Definition of Migraines

Migraines are headaches that are characterized by pulsating and throbbing pain all over the head. The severity and duration of the pain can change intermittently, can affect one area of the head and can last for a few minutes to many hours. Migraines are considered vascular headaches which stem from the extreme sensitivity of the brain arteries making it particularly susceptible to spasms. This abnormal condition causes the scalp and brain arteries to dilate causing the migraine pain affecting the head.

Migraine headaches cause the sufferer to experience sensitivities to smell, sound and light and causes him to endure episodes of vomiting, nausea, depression and sleeplessness that all tend to lessen in severity during the course of time. When a migraine headache acts up, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. This is the system that triggers the “fight or flight” reaction and it heightens the pain and stress of the person. An overactive sympathetic system causes reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. It also causes bowel movements in the small intestines to slow down and hinders the absorption of oral medications that were taken for the migraine pain. This is the reason why many migraine medications seem to be ineffective in controlling the headache. The over-stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system also weakens blood circulation causing cold extremities and skin pallor.

Almost 30 million people are affected by migraine headache leading to lost productivity and a poor quality of life for these people. Factors like start of the menopausal phase, menstrual problems and stress can trigger migraine headaches.

Phoenix Rising Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
2 Franklin Square
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 518-248-1540
www.saratogaspringsacupuncture.com