Lavender For A Migraine

Lavender-Central.info Weblog � 3 Natural Cures For A Migraine Headache:

"Lavender oil is renowned for its medicinal properties and this is doubly so for migraine headaches. Lavender oil is cheap and completely safe to use. Only use pure Lavender oil for treating migraines - lavender scented fragrances or scented oils are useless.

If you feel a migraine attack coming then grab your lavender oil. Place a single drop of pure, undiluted lavender oil on each temple or behind each ear. Also place 2 or 3 drops of undiluted lavender oil on the pillow you’re going to rest on.

Combined with a quiet, dark room and deep breathing the lavender oil provides that final “punch” in the natural treatments. The scent of the oil will relax you and simply inhaling lavender infused air helps to ease the pain of a migraine almost immediately."

My Take:

I will definitely try this out. I've tried cheap lavender scents before with no effect. Now I know to try again with the real deal.

Latest research in mystery of migraines

Researchers make headway in mystery of migraines | Science Blog:
"The research, published in the new issue of the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reveals how gene mutations known to cause a form of inherited migraine--the kind that cause debilitating headaches and light flashes known as auras--target a cellular process involved in brain cell communication.

'A number of mutations have been shown to result in familial migraines,' says Dr. Rhoda Blostein--a medical scientist at the Research Institute of the MUHC, professor in the Department of Medicine and Biochemistry at McGill University, and author of the new study. 'Discovering genetic mutations that cause disease is important, but in order to develop treatments we must understand what these mutations do.' By engineering several genetic mutations known to cause inherited migraines (type 2), and incorporating them into human cells, Dr. Blostein and her team showed several genotypes damage the operation of a tiny cellular mechanism commonly known as the Sodium Pump (Sodium/Potassium ATPase enzyme).

'By expelling sodium from the cell, and drawing potassium from outside, the sodium pump maintains a gradient of potassium, which is critical for the propagation of electrical signals along nerve cells. Like an air conditioner in the heat of summer, the sodium pump is a massive energy hog, consuming around 30% of the energy produced by the cell in order to perform this vital cellular process.

Of particular interest in this study is that some mutations cause migraines by reducing sodium pump efficiency--akin to reducing the power supply. 'This is the first time that a genetic mutation of the sodium pump has been shown to cause disease by changing the properties of this biochemical process, rather than completely turning it off,' notes Dr. Blostein. This new understanding of how genetic mutations cause migraines takes us one step closer to the development of improved treatments, providing hope to millions of migraine sufferers."

My Take:

This is the frontiers, folks. No relief yet, but hope, nonetheless. Don't expect your doctor to know anything about this yet. Sodium pump -- don't forget you heard it hear first.

Chiropractic a migraine cure? I don't think so!

http://darinswaninc.com/scripts/wordpress/?p=10
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care helps many who suffer from chronic pain and disease. Providing them with often permanent relief from conditions such as Migraine Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, and neck pain to name a few. This very specific type of care utilizes the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatment available.

To understand how upper cervical chiropractic care works; one must first understand how the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) functions. The human brain communicates through a large network of nerves (similar to an electrical circuit) connecting different organs and systems of the body (like telephone wires connecting phones). This constant communication is essential for the proper function and health of every cell, organ, and system in the body.

The spinal cord transmits information back and forth between the brain and the body and is protected by the spinal column. When injuries occur to spinal segments (traumas such as auto accidents, falls, sports accidents, the birth process, etc.), the spinal vertebrae may misalign and irritate surrounding nerves, resulting in a “short circuit” of the involved nerves.

The top two bones in the neck have been isolated as the most significant in the spinal column because these vertebrae are located at the critical junction between the brain (control center) and the spinal cord. Because the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions in our bodies, including our immune system, any misalignments causing irritation to the nerves at this critical level in the upper cervical spine can result in dysfunction of the bodily organs supplied by the damaged nerves, thus creating numerous health problems. Because all nerve signals must pass through the upper cervical region in order to reach lower parts of the body, any and all functions of the body can be affected by the spine at this level. Recent research shows a link between trauma to the head, neck or upper back and the onset of many serious health problems. Following the trauma, symptoms can be triggered immediately or can take months or years to develop. The purpose of upper cervical chiropractic care is to reverse the trauma induced upper neck injury; thereby reducing neurological irritation; because without irritation, our nervous systems can properly control our bodies’ functions and maintain us in good health. While many sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents, or falls, some do not. An upper cervical examination is necessary in each individual’s case to assess whether an upper cervical injury is present and whether benefit from upper cervical care can be achieved.

MY REACTION:

The above sounds very logical. However, my experience is that chiropractic care does little to nothing for MY migraines. I have logged in well over a thousand visits, so it is not from lack of trying or wishing. I still continue to see chiropractors from time to time -- I just no longer expect the impossible from them -- to effect a migraine cure for me.

Omega 3 & Migraines

The World's Healthiest Foods: Feeling Great:
"Omega 3 fatty acids may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

* Alzheimer's disease
* Asthma
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
* Bipolar disorder
* Cancer
* Cardiovascular disease
* Depression
* Diabetes
* Eczema
* High blood pressure
* Huntington's disease
* Lupus
* Migraine headaches
* Multiple sclerosis
* Obesity
* Osteoarthritis
* Osteoporosis
* Psoriasis
* Rheumatoid arthritis

In supplemental form, omega 3 fatty acids are available as softgels (like a vitamin E capsule) or as bottled liquids. Flaxseed oil, a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, and cod liver oil, a rich source of EPA and DHA, are among the most popular omega 3 supplements.

When purchasing an omega 3 fatty acid supplement, remember that these oils are highly sensitive to damage from heat, light and oxygen. Choose a certified organic product that has been refrigerated and is packaged in a dark brown or green glass jar and be sure to store the product in your refrigerator or freezer.

It is also advisable to choose a supplement that contains vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which is added to the oil to prevent the fatty acids from becoming oxidized (or rancid)."

My Take:

1 more pill to take. OK, I'll give it a try. How about you?

Migraine preventive meds

Beta-adrenergic Blocking Agents: "Beta-adrenergic Blocking Agents
Jul 25, 05 | 12:46 pm

Description

This group of medicines is known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta-blocking agents, or, more commonly, beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Some beta-blockers are also used to relieve angina (chest pain) and in heart attack patients to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta-blockers are also used to correct irregular heartbeat, prevent migraine headaches, and treat tremors. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Beta-blockers work by affecting the response to some nerve impulses in certain parts of the body. As a result, they decrease the heart's need for blood and oxygen by reducing its workload. They also help the heart to beat more regularly.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are available only with your doctor's prescription"

My Take:

Preventives are half your migraine arsenal (abortives the other half). Experiment to see which preventives work best for you.