The real cause of migraine is not really known although new discoveries have identified a likely familial link. It’s been suspected that about 70% of all migraine cases are genetically related. A 2010 research work saw a modification in the section of DNA that regulates the chemical known as glutamate in the brain.
Changes in the levels of hormone are also suspected to cause migraine. It seems that between pre-pubescent girls and boys, there is no marked difference in the occurrence of migraines but among adults, more than 75% of all migraine sufferers are women.
Migraine can be triggered by the environment and food. These triggers include changes in the weather, muscle tension, stress, bright lights, strong perfumes/odors, MSG, alcohol, nitrates, wine, chocolate, and many more.
Symptoms/Signs of Migraine and treatment
Common symptoms of migraine can include vomiting, nausea, tunnel vision, blurred vision, pulsating or pounding pain in the head, and an aura. Being a debilitating condition, migraines can greatly affect the quality of life of the sufferer.
Active migraine treatments often involve the use of drugs such as Triptans (Imitrex) or NSAIDS (aspirin, Excedrin Migraine, Motrin, and Advil among others). Being a stronger medication than NSAIDS, Triptans are often used to relieve really severe migraines. The proper way to handle a migraine attack is to lie down in a quiet and dark room and placing a facecloth that is damp and cold on the head. It may also help if the sufferer can get some sleep.
For frequent migraine attacks, there are also medicines that can help lessen the frequency of attacks. These drugs include botox, anti-seizure meds, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
Besides the extreme suffering migraine patients endure, they also have an increased likelihood to suffer a heart attack or a stroke. In a study done recently, migraine sufferers experiencing an aura were seen to have a 300% risk in getting a heart attack or some other major factors for heart disease including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The human body (as well as the bodies of most mammals) has the ability to regulate or heal itself and it constantly works to maintain homeostasis. This self-healing ability is aided in a huge way with acupuncture.
Migraine Treatment Using Acupuncture
Migraine occurs when the neuron signaling in the brain triggers a widening of blood vessels in the head, causing pain signals, which, in turn results in more neuronal activation. A neurotransmitter in the brain known as Serotonin, is also thought to contribute to the development of migraines as the levels of serotonin fall during the start of a migraine attack but comes back to normal levels between attacks.
There is a saying among acupuncturists that goes like this: ‘if there is free flow, there is no pain’, ‘if there is pain there is no free flow’. This saying basically explains the overarching concept of how acupuncture treats painful conditions.
Studies have revealed that acupuncture influences the brain regions associated with the perception of pain. This treatment also can affect the nervous system, as well as the stimulation, stabilization, and release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, all feel good chemicals produced by the brain. The levels of stress, the mood and pain felt by the person can be affected by these brain chemicals. Acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the release of these chemicals is crucial in the short-term and long-term treatment of migraine.
One of the advantages of acupuncture over conventional treatments is that it targets the symptoms as well as the underlying cause of the problem. Acupuncture treatment during an acute migraine attack can provide instant relief for the sufferer.
With the consent of their doctors, patients suffering from migraines can lessen their need for medications and sometimes can even get off their medications completely with acupuncture treatments. This means a much better quality of life.
Besides availing of acupuncture treatment, migraine sufferers are advised to keep a journal of their migraines. They need to find a way to know what their triggers are including weather, stress, moods, and foods. When they keep a journal, they will be able to determine the duration, intensity, and frequency of their migraines. They also can perform certain activities like exercise, meditation, tai chi, yoga to help better manage their condition.
Ni Nan Gilbert is a licensed acupuncturist in Bellmore, NY with certification in Chinese Herbology and over 16 years experience in traditional Chinese medicine.