Medication is a proven way of treating migraines, however there are other things you can do to give your body the best chance for keeping symptoms and pain at bay. The following preventative treatments can be a complement to your regular medical therapy. As always, talk to your doctor first, and keep records in your migraine diary.

Dietary supplements

Readily available, more affordable, and with fewer side effects than some medications, supplements are being used more and more to help prevent migraines. Here are some that have been found to be helpful.

• Coenzyme Q10, when taken with other preventive medication, has been shown to be effective in reducing both the severity and the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) can reduce the pain associated with migraine, as well as frequency of attacks. Research suggests it acts as a neuroprotective agent safeguarding brain function and structure.
• Magnesium is a mineral that plays a key role in body functions, including metabolism and blood pressure. A deficiency has been linked to migraines, with some studies suggesting that taking a supplement or eating foods high in magnesium, like eggs, spinach, almonds and oatmeal may help reduce or even prevent symptoms and pain.
• Melatonin is a hormone produced by your pineal gland that regulates sleeps. Low levels have been linked to migraines, with some research showing that taking a melatonin supplement was effective in reducing the number of headache days per month in subjects.

Massage

Regular massages may help reduce stress – a common migraine trigger – and muscle tension, improve sleep, and reduce migraine frequency. Research has also shown it to help decrease heart rate, anxiety, and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.

Acupuncture

This form of alternative medicine involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points of the body to balance energy flow. Some studies have shown it to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines without aura. More research is needed, but for people who want to explore nonpharmaceutical treatments for migraine, it may be worth a try. You should consult a doctor first and still keep up with your other treatments as well.

Studies suggest lower stress levels lessen the pain of migraines

Yoga

Yoga is a series of body postures incorporating breathing and meditation in its practice. It is believed to help with anxiety, release tension and promote overall well-being. Though it hasn’t been proven as a primary treatment for migraines, research has shown yoga to be a beneficial, complimentary therapy, which could result in fewer and less severe attacks.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a relaxation method that uses a monitor to train you how to recognize and control muscle tension in your body. It is especially helpful for migraines brought on by physical reactions to stress such as muscle tensing and can provide relief similar to that from medications.

Progressive muscle relaxation

This relaxation technique involves tensing and relaxing muscles throughout different parts of your body. It may take some practice, but this technique can help you better handle stress, thus reducing the power of this common migraine trigger.

Meditation

Mindful meditation is being explored more and more as a way of relieving stress and pain. Research shows that people who meditate daily have lower stress levels and fewer headaches than those who don’t. Studies also suggest it lessens the pain of migraines and may even increase overall pain tolerance.