I advise avoiding triggers and finding balance supplemented by medication.

Massage therapy, exercise, life style modification, healthy diet is beneficial to relieve migraine

I have also recommended physical therapy and yoga

Yes I definitely think yoga relaxation mindfulness exercise Msgnesium for premenstrual migraine are effective preventative measures
B blockers are useful as well

Most of my pts love non-med suggestions. We have great handouts on mindfulness and stress reduction. Our integrative medicine docs also offer acupuncture.

Most of my pts love non-med suggestions. We have great handouts on mindfulness and stress reduction. Our integrative medicine docs also offer acupuncture.

Most of my pts love non-med suggestions. We have great handouts on mindfulness and stress reduction. Our integrative medicine docs also offer acupuncture.

Thank you for all the insights, these are great. Migraine truly need a wholistic complementary approach.

Thank you for all the insights, these are great. Migraine truly need a wholistic complementary approach.

Thank you for all the insights, these are great. Migraine truly need a wholistic complementary approach.

Thank you for all the information, migraine really needs a wholistic approach with lifestyle modifications as well.

Thank you for all the information, migraine really needs a wholistic approach with lifestyle modifications as well.

Thank you for all the information, migraine really needs a wholistic approach with lifestyle modifications as well.

For refractory patients I use physical therapy directed towards migraines. A trained physical therapist in this can really make a difference.

For refractory patients I use physical therapy directed towards migraines. A trained physical therapist in this can really make a difference.

For refractory patients I use physical therapy directed towards migraines. A trained physical therapist in this can really make a difference.

I recommend a combination of relaxation techniques, massage therapy and medication to help prevent patients from recurrent migraines.

I recommend a combination of relaxation techniques, massage therapy and medication to help prevent patients from recurrent migraines.

I recommend a combination of relaxation techniques, massage therapy and medication to help prevent patients from recurrent migraines.

I believe practicing meditation, or mindfulness, can be very helpful as migraine preventative treatments. This is an "extension" of biofeedback and relaxation techniques that have been recognized for decades as being helpful in migraine. The difference is that these practices can be incorporated as a routine part of our lives, instead of being utilized only when needed - such as when feeling stressed.

I believe practicing meditation, or mindfulness, can be very helpful as migraine preventative treatments. This is an "extension" of biofeedback and relaxation techniques that have been recognized for decades as being helpful in migraine. The difference is that these practices can be incorporated as a routine part of our lives, instead of being utilized only when needed - such as when feeling stressed.

I believe practicing meditation, or mindfulness, can be very helpful as migraine preventative treatments. This is an "extension" of biofeedback and relaxation techniques that have been recognized for decades as being helpful in migraine. The difference is that these practices can be incorporated as a routine part of our lives, instead of being utilized only when needed - such as when feeling stressed.

Food diaries, identification of triggers, watching blood pressure, sleep hygiene, breathing exercises and meditation, all those can help and steer patients away from needing medications.

Food diaries, identification of triggers, watching blood pressure, sleep hygiene, breathing exercises and meditation, all those can help and steer patients away from needing medications.

Food diaries, identification of triggers, watching blood pressure, sleep hygiene, breathing exercises and meditation, all those can help and steer patients away from needing medications.

I'd say about 90% of my migraine patients are on a preventatve

I'd say about 90% of my migraine patients are on a preventatve

I'd say about 90% of my migraine patients are on a preventatve

Frustratingly, by the time many patients have been referred to a neurologist their HA are profound enough that they are no longer interested in complementary therapies; however, once some component of HA control is achieved, I have had success introducing alternate therapies. I have seen most benefit with acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. While I suspect patients would see further improvement with guided meditations and hypnosis, in my region we don’t have enough practitioners trained in these modalities to be able to routinely offer/prescribe them.

Frustratingly, by the time many patients have been referred to a neurologist their HA are profound enough that they are no longer interested in complementary therapies; however, once some component of HA control is achieved, I have had success introducing alternate therapies. I have seen most benefit with acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. While I suspect patients would see further improvement with guided meditations and hypnosis, in my region we don’t have enough practitioners trained in these modalities to be able to routinely offer/prescribe them.

Frustratingly, by the time many patients have been referred to a neurologist their HA are profound enough that they are no longer interested in complementary therapies; however, once some component of HA control is achieved, I have had success introducing alternate therapies. I have seen most benefit with acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. While I suspect patients would see further improvement with guided meditations and hypnosis, in my region we don’t have enough practitioners trained in these modalities to be able to routinely offer/prescribe them.

Massage therapy is beneficial to relieve stress and anxiety.

