Migraine headaches are located in the frontal cortex and caused by edema (pressure from swelling), which results in pain that is usually one sided.  Other associated symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.  Migraines may also occur minus the pain but inclusive of dizziness or sickness.  

Migraine headaches are disabling as they can impair cognitive functions (e.g. thinking, decision making, memory); emotional health (e.g. anger/anxiety), daily activities, and economic input.  In the UK, approximately 190,000 people experience daily attacks, and globally, migraines are considered to be the 6th most disabling condition. 

Modern medicine cannot pinpoint the precise cause of migraines, however it is suggested that some common risk factors include: hormonal changes, drinks, sensory stimuli, physical exertion, stress, and aged cheese.  

There is however an alternative approach that claims to pinpoint the precise underlying cause of migraines.  German Medicine identifies the cause of an illness as occurring in consequence of one or more significant conflicts (i.e. negative core beliefs).  For example, the boss psychologically abuses you, and you worry, feel fear, powerless and intellectually devalued.  Thus, the external stressor triggers a reaction in the brain (e.g. cerebral cortex); we attach a meaning to what happened (i.e. beliefs), which then causes a ring of trapped energy to form in a corresponding organ (e.g. branchial arch relay and/or thyroid excretory ducts), which start to become actively stressed; we then begin to experience a short or chronic stress phase.  Some typical symptoms include tense body, obsessive thinking, sleeplessness, high blood pressure, and tension headaches.  Once the conflict is resolved, the trapped energy is released, and the affected organ goes into a second phase of repair; it is during this regeneration phase that migraines emerge.  

From a German Medicine perspective