My Experience With Acupuncture for Migraine Relief

Woman lying down getting acupuncture needles placed in her forehead

As a long-time migraine patient, I recently decided to give acupuncture a try. Acupuncture is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s used to treat various ailments and conditions, and some studies show it can have many benefits for alleviating migraine and its related symptoms (you can read more about acupuncture and how it…

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My Experience With Daith Piercing For Migraine

Recently, my teenage daughter and I (we both live with migraine) decided to give the daith piercing a shot. Or rather, she convinced me that I was cool enough to get the piercing so that I would go along with her plan! A few weeks ago, I wrote about daith piercing as an unconventional remedy…

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Daith Piercing for Migraine Relief

daith piercing for migraine

Daith piercing is an unconventional remedy for migraine relief, and it is gaining a lot of social media attention. The piercing, which involves puncturing the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, known as the helix crus, has been associated with potential health benefits, including the possible alleviation of migraine symptoms. The procedure is typically carried…

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Migraine Treatments: Acupuncture for Migraine Relief

Have you ever wondered about acupuncture? Maybe you see it as a covered benefit in your health insurance, or know a friend or colleague who has tried it, but you’re not sure if it is something for you to try? Today, we will explore this ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used…

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Migraine Comorbidities: Cardiovascular Disorders And The Migraine Connection PART 1

The comorbid connection between migraine and cardiovascular disorders has been established for many decades. For example, we know that people who experience migraine with aura are about twice as likely to have an ischemic stroke,[1] and many people with migraine experience palpitations and other cardiovascular symptoms, especially during attacks. To complicate matters, some types of migraine (e.g. hemiplegic) have similar symptoms to a stroke, such as disorientation, vision changes, vertigo, and speech changes.

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Migraine Comorbidities: Heart Health and Women With Migraine PART 2

The comorbid connection between migraine and cardiovascular disorders has been established for many decades. For example, we know that people who experience migraine with aura are about twice as likely to have an ischemic stroke,[1] and many people with migraine experience palpitations and other cardiovascular symptoms, especially during attacks. To complicate matters, some types of migraine (e.g. hemiplegic) have similar symptoms to a stroke, such as disorientation, vision changes, vertigo, and speech changes.

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Migraine Treatments: Ice And Heat Therapy For Migraine Relief

woman sitting on couch holding an ice pack to her head

Ever wondered why people with migraine often post photos of themselves wearing a weird “hat” on their heads? The truth behind the “ice hat” is actually one based on science. In fact, two of the most frequently used “natural” treatments for migraine attacks are hot and/or cold therapy. Also known as temperature therapy, applying something…

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Managing Migraine Through the Holidays

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. While there is so much to be grateful for and to celebrate, this time of the year can feel quite stressful, especially for those of us living with chronic illness. From bright lights and over-stimulating crowds to the decadent treats and time-intensive traditions, migraine triggers are everywhere. However, there are ways to enjoy the season without overdoing it.

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Beyond Medication: Sleep and the Migraine Brain

If ever there was a tale of a complicated relationship, it is the story of sleep and the migraine brain. Get too much sleep, and you will likely trigger an attack. Get too little, and you are also likely to trigger an attack. Feel tired and take a nap, and yet again that can trigger an attack. Fatigue is a highly common and debilitating symptom among those with migraine, and yet many report migraine wakes them up and is the cause of not getting enough sleep. To complicate matters even more, for many, sleep is often the only thing that relieves the pain of a bad attack, and getting quality sleep at night has been shown to reduce head pain. So how do we navigate this ever so complicated relationship?

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Migraine Comorbidities: Patent Foramen Ovale

So, you’ve been told that you have migraine disease! Some people are relieved to finally have a diagnosis while others have sudden fear and anxiety. On top of that, your health care provider shares with you that you have migraine with aura. This brings a whole new set of questions and issues. Then, as you’re…

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Journey On: My Journey Living with Vestibular Migraine

The Beginning Looking back now, my journey began 11 years ago on July 14, 2011. Little did I realize that my life would change forever on that day. I remember having a history of bad headaches on and off since college, but now I had begun to experience horribly intense ones. I will always remember the afternoon…

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