Massage therapy is beneficial to relieve stress and anxiety.

Massage therapy is beneficial to relieve stress and anxiety.

There are some new medications that can be helpful in migraine prevention. I have also found acupuncture, physical therapy, music therapy, and relaxation techniques to be helpful

There are some new medications that can be helpful in migraine prevention. I have also found acupuncture, physical therapy, music therapy, and relaxation techniques to be helpful

There are some new medications that can be helpful in migraine prevention. I have also found acupuncture, physical therapy, music therapy, and relaxation techniques to be helpful

I have a massage therapist who works for me in my office. Migraine patients who have appointments with her do much better.

I have a massage therapist who works for me in my office. Migraine patients who have appointments with her do much better.

I have a massage therapist who works for me in my office. Migraine patients who have appointments with her do much better.

I have used meditation in patients. Stress is a big factor with migraines and I recommend phone apps such as CALM. Also, yoga and tai chi help the patient to relax and focus. Many of my patients benefit from therapeutic touch/ massage.

I have used meditation in patients. Stress is a big factor with migraines and I recommend phone apps such as CALM. Also, yoga and tai chi help the patient to relax and focus. Many of my patients benefit from therapeutic touch/ massage.

I have used meditation in patients. Stress is a big factor with migraines and I recommend phone apps such as CALM. Also, yoga and tai chi help the patient to relax and focus. Many of my patients benefit from therapeutic touch/ massage.

I usually recommend REGULAR sleep and exercise. Many times getting more sleep or doing more exercise fails because it is random, and you brain can't get into a routine. I emphasize it's not the amount of sleep or exercise, or even the type of exercise, but doing consistently at the same time, get your brain in a routine, and prevent the inflammation that occurs with random changes in your schedule

I usually recommend REGULAR sleep and exercise. Many times getting more sleep or doing more exercise fails because it is random, and you brain can't get into a routine. I emphasize it's not the amount of sleep or exercise, or even the type of exercise, but doing consistently at the same time, get your brain in a routine, and prevent the inflammation that occurs with random changes in your schedule

I usually recommend REGULAR sleep and exercise. Many times getting more sleep or doing more exercise fails because it is random, and you brain can't get into a routine. I emphasize it's not the amount of sleep or exercise, or even the type of exercise, but doing consistently at the same time, get your brain in a routine, and prevent the inflammation that occurs with random changes in your schedule

Unfortunately most of my patients can not afford complementary techniques as most insurances do not cover them. When I do recommend I usually refer to a local acupuncturist.

Unfortunately most of my patients can not afford complementary techniques as most insurances do not cover them. When I do recommend I usually refer to a local acupuncturist.

Unfortunately most of my patients can not afford complementary techniques as most insurances do not cover them. When I do recommend I usually refer to a local acupuncturist.

Unfortunately I don't have a favorite resource for this but I do suggest that the patients perform a quick internet search for a local yoga studio and any websites on mindfulness techniques

Unfortunately I don't have a favorite resource for this but I do suggest that the patients perform a quick internet search for a local yoga studio and any websites on mindfulness techniques

Unfortunately I don't have a favorite resource for this but I do suggest that the patients perform a quick internet search for a local yoga studio and any websites on mindfulness techniques

Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques have a huge upside potential with little to no risk. They are active however as opposed to a medication which is somewhat passive so it requires a little motivation and work on behalf of the patient. These techniques, while not curative, can ease some symptoms and even offer a "break" from the "pain" due to focusing on something other than their symptoms. I fully support these types of conservative treatment options and have seen good results.

Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques have a huge upside potential with little to no risk. They are active however as opposed to a medication which is somewhat passive so it requires a little motivation and work on behalf of the patient. These techniques, while not curative, can ease some symptoms and even offer a "break" from the "pain" due to focusing on something other than their symptoms. I fully support these types of conservative treatment options and have seen good results.

Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques have a huge upside potential with little to no risk. They are active however as opposed to a medication which is somewhat passive so it requires a little motivation and work on behalf of the patient. These techniques, while not curative, can ease some symptoms and even offer a "break" from the "pain" due to focusing on something other than their symptoms. I fully support these types of conservative treatment options and have seen good results.

