Holistic Migraine Treatment

Many people suffer from migraine headaches. These may be caused by heredity, hormonal changes, environmental factors, certain foods and other triggers. Common pharmaceutical treatments include powerful drugs known as triptans. Such drugs include Imitrex and Maxalt. Although these drugs can help, frequent use is not recommended because of the risk of adverse effects. In such cases rebound headaches can occur which are even worse. Often this leads to a person trying to use even more medication which further compounds the problem. At this point the medication becomes useless and even stronger drugs may be prescribed. More drugs, more potential side effects. Women of childbearing age, the most common migraines sufferers, may not be allowed to become pregnant as these drugs can affect the fetus.

The most recent studies clearly show that acupuncture is as effective or more effective than the triptan drugs in treating migraine headaches. Additionally, there are virtually no side effects. Treatment is usually on a weekly basis for 1-2 months. This is usually enough to break the cycle. At that point, treatments are scheduled further apart or on an as needed basis. There are essentially no contraindications.

Another type of headache called cluster headache was also just recently studied. The report appears in the Dec. 9, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The report states: "To our knowledge, this is the first adequately powered trial of high-flow oxygen compared to a placebo, and it confirms clinical experience and current guidelines that inhaled oxygen can be used as an acute attack therapy for episodic and chronic cluster headache....." The report stated that 78 percent of patients reported being pain-free or having adequate relief within 15 minutes of receiving high-flow oxygen.

So, in the end, you be the judge. Safe, effective holistic treatments or piles of pills and the potential for devastating side effects.

Energy Balancing

Here's a great technique for balancing your energy. Many people have stress related energy problems-can't get going in the AM or crashing in the afternoon. This is often complicated by chronic stress. The body secretes stress hormones such as cortisol. So, coffee is added or lattes or other stimulants such as nicotine are added to the mix. If this is you, try this.

Acupuncture can be used to sedate a hypersensitized nervous system, i.e. one that is way out of balance due to too much stimulation and subsequent depletion of energy. Follow this treatment directly with a Thai massage. This is a way to re-energize and "lubricate" one's body. Most often, this method, re-sets your "inner clock" and allows the body's energy system to re-balance.

Treating migraines holistically

Millions of people suffer from migraines. Some migraines are caused by just one factor, say stress. When stress becomes uncontrollable, muscles can tighten in the neck and shoulders and create painful spasms which may then become a full-blown migraine. However, some people have more complex causes such as environmental triggers (think mold for example), food allergies and sensitivities (certain wines and cheeses among others), hormonal problems (often associated with menstrual cycle) and sinus and airborne allergies. When migraines have multiple causative factors treatment becomes much more difficult. Even strong medications (Imitrex and Topamax) can cause severe side effects and if not properly used can actually worsen the migraines. One such case was just seen in my office. She was prescribed multiple medications by her neurologist and as each wore off the headaches returned with a vengeance. She actually had to be seen by yet another doctor to straighten out this worsening problem. Once this was accomplished, her headaches returned but to a lesser degree.

I now see her for weekly acupuncture treatment and she is very close to headache free. Also, she is very careful with her diet avoiding foods known to trigger migraines. Often, a holistic approach such as this is the safest and most effective treatment.

Wheat grass juice

I am all in favor of keeping it natural; natural foods, natural herbs all things natural. However, let's be real. Face it-tornadoes and poison ivy are also natural. So, once in a while there is a problem with natural. Just this week there was a gentleman who tried wheat grass juice for the first time. As it happened, this man is 85 years old with chronic kidney problems (he sees a nephrologist regularly) and diabetes. His daughter (who is into health foods) offered him a small cup of fresh wheat grass juice. The next thing he knew, he became dizzy and weak. He checked his blood sugar with a glucometer (or blood glucose meter) and discovered that it was off the charts high. Possibly this was due to a high content of carbohydrates and potassium affecting his blood sugar and kidneys. Moral of the story? Always be careful in selecting new foods, nutraceuticals and supplements especially if you have chronic illnesses.

Aphrodisiacs

Oyster aphrodisiac

Bing

This is the second article in a series on aphrodisiacs. In the first article it was explained that an aphrodisiac is a substance that can purportedly increase sexual desire. Additionally, because desire is a mental process/emotion, drugs like Viagra which work on a physical basis alone (per claims of the manufacturer) do not fit the true definition of aphrodisiac. Of course, it can not be denied that if people have an expectation for sex and a purple pill is popped at the right time, the expected activity may certainly result.

Oysters are among the oldest and most commonly utilized aphrodisiacs available. In fact , the word aphrodisiac is derived from Greek mythology. Specifically, it comes from the goddess Aphrodite. The story states that the goddess came from the ocean perched upon an oyster shell and that she gave birth to Eros, god of desire. There is also the ancient belief that foods that resemble certain body parts stimulate or enhance those parts. An example of this would be walnuts and the brain. A walnut cracked in half reveals a geography startlingly similar to the human brain. Further, modern science has found walnuts to contain vitamin E which is essential for sexual and reproductive health.

Oysters resemble female genitalia. They also have a sensuous feel. When taken on the half shell with a glass of wine, might this not be a true elixir? And similarly, like walnuts containing nutrients that are good for the brain, oysters contain nutrients which are essential for reproductive health. Specifically, oysters contain zinc. The highest concentration of zinc in humans is in the prostate gland which helps to produce semenal fluid. Might this contribute to enhanced desire? Zinc is also necessary for the production of testosterone. Other nutrients found in oysters are certain amino acids which have been found to stimulate the nervous system and increase sex hormones in lab experiments with rats.

Ginger prevents motion sickness and relieves upset stomach

I have used ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extensively in my holistic practice. It is one of the safest herbs available and can be quite effective in preventing motion sickness and relieving upset stomach. It can also improve digestion. Research has shown that ginger can help prevent vomiting. Many of my cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy derive great benefit from ginger. Many are relieved to go off their antiemetic (prevents vomiting) meds and instead relax with a cup of ginger tea. Simply pour boiling water over about 1 gram (about 1/3 teaspoon) of freshly cut pieces of ginger and strain after 5 minutes. It is also possible to purchase capsules in a health food store. Total dose for the prepared ginger is between 2 and 4 grams.

Chinese herbs for allergies and sinus

Just read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a Chinese herbal formula called Bian Pian. This is a safe, well established formula that seems to have a drying effect on the nasal membranes. In fact it seems to work too well in some cases and can actually make you too dry. (In cases such as that, discontinue or reduce dosage). The studies on Bian Pian were positive in some cases and inconclusive in others. I also use another formula for respiratory problems that is administered by the inhalation of steaming herbs (think vaporizer). This formula which translates into "Open Lung", has the effect of opening the nasal passages and is generally safe. I am currently treating a difficult case where I am using a combination of both herbal formulas. The patient has a "dry" type rhinitis but this is compounded by a deviated septum. The finding of deviated septum was confirmed by MRI. Many times, multiple formulas are used to treat the same basic problem. When I studied in China, I noticed that this was fairly common practice in the hospital.