Optimal Health

Migraine Headaches by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

I have treated Migraine Headaches quite successfully since 1983.  I have used a combination of acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrtional counseling, and anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, such as feverfew and enzymes.  The treatment really works.

Yet I still see many patients who did not realize there are safe, natural treatments for preventing and treating migraine headaches.  Other patients did not realize that their insurance often covers much of the cost of acupuncture office visits for migraines.  Still other people didn’t realize they could safely continue to take their prescription Migraine medications from they Medical Doctor, while at the same time “experimenting” with some complementary approaches.   In fact, I love working with patients who have a trusted Medical doctor with whom we can develop an effective “teamwork approach” type of relationship.

Migraines are caused by an expansion of blood vessels in the brain and inflammation of the surrounding tissues.  Research points to the cause as electronic changes that occur in the body.  These are most likely caused either by emotional stress or allergies to various foods.  Other causes can be climate changes affecting the pressure of the fluids in the body, a full or new moon, and environmental allergies, such as allergies to chlorine, detergents, perfume, or other chemicals in the environment.  Of course, hormonal changes during a woman’s normal menstrual cycle will also commonly trigger the migraine.  But men will often experience hormonal changes as well, which can set off a migraine attack.

Often, just adding a homepathic remedy such as Natrum Mur, or Mag phos, to a patient’s daily regimen will reduce the migraines by as much as 80%.  Another easy cure has been the addition of Magnesium to the diet.  Often it is only a matter of balancing the electrolytes by adding a good multi-mineral supplement a product such as Emergen-C.

The purpose of this short article is to introduce you to a relatively new product on the market today for preventing and treating migraines.  It is called Butterbur Extract.  This herb contains active chemicals that not only prevent the blood vessel expansion of a migraine, but also prevent the inflammation.

Compared to placebo, in a recent study, 74% of the patients who took the standardized Butterbur Extract stated that is successfully prevented their migraines.  This was compared to only 27% in the placebo group.

This herb can also be combined with other migraine medications, but always check with your medical doctor before starting to take any new herbal or over the counter supplements.  It also may take up to 4 weeks of taking the herb to see results, although some people see results immediately.

This herb, as with any herbal products, should not be taken

Holistic Emergency Medicine 101 - An Introduction on What To Do To Stay Healthy

Arnica - don’t leave home without it;  take Arnica 6C - 3X per day for any sprain, accident, bruise, fall, etc.   After surgery to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Hypericum - same as Arnica but for injury to nerves, the eye, tips of fingers, elbows, or after dental work.  6C - 3X per day 

Aconite - at the begining of colds or flu or for physical or emotional shock or fear.   Works especially well when onset of cold is from being in cold wind the night before.

Nux vomica - the most well known homeopathic for digestive problems, constipation, headaches, food poisoning, diarrhea, nausea.

Ignatia - to be taken when you cannot sleep from bad news, emotional loss, or grief

Magnesium phos - for headaches, muscle cramps, menstrual cramps or spasms

Kali phos - low energy, nervousness, poor sleep, feeling run down, twitching, anxiety

Apis mel - for insect bites and stings

Rescue Remedy - take as directed for any trauma, physical or emotional

Traumeel or Arnica Ointment - use topically for any physcial trauma, ache or pain

Yin Chiao - Chinese herbal formula to take at the first sign of cold or flu

Pill Curing - Chinese herbal formula to be used for any digestive upset or travel

Ponay Tea - Chinese weight loss tea and energy tea to burn fat and stimulate metabolism

Probiotic - the “friendly” bacteria - always take one per day

Vitamin C - take 1,000 mg per day buffered C to keep your immune system working well

Theanine - an amino acid very good for anxiety and nervousness

5HTP - an amino acid for sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep, see your Medical Doctor annually for a physical check up, and blood tests and get monthly massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments.  Be sure you exercise daily so you don’t build up excess tension in your body.   Women be sure to get your annual female check-ups.

Homeopathic Rules:

1.  Dont’ touch the pills.  Tap them into the cap and under the tongue

2.  Nothing in the mouth for 20 minutes before and after

3.  Try to avoid mint, and any other strong smells or flavors while you take the remedy

4.  Stop the homeopathic as soon as you are better, and never take it more than a week, without the advice of a trained homeopath

5.  Take them as directed by your homeopath or 3 pills, 3X per day.  For mild problems, just take them once per day only.  Less is better, with homepathy.

Also, always follow your Medical Doctor’s advice and never take any product without the advice of your Medical Doctor or other health practitioner.  Never take yourself off any medication prescribed by your doctor without his or her advice.  Try the teamwork approach to health, using a Medical Doctor, acupuncturist, homeopath, chiropractor, and massage therapist.   Also seek the advice of a spiriual advisor, when in doubt.   A teamwork approach is always best in keeping your optimal health.

Have a wonderful Fall Equinox and Full Moon!