Migraine headaches are very common and quite often effect women more than men.
Anyone who suffers from them will know exactly how extremely painful they can be.

The common type of headache brought on by tension/over indulgence of alcohol/stress etc is still painful but not so much as a migraine headache and the duration are often not the same.

Both headaches and migraines develop for so many different reasons.

Most people are familiar with the average pain killer obtained from the local chemist along with the more powerful painkillers (anti-spasmodics/tranquillisers etc) obtained from the doctor, but again these only alleviate the symptoms and do not reach the real cause of the pain experienced in the head.

Only a thorough case history can ascertain the real cause of the problem which could be due to digestive disorders, allergies, hormonal, structural, stress, emotional, lifestyle factors etc.

A migraine attack can start in the morning, and peak within an hour lasting 4-24 hours and can happen several times a month or if hormonal once/twice per month.  The peak incidence occurs when the person is between 20 and 35 years of age, then the frequency of attacks gradually declines in some people.  Quite a number of people presenting with migraines have a family history of the attacks.

Once again herbs can assist greatly here along with dietary changes if necessary - especially in allergy/intolerance situations.  If the migraine is tied up with the hormonal fluctuations then often a blood test to ascertain the normal hormonal levels is often a good indicator to any imbalance here.  Many women are sensitive to the drop in oestrogen levels and others who suffer PMT prove to have a low threshold for stress at this time of their cycle so therefore are far more likely to develop headaches and migraines if they are susceptible to them.

Also treatments with Reiki can be of great assistance here and allows the person to focus on deep subconscious issues which need to be released.  Reiki allows you to get into touch with your feelings/emotions.  Many physical disorders can originate from an emotional issue.

Migraines are common in those who expect a lot of themselves – and others!  For those who do not “go with the flow”.