Symptoms
Migraine is distinguished from ordinary headache by:
- Throbbing pain on one side of the head, lasting hours to a day or two
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain worsened by bright light, sound or smell
- Flashes, zigzag lines or blurring before the pain begins (aura)
- Pain that increases on movement or climbing stairs
- Fatigue and dullness for hours after the attack
The sudden worst headache of your life, headache with fever and a stiff neck, or headache with weakness or difficulty speaking — go to a hospital immediately.
How treatment works at Arogyam
The most important work in migraine is finding what sets your attacks off. The consultation teaches you to keep a headache diary — the timing of attacks and their relationship to meals, sleep, stress and the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture
Needles at selected points on the head, temple, neck and limbs. Sittings are held regularly between attacks so that the frequency is addressed, not only the attack itself.
Pranayama and relaxation
Anulom-vilom and bhramari, with relaxation in shavasana — stress is the most common migraine trigger of all.
Diet and routine
Not skipping meals, adequate water, regular sleep, and identifying personal food triggers (for some patients excess tea or coffee, aged cheese, heavily fried food).
Keep taking your medication
If your doctor has prescribed migraine medication, do not stop it on your own. Acupuncture can run alongside it.
Therapies used