stop taking them without discussing this with the prescribing physician.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us via email at viableoptions@sbcglobal.net or via phone at 816-283-0685.

Be well!

Dave Laskowski, Herbalist
Viable Options

"The author of this article does not advocate nor endorse self-treatment by laypersons. One should seek out a qualified practitioner in herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture and check with their primary healthcare provider prior to making any changes in their health care approach"