What is Biofeedback for Migraines?

What Triggers Migraine Headaches?

What is biofeedback for migraines? It is a modern medical technique designed to alleviate migraines without drugs, surgery, or any sort of poking or prodding. Before we delve further into the treatment, let’s talk more about migraines and what causes them. The severe and painful headaches we refer to as migraines occur in over 10% of the American population, including children. With the condition as prevalent as it is, it is truly remarkable that more has not been accomplished to make migraines preventable. Currently, the best we can do is try and either curb migraines at the root of the problem, or do our best to manage the pain after the onset of these horrible headaches. Here are some common and lesser-known triggers of migraines:

Common Causes

·         Food/Diet

·         Allergies

·         Stress

·         Muscle Tension

·         Sleep Deprivation

·         Light or Smell Sensitivity

·         Alcohol

·         Caffeine

·         Menstruation (in women)

Other Causes

·         Oversleeping

·         Magnesium Deficiency

·         Gluten

·         Hypoglycemia

·         Substance Withdrawal (even caffeine!)

·         Weather

·         Stress Release (also known as “letdown headaches”): proof that life isn’t fair

How Biofeedback Can Help

Now that we know some of the causes of headaches – and how bizarre some of them are – we can move on to a solution-oriented question: What is biofeedback treatment for migraines? First off, biofeedback is an overarching term. Biofeedback refers to the practice of monitoring and retraining your body’s vital functions, enabling them to self-correct and alleviate various problems. When it comes to migraines, doctors are going to look to the brain when attempting to treat the problem. Biofeedback for the brain is called neurofeedback.

So what is biofeedback for the brain, or neurofeedback, going to do for migraine headaches? It’s actually so simple it might amaze you. Every day, your amazing brain initiates and executes countless signals throughout your body. These signals, taking the form of brainwaves, can become slightly distorted over time and repetition. When this happens, problems such as migraines often ensue. The goal of neurofeedback is to get these brainwaves back on track, and this in turn will cut out the migraines. Believe it or not, the therapy sessions are completely painless and noninvasive – but that’s not even the best part. No matter what is triggering your headaches, whether it’s a chronic or hereditary problem, whether its food or stress-based, neurofeedback imparts the tools in your body to fight migraines by itself for the rest of your life. Think that’s too good to be true? Well, so did a lot of doctors and scientists before major research performed over the last decade or so backed it up.

BIOFEEDBACK FOR MIGRAINES

Easy and Natural Remedies for Headaches

Easy and Natural Remedies for Headaches

Medications often come with a host of negative side effects, which has left many people searching for easy and effective natural remedies for headaches. Everyone has a different body, and there are a wide range of triggers that could be causing a headache. Luckily, there are many natural and side effect free treatment options available today. 

Capsaicin Cream 

Creams and other organic ointments can be relieving natural remedies for headaches. One particularly effective ointment is capsaicin cream, in which the active ingredient is cayenne pepper. Cayenne is a natural reducer of pain symptoms, because it blocks nerve path signals. Applying a small amount inside the nostril on the side of the head that’s hurting has been shown to provide headache relief. You can also add a drop or two of relaxing essential oils like lavender or chamomile, to help relax you while waiting for the pain to subside. 

Exercise 

Exercise can relieve a number of health problems, and is one of the best natural remedies for headaches. A 2011 study showed that physical activity can actually help prevent migraines altogether. Exercise was shown to be equally as effective as taking prescription preventative medicine. Plus, exercise comes with no adverse side effects, aside from the occasional sore muscle. Keeping a regular work out schedule is a great way to help lower the frequency of your headaches. 

Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy is one of the oldest natural remedies for headaches. Traditional medicine has identified certain trigger points, or muscle knots, that are a common cause of sudden, stubborn aches and pains. A trained massage therapist can help identify and focus on these sensitive areas, and teach you how to target these spots yourself. Massage also helps increase blood and oxygen flow in the body, which can help tense muscles to relax. Targeted massage has been shown to offer great relief for some headache sufferers, particularly those dealing with tension headaches. 

Neurofeedback Therapy 

Neurofeedback therapy is quickly emerging as one of the most effective natural remedies for headaches. This targeted brain training helps redirect brainwaves that have gone astray, and guide them back to a natural, organized pattern. This side effect free therapy results in a more stable and functional brain. It has been shown effective in treating a variety of neurological conditions ranging from panic attacks, to anxiety and migraines.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR HEADACHES.

How to Treat Tension Headaches

There are a number of opinions on how to treat tension headaches, but everyone responds to treatment differently. Look at different medications and therapy to find what works.