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

Yoga ca certainly help reduce stress and can help with migraine prevention. I have also recommended acupuncture and physical therapy as well as music therapy

I also find that patients are interested in trying non-prescription prophylaxis. Concerning the alternatives you mentioned, I have found acupuncture about as effective as any other modality (medication, supplements...). Yoga has been effective in a minority of patients. The main barrier to yoga and mindfulness for my patients is time constraints. Secondly, finding instruction. When I discuss options with patients, after hearing about everything, the majority of patients opt to try supplements (magnesium, C0Q 10...) and lifestyle modification (sleep habits etc) rather than sign up for that special yoga class. I have tried recommending sort of "meditation light" approaches - lavender oil, breathing exercises etc. Patients have told me that these relax them but do not help the migraines. I am recently trying the approach of telling patients that you get out what you put in. If you want to reduce migraines you have to make a commitment to an approach. That means putting in the time to try something (MBI) and then accepting about a 50% chance of success.

I also find that patients are interested in trying non-prescription prophylaxis. Concerning the alternatives you mentioned, I have found acupuncture about as effective as any other modality (medication, supplements...). Yoga has been effective in a minority of patients. The main barrier to yoga and mindfulness for my patients is time constraints. Secondly, finding instruction. When I discuss options with patients, after hearing about everything, the majority of patients opt to try supplements (magnesium, C0Q 10...) and lifestyle modification (sleep habits etc) rather than sign up for that special yoga class. I have tried recommending sort of "meditation light" approaches - lavender oil, breathing exercises etc. Patients have told me that these relax them but do not help the migraines. I am recently trying the approach of telling patients that you get out what you put in. If you want to reduce migraines you have to make a commitment to an approach. That means putting in the time to try something (MBI) and then accepting about a 50% chance of success.

I also find that patients are interested in trying non-prescription prophylaxis. Concerning the alternatives you mentioned, I have found acupuncture about as effective as any other modality (medication, supplements...). Yoga has been effective in a minority of patients. The main barrier to yoga and mindfulness for my patients is time constraints. Secondly, finding instruction. When I discuss options with patients, after hearing about everything, the majority of patients opt to try supplements (magnesium, C0Q 10...) and lifestyle modification (sleep habits etc) rather than sign up for that special yoga class. I have tried recommending sort of "meditation light" approaches - lavender oil, breathing exercises etc. Patients have told me that these relax them but do not help the migraines. I am recently trying the approach of telling patients that you get out what you put in. If you want to reduce migraines you have to make a commitment to an approach. That means putting in the time to try something (MBI) and then accepting about a 50% chance of success.

I have also seen that it might help patients to relieve migraines the use of other Complementary techniques including the use of listening to soft relaxing music of their choice.
Thanks

I have also seen that it might help patients to relieve migraines the use of other Complementary techniques including the use of listening to soft relaxing music of their choice.
Thanks

I have also seen that it might help patients to relieve migraines the use of other Complementary techniques including the use of listening to soft relaxing music of their choice.
Thanks

For the adjunctive complementary therapy to medications of migraine headaches: I have used mindfulness and prayer. Thanks,
Mayelin Gomez DNP, APRN

For the adjunctive complementary therapy to medications of migraine headaches: I have used mindfulness and prayer. Thanks,
Mayelin Gomez DNP, APRN

For the adjunctive complementary therapy to medications of migraine headaches: I have used mindfulness and prayer. Thanks,
Mayelin Gomez DNP, APRN

Diet and complementary methods might help

Diet and complementary methods might help

Diet and complementary methods might help

I do encourage diet modification, improved sleep, mindfulness and yoga. I have found combination of magnesium and riboflavin to very useful for prevention. I do work with a mind body medicine specialist who is excellent In coaching our patients and educating mindfulness.

I do encourage diet modification, improved sleep, mindfulness and yoga. I have found combination of magnesium and riboflavin to very useful for prevention. I do work with a mind body medicine specialist who is excellent In coaching our patients and educating mindfulness.

I do encourage diet modification, improved sleep, mindfulness and yoga. I have found combination of magnesium and riboflavin to very useful for prevention. I do work with a mind body medicine specialist who is excellent In coaching our patients and educating mindfulness.

I feel my patients would rather try a non pharmaceutical
approach first,so therfore I recommend Magnesium meditation exercise diet modulation or otc meds like excepting migraine .If unsuccessful will try Triptans etc

I feel my patients would rather try a non pharmaceutical
approach first,so therfore I recommend Magnesium meditation exercise diet modulation or otc meds like excepting migraine .If unsuccessful will try Triptans etc

I feel my patients would rather try a non pharmaceutical
approach first,so therfore I recommend Magnesium meditation exercise diet modulation or otc meds like excepting migraine .If unsuccessful will try Triptans etc

yes, do recommend mindfulness such as relaxation, Yoga, meditation, etc for migraine prevention, but only works if regularly involved

yes, do recommend mindfulness such as relaxation, Yoga, meditation, etc for migraine prevention, but only works if regularly involved

yes, do recommend mindfulness such as relaxation, Yoga, meditation, etc for migraine prevention, but only works if regularly involved

I strongly encourage mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction techniques with patients, as stress and anxiety are clear triggers for many patients. Patients are often concerned about some of the side effects of migraine preventatives. There are many apps which can help patients easily practice some of these techniques on their own, such as as Calm, Peloton, Equinox, etc.

I strongly encourage mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction techniques with patients, as stress and anxiety are clear triggers for many patients. Patients are often concerned about some of the side effects of migraine preventatives. There are many apps which can help patients easily practice some of these techniques on their own, such as as Calm, Peloton, Equinox, etc.

I strongly encourage mindfulness, meditation and stress reduction techniques with patients, as stress and anxiety are clear triggers for many patients. Patients are often concerned about some of the side effects of migraine preventatives. There are many apps which can help patients easily practice some of these techniques on their own, such as as Calm, Peloton, Equinox, etc.

Anthony Giampolo has a point. The patients need to set aside time and put in the effort. If the patient does not feel like it is helping they will become discouraged and that is when they need reassurance or maybe make some modifications to their treatment.

Anthony Giampolo has a point. The patients need to set aside time and put in the effort. If the patient does not feel like it is helping they will become discouraged and that is when they need reassurance or maybe make some modifications to their treatment.

Anthony Giampolo has a point. The patients need to set aside time and put in the effort. If the patient does not feel like it is helping they will become discouraged and that is when they need reassurance or maybe make some modifications to their treatment.

I feel that complementary techniques are extremely helpful to patients for the following reasons: it forces them to take time for themselves (even if it is only 5-10 minutes at a time), resets their outlook and empowers them to be in control. Migraineurs often feel that migraines are in control of their life rather than that they are in control of their migraines. i spend time during office visits reassuring them that jointly we can improve their QOL and sense of control. Many also need words to encourage empowerment since their lives have often been overshadowed by demeaning comments that fail to realize the impact of their headaches. If they are new to these techniques, I will frequently encourage them to start with breathing practices which are available in many places including the Apple watch. If they prefer a more physical path, I refer them to Yoga with Adriene (available on you tube) which is specifically for migraine. The app that I have found most effective for meditation is Insight Timer which offers 70,000 free meditations/talks as well as live sessions with various teachers. There are some online CBT offerings but those for migraine have been studies but are not available yet. I have often referred migraineurs to in person CBT and found this beneficial not only for migraine but also for sleep.

I feel that complementary techniques are extremely helpful to patients for the following reasons: it forces them to take time for themselves (even if it is only 5-10 minutes at a time), resets their outlook and empowers them to be in control. Migraineurs often feel that migraines are in control of their life rather than that they are in control of their migraines. i spend time during office visits reassuring them that jointly we can improve their QOL and sense of control. Many also need words to encourage empowerment since their lives have often been overshadowed by demeaning comments that fail to realize the impact of their headaches. If they are new to these techniques, I will frequently encourage them to start with breathing practices which are available in many places including the Apple watch. If they prefer a more physical path, I refer them to Yoga with Adriene (available on you tube) which is specifically for migraine. The app that I have found most effective for meditation is Insight Timer which offers 70,000 free meditations/talks as well as live sessions with various teachers. There are some online CBT offerings but those for migraine have been studies but are not available yet. I have often referred migraineurs to in person CBT and found this beneficial not only for migraine but also for sleep.

I feel that complementary techniques are extremely helpful to patients for the following reasons: it forces them to take time for themselves (even if it is only 5-10 minutes at a time), resets their outlook and empowers them to be in control. Migraineurs often feel that migraines are in control of their life rather than that they are in control of their migraines. i spend time during office visits reassuring them that jointly we can improve their QOL and sense of control. Many also need words to encourage empowerment since their lives have often been overshadowed by demeaning comments that fail to realize the impact of their headaches. If they are new to these techniques, I will frequently encourage them to start with breathing practices which are available in many places including the Apple watch. If they prefer a more physical path, I refer them to Yoga with Adriene (available on you tube) which is specifically for migraine. The app that I have found most effective for meditation is Insight Timer which offers 70,000 free meditations/talks as well as live sessions with various teachers. There are some online CBT offerings but those for migraine have been studies but are not available yet. I have often referred migraineurs to in person CBT and found this beneficial not only for migraine but also for sleep.

Complementary therapies may be helpful for some patients with migraine headaches. However, some such complementary approaches require time and effort of the part of the patient which may limit a patient's long-term adherence to such therapy. In addition, insurance coverage for such complementary therapies may not be a considered to be covered benefit for many patients. Utilizing shared decision making, selection of a therapy consistent with a patient's preferences can often be helpful in improving the patient's migraine condition.

Complementary therapies may be helpful for some patients with migraine headaches. However, some such complementary approaches require time and effort of the part of the patient which may limit a patient's long-term adherence to such therapy. In addition, insurance coverage for such complementary therapies may not be a considered to be covered benefit for many patients. Utilizing shared decision making, selection of a therapy consistent with a patient's preferences can often be helpful in improving the patient's migraine condition.

Complementary therapies may be helpful for some patients with migraine headaches. However, some such complementary approaches require time and effort of the part of the patient which may limit a patient's long-term adherence to such therapy. In addition, insurance coverage for such complementary therapies may not be a considered to be covered benefit for many patients. Utilizing shared decision making, selection of a therapy consistent with a patient's preferences can often be helpful in improving the patient's migraine condition.

Yes I typically do recommend mindful meditation. There are several applications on the telephone that I will often recommend to patients. This includes headspace or COM. I do believe that reduce anxiety and cortisol levels can certainly impact migraine headaches in a positive way. I’ll also just encourage patients to Google this has mindful meditation and mindfulness is very trendy right now and there are many resources available to patients.

Yes I typically do recommend mindful meditation. There are several applications on the telephone that I will often recommend to patients. This includes headspace or COM. I do believe that reduce anxiety and cortisol levels can certainly impact migraine headaches in a positive way. I’ll also just encourage patients to Google this has mindful meditation and mindfulness is very trendy right now and there are many resources available to patients.

Yes I typically do recommend mindful meditation. There are several applications on the telephone that I will often recommend to patients. This includes headspace or COM. I do believe that reduce anxiety and cortisol levels can certainly impact migraine headaches in a positive way. I’ll also just encourage patients to Google this has mindful meditation and mindfulness is very trendy right now and there are many resources available to patients.

These are great insights!

These are great insights!

These are great insights!

On of the best migraine talks I ever presented discussed the "look" of a chronic migraine patient. He stated they will frequently have their arms crossed and appear to have their mouth and jaw tight. He stated they sit like this due to underlying stress and this position ensures they will be tightly wound. From my experience, he was right. I will point this out to patients and discuss relation techniques. During this appointment, almost without exception, you will have to remind them to uncross their arms and let their jaw and face relax. Sometimes it is an eye opening experience for them.

On of the best migraine talks I ever presented discussed the "look" of a chronic migraine patient. He stated they will frequently have their arms crossed and appear to have their mouth and jaw tight. He stated they sit like this due to underlying stress and this position ensures they will be tightly wound. From my experience, he was right. I will point this out to patients and discuss relation techniques. During this appointment, almost without exception, you will have to remind them to uncross their arms and let their jaw and face relax. Sometimes it is an eye opening experience for them.

On of the best migraine talks I ever presented discussed the "look" of a chronic migraine patient. He stated they will frequently have their arms crossed and appear to have their mouth and jaw tight. He stated they sit like this due to underlying stress and this position ensures they will be tightly wound. From my experience, he was right. I will point this out to patients and discuss relation techniques. During this appointment, almost without exception, you will have to remind them to uncross their arms and let their jaw and face relax. Sometimes it is an eye opening experience for them.

I prefer meditation as a means of calming and stress reduction with a concomitant positive effect on migraine sufferers. I recommend many free apps but the main one I suggest is Insight Timer.

I prefer meditation as a means of calming and stress reduction with a concomitant positive effect on migraine sufferers. I recommend many free apps but the main one I suggest is Insight Timer.

I prefer meditation as a means of calming and stress reduction with a concomitant positive effect on migraine sufferers. I recommend many free apps but the main one I suggest is Insight Timer.

Relaxation techniques, yoga, music,and medication all help prevent migraines

Relaxation techniques, yoga, music,and medication all help prevent migraines

Relaxation techniques, yoga, music,and medication all help prevent migraines

Yes, I definitely incorporate mindfulness of migraines. Setting aside time during the day to perform relaxation techniques. Some sources that are available are the American Migraine Foundation, Miles for Migraine, and Migraine Trust.

Yes, I definitely incorporate mindfulness of migraines. Setting aside time during the day to perform relaxation techniques. Some sources that are available are the American Migraine Foundation, Miles for Migraine, and Migraine Trust.

Yes, I definitely incorporate mindfulness of migraines. Setting aside time during the day to perform relaxation techniques. Some sources that are available are the American Migraine Foundation, Miles for Migraine, and Migraine Trust.