Alternative Treatments

Relaxation Techniques

The readjustment of your activities may call for a short period of relaxation each day, perhaps just ten to fifteen minutes after meals. If you can learn to let all your muscles go limp, especially your face muscles, you can do much to relieve muscle tension.

It will be beneficial as well as pleasurable to allow for recreational activity in moderation, preferably one that can be enjoyed with others in the family, one that is not overtaxing in energy and that will make a pleasant change from your daily routine; for example, a visit to the zoo, a trip to the seaside, or just a walk in the country with the opportunity of studying creation in all its variety.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation inhibits the temple muscle activity (temporalis), produced by applying an electrical stimulus, studies in patients suffering from migraine without aura or tension-type headaches were conducted, each patient group comprised of 12 subjects. The patients found an 83 percent improvement in symptoms. 

(Wang W, Schoenen J. Department of Neurology, University of Liege, CHR Citadelle, Belgium).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture provides safe help for a wide range of health problems including migraine headaches and acute pain.   Positive results are typically felt within 1-3 sessions.  Frequently there is total elimination of pain.  Acupuncture may be an alternative to expensive drugs and doctors visits.  Pre-sterilized single use needles are used.  Acupuncture is inexpensive and non-invasive.  

Lifestyle Changes

If the conditions at work or the nature of your work leads to undue stress and fatigue, it may be that a change is called for, or if this is impractical, then an improved work schedule may be necessary. Certainly it would be unwise to work overtime to the detriment of your health. If you are a housewife and work at home, a practical schedule for your daily routine will be a great help in avoiding undue stress and fatigue. Whether at work or at home, it is important to ensure adequate ventilation and proper lighting.

It is advisable to obtain not only sufficient sleep, but also restful sleep. For this purpose you may need a softer or firmer pillow, an extra pillow or one less, or even a new mattress if you are to avoid bad posture and muscle tension that may be contributory to some migraine headaches.