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A migraine can be one of the worst pains to experience taking control over many people’s lives. Not only can it be debilitating and painful, but it can affect a person professionally, as well as their relationships and their quality of life.
Statistically, there are eight million migraine sufferers in the UK, with an average of 190,000 daily attacks, according to The Migraine Trust. Ireland alone has half a million sufferers, that’s 12-15% of its population as per The Migraine Association of Ireland.
The difference between headaches and migraines
There are several marked differences between an ordinary headache and a migraine. Non-migraine headaches fall into the range of cluster, tension and sinus headaches. The primary difference between a normal headache and a migraine is pain, location and severity. Normal headaches are usually accompanied by mild to moderate pain, and with tension headaches the pain is located on both sides of the head.
Migraine sufferers usually experience moderate to severe pain, and pain is usually located on one or both sides of the head. Migraines also bring on nausea, light and noise sensitivity, dizziness, confusion, blind spots, and in the most severe cases, the loss of consciousness.
The homeopathic approach to migraine relief
Homeopathy is a field of alternative medicine that treats the individual rather than just symptoms alone. With homeopathic treatment, it not only strives to help relieve migraine pain, but aims to address the root cause of the problem. The treatment plan is individualised so 10 people with migraines may all receive a different homeopathic remedy based on their unique symptoms.
Just as the triggers for migraines vary from stress, to dietary, sleep disturbances or hormonal imbalances, so too will the prescription differ according to each person’s needs. During a consultation we take into consideration when the migraines started, how they progress, what makes them better or worse (such as sleep, lying down, light) and how they affect your mood. We consider other aspects of your health too – other ailments you might have, your family history, your hormonal health and your general make up.
Homeopathy for migraines can offer both temporary relief as well as a long-term solution. With homeopathic remedies, migraines may become less intense at first, and then gradually decrease in occurrence, until it eventually disappears. If you would like to find out more you can book a Free 15 minute consultation here.
A client’s story – 10 years of weekly headaches and migraines gone in 8 weeks
Mary’s story is a classic example of a belief that when you have a chronic ailment, you just have to learn to live with it.
She had been struggling with weekly headaches and migraines for 10 years. They were brought on by tiredness, mental exertion and hormonal issues. In just 3 weeks after starting her homeopathic remedies, her migraines had decreased from the normal six, to only one during that time. The intensity of this one migraine was 50% less severe, it didn’t last as long, she didn’t need to take her usual medication which was the only way it would normally bring relief, and she was back in action in no time.
Eight weeks into her homeopathic treatment she had no migraines. She has never known such an extended period of time without them, without having to use medication and she had come to accept that they were part of her life. As she says “I just didn’t think there was an out”.
Mary’s testimonial – 5 months after homeopathic treatment
Mary’s treatment continued with regular visits while we worked on her various health issues. She explains her journey of the homeopathic process.
“What I didn’t realise before starting my treatment was the positive side effects of Homeopathy.
My reason for seeking out Eileen was because I had been getting recurring bouts of cold sores for the last 14 years. Now five months on, my cold sores are gone but my migraines which I didn’t even contemplate using Homeopathy for, are gone too. Plus, my hayfever, hormonal issues, period pains, spots and skin rashes have been resolved as well.
When I looked back at my 10-year history of migraines I had suffered a lot. They would range from a dull ache to making me vomit and the only way through them was medication and take to bed for a couple of hours until they passed. When I woke up I was left feeling hungover and drained. I attended my doctor and got my eyes tested. I tried all the usual routes. It was just something I was going to just live with or so I thought.
When I started my treatment with Eileen she told me to track any changes that I noticed between visits. At the start, the migraines occurred less and some were just headaches never turning into migraines. In just 3 weeks instead of 6 migraines, I only had one and it was 50% less severe. It didn’t last as long and I didn’t need to take my usual medication which was the only way it would normally resolve it.
As well as all the physical improvements I’ve enjoyed emotional changes too. I’m looking after myself more whereas before I would never stop pushing myself on. Now I feel a lot better, a lot more energised and healthy.
It’s quite surreal when you have lived with an ailment for so long and expect that’s how it will be for the rest of your life – and then it’s gone. I just didn’t think there was an out. The best part is that I was worried about the side effects of my migraine medication and what it was doing to my body – and now the only side effect I have experienced in taking Homeopathy for my cold sores is that it has got rid of my migraines and much more too! Thank you Eileen.”
Mary, Dublin 15
6 years of hormonal migraines gone in 6 months
Another case I’d like to share and this one focuses on hormonal migraines, a common problem I see in my practice.
Rachel, aged 29, came to see me for crippling migraines that she’d been having for 6 years. The migraines were becoming very aggressive recently and she was at a loss on how she could cope with them any longer. Rachel had brain scans, lumbar punctures and the doctors were now recommending Beta Blockers which she didn’t want to take. She wanted a permanent solution that would free her of pain and medication.
- The migraines were rapid in onset with a constant pressure pain and they were so violent, she’d vomit.
- She was sensitive to light and smell and always felt extreme fatigue when they occurred.
- The one relief from the symptoms was taking Sumatriptan, being alone, in darkness and sleeping which she would do for up to 24 hours with an attack, only waking for water and the bathroom.
- She felt very emotional when they happened and would burst into tears as she was unable to get on with her day to day life. She couldn’t work, drive or eat and her appetite diminished.
- The migraines could last for 3 consecutive days or she’d have one every week.
- On one occasion she went to the hospital because the pain was so severe.
- Her doctor changed her contraceptive pill and she trialled a range of different ones, but she always got a migraine during the one-week pill break.
- The migraines would also occur when she was stressed or tired.
Rachel explains how homoeopathy brought the relief she was desperately seeking.
“As someone who suffered from debilitating migraines regularly, I was desperate to find something that might give me some relief. I had tried many different options before exploring homeopathy including acupuncture, meditation and medication from my GP.
I had a feeling that some of my problems might be hormone-related but wasn’t able to fully understand what this meant or how to deal with it.
Eileen has helped me to understand what is going on, not only just in my body, but also in my life that might be contributing to my migraines.
Eileen was able to drill into what was most likely the root cause of my problem and has offered incredible support over the past 6 months throughout the sessions and through the use of homeopathic remedies.
I cannot believe that in just 6 months I am now migraine free!!”
Rachel, Dublin 4
Five homeopathic remedies for emergency migraine relief
Due to the complex nature of migraines, constitutional treatment with a homeopath is recommended.
While there are hundreds of possible remedies we can use to help migraines, below are five remedies that I may consider for emergency use during an acute episode where symptoms fit.
Belladonna: This is often indicated for migraines that are throbbing or bursting with great sensitivity to light, noise, touch or the least jarring. The person feels better in a dark room but they may struggle with lying down and need to sit up. Pains start very suddenly, the face is red and hot and hard pressure or tightly binding the head offers some relief from this violent headache.
Pulsatilla: May be used when the person feels the onset of a migraine after a period of overwork, after fatty food or gastric disorders, after hormonal treatment such as starting the pill or fertility treatment or before menstruation. The migraine may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrohea, chilliness and is preceded by vertigo, ringing in the ears or vanishing sight. The pain is often described as stitching located on one side of the head, usually the temple or back of the head.
Sanguinaria: This is a migraine that starts at the back of the head, settles in the eye and is often right sided. They usually start in the morning and increase during the day into the evening. The pains are stabbing and are better for cold applications, vomiting, lying down and sleep. They usually occur every 7-14 days. There is a lot of tension felt in the neck and shoulder and the migraines may come on after skipping meals, with hot flushes during the menopause, or with digestive issues.
Natrum Mur: These are migraines that are described as “hammering” and may come on after grief, emotional upset, from too much sun or before periods. They feel worse for any movement of the head or eyes, the headaches usually starts early morning, getting worse around 10am and it can be preceded by partial blindness or a feeling of being unable to keep their eyes open.
Sepia: Often indicated for migraines that are left sided with stitching, tearing or boring pain and they are accompanied by dizziness and nausea. They can be triggered by skipping meals, hormonal disorders, before or during menstruation or during the menopause. The eyelids droop and the person feels worse for lying on the painful side, is averse to food, feels, cold, irritable and weary. They are better for pressing the painful part firmly and closing the eyes.
Would you like to put an end to your migraines?
If you are struggling with headaches or migraines and would like help in resolving them long term, please feel free to give me a call 0860891037 (International +353 860891037), email me or book a complimentary call to see how I can help you.
Consultations available: Dublin, Ireland & Worldwide Via Video Call
Eileen Scullion of Homeopathy-Healing is a Registered Homeopath LicISH ISHom with the Irish Society of Homeopaths (The Regulatory Body for the Homeopathic Profession which is recognized by the Department of Health and Children and works on the National Working Group towards an integrated Health System).