Holistic approaches to migraine relief
80% of migraine sufferers have tried alternative treatments
Migraine is a debilitating condition, and it’s important to take all the time you need to deal with it and recover. Don’t feel guilty about cancelling plans or ashamed for staying in bed in all day. The pain and haze won’t last forever. When the pain subsides, you’ll be happy you took time out for yourself.
Sometimes, making simple lifestyle adjustments can make big improvements for your health.
Be kind to yourself
Practicing self-care is more than putting on a face mask or reading your favourite guilty pleasure magazines. It’s about putting your needs first, being loving to yourself, and forgiving.

Close the blinds and dim the lights

Put on soothing music

Enjoy a hot shower or bath

Rest, rest, rest
Practice good eating habits
It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat that could trigger a migraine. Here are some tips to avoid feeding migraines.
- Don’t skip meals
Low blood sugar from not eating enough can trigger migraines. - Limit your sugar intake
Spikes and crashes from eating too much sugar can bring on an attack. - Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a big migraine trigger. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day to help the pain stay away. - Eat real food
Processed and packaged foods may contain headache-inducing triggers. - Enjoy bread and grains
Yes, you read that correctly. High doses of Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) may help prevent migraine headaches. You can find riboflavin in enriched breads, cereals, lean meat, milk and broccoli. - Eat when you’re hungry
Consider 5-6 mini meals instead of 3 large meals a day - Keep a food diary
Tracking your food can help you identify any food triggers
Ease your stress, and your migraine
In a perfect world, we would completely avoid stress. However, that world doesn’t exist. There are ways you can reduce stress and cope. Meditation, regular exercise, thinking of a peaceful scene or listening to calming music can help.
Catch more zzzs
Creating a bedtime routine can greatly improve your overall health. There are a few ways to ensure you get the right amount of sleep, and the right amount of migraine relief.
- Draw a warm bath and play soft music
- Go to bed around the same time each night, and wake up the same time each morning
- Avoid food and caffeine within 4 hours of bedtime
- Avoid caffeine
- Butt out – nicotine in cigarettes can mess with your sleep
Check up on your mental health
Between 30-50% of people with chronic migraines also suffer from anxiety
Living with a chronic disease like Migraine can make you feel sad, anxious and depressed. If you are feeling that way, talk to a professional. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will begin to feel like yourself again.