Migraine

Migraine headaches are a moderate to severe throbbing sensation that lasts a few hours or sometimes for days.  The precise reason for this type of headache is not know but one description of the sequence of physiological events is as follows:

Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

     Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic nervous activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

•    Sympathetic activity also delays emptying of the stomach into the small intestine and thereby prevents oral medications from entering the intestine and being absorbed. 

•    The impaired absorption of oral medications is a common reason for the ineffectiveness of medications taken to treat migraine headaches.

•    The increased sympathetic activity also decreases the circulation of blood, and this leads to pallor of the skin as well as cold hands and feet. 

•    The increased sympathetic activity also contributes to the sensitivity to light and sound sensitivity as well as blurred vision.

 from MedicineNet.com

Some sufferers from migraines say that there are signs that signal when a migraine headache is coming on.  This includes signs such as tingling, light flashes, or other warnings that can suggest taking some preventative measures.  For many the headache is accompanied by sensitivity to light, loud sounds, and may include an upset stomach or even nausea.

Triggers for migraines vary from person to person and are not always predictable (do not always trigger the migraine) in an individual.  Some of the reported triggers for migraines include: stress, sleep disturbance, fasting, dehydration, dietary changes, hormone changes, bright or flashing lights, allergies, chocolate, wine, certain odors, cigarette smoke, and caffeine.

An important step in helping with migraines is to determining from experience for an individual what triggers their migraines. By finding the triggers, one can anticipate them and use the habits of diet and lifestyle coupled with the essential oils to mitigate them.  The tab above for Suggested Protocols will have some of the most commonly suggested helps and the tab Experiences & Testimonials will include other's experiences.

Oils, blends & products recommended:

Oils & Blends:  Deep Blue, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, PastTense, Peppermint

Essential oils based products: Life Long Vitality supplements

Also consider: Basil, Birch, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Wintergreen 


dōTERRA Essential oils does not prevent, treat or cure disease. Your lifestyle choices can help prevent disease. Your doctor treats symptoms and fixes broken parts. Your body cure disease!