You! talks to Karachi-based herbal medicine expert, Dr Siddiq Patni, regarding the problem of migraine among women...
health
You! talks to Karachi-based herbal medicine expert, Dr Siddiq Patni, regarding the problem of migraine among women
Migraines aren’t common headaches. These are severe pain attacks that severely affect your daily routine. These are sudden episodic pains which are more severe in nature that can last for five hours to three days, says Karachi-based homeopath and herbal medicine expert, Dr Siddiq Patni. “Though migraine is a common health problem among men and women but it is one of the leading serious health condition affecting women the most. Not only this, women experience migraine differently than men as the symptoms vary and the pain is more intense and the attacks are frequent and longer in women as compared to men. This can be attributed to changes in estrogen and hormonal level during menstruation and pregnancies. That’s why the prevalence of migraine is highest in women of reproductive age,” he says.
When the disease strikes
There is no specific age for the onslaught of migraine episodes. One can start experiencing the bouts of migraines from childhood, and their prevalence increases well into adulthood, until age 35 to 39.
Causes of migraine
Exact cause of migraine is not known but there are some triggers which include stress, depression, anxiety, excitement and shock. Alcohol and caffeine can also cause to triggering migraines. Some specific foods can also have this effect, including chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, and foods containing the ‘Tyramine’. Irregular mealtimes and dehydration have also been named as potential triggers. Tiredness and insufficient sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture like leaning on one are also the possible triggers. And last but not least, the changes of hormone level in women are the main cause of migraine in women of reproductive age.
Symptoms
If one is experiencing the sudden bout of migraine, you know you may experience nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. When a migraine strikes, you’ll do almost anything to make it go away. During a migraine, you may experience: pain on one side or both sides of your head,
Pain that feels throbbing or pulsing, sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells and touch, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting. At times, physical activity may intensify the pain.
Ways to reduce pain
Dr Siddiq said that lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of migraines among women which include getting good night sleep, reducing the stress level, drinking plenty of water, avoiding some triggering foods, regular exercises etc. Also, he recommends some natural remedies which are a drug-free way to reduce migraine symptoms. These at-home treatments may help prevent the problem, or at least help reduce its severity and duration:
Tea: Tea can help as it contains caffeine. A small amount of caffeine in tea may ease migraine pain in some people. But, too much caffeine may cause a migraine.
Lavender oil: Inhaling lavender essential oil may ease migraine pain. Lavender oil may be inhaled directly or applied diluted to the temples.
Acupressure: It is the practice of applying pressure with the fingers and hands to specific points on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Peppermint oil phenomenon: The menthol in peppermint oil may stop a migraine from coming on. Applying a menthol solution to the forehead and temples was more effective than placebo for migraine-associated pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. It helps open up clogged blood vessels which cause headache. It contains menthol which helps regulate blood flow in the body. You can also mix 3 drops of peppermint oil in one tbsp of almond oil, or just add a little water and massage the temples or the back of your neck with it. Alternatively, you can apply crushed peppermint leaves on your forehead or make herbal tea with them.
The miracle spice: Cinnamon is a miracle spice that can effectively treat headaches. Grind some sticks into a powder, and add some water to make a thick paste. Apply it on your forehead and temples and lie down for 30 mins. Then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Ginger: It is known to ease nausea caused by many conditions, including migraines. Ginger powder decreases migraine severity and duration as well as with fewer side effects. Steep ginger root for tea, or mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink up. You can consume this once or twice a day. You can also apply a paste of ginger powder and 2 tbsp water on your forehead for a few mins to provide quicker relief.
Magnesium rich food: Magnesium deficiency is linked to headaches and migraines. It may also prevent menstrual-related migraines. You can get magnesium from foods that include almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, peanut butter, eggs and milk.
Gentle massage and simple exercises: A massage may reduce migraine frequency and improve sleep quality. Massage improves perceived stress and coping skills. It also helps decrease heart rate, anxiety, and cortisol levels. Moreover, a few simple exercises to stretch your head and neck can help reduce the intensity of the headache including migraine. Move your chin upwards and downwards, left and right, and bend your neck sideways towards each shoulder. You can also try to slowly rotate the neck in clockwise and anticlockwise directions to help the shoulder and neck muscles relax.
Herbal remedies are safe but....
Dr Siddiq Patni says that herbal headache remedies are safe to apply as do not run the risk of interacting with common medicines. Most herbs are working on a different mechanism in the body, so they do not interfere. But even then, one should first consult the doctor or herbal medicine expert. For instance, a woman with fibroid should not take certain herbs that increase estrogen, an undesirable effect for someone with fibroids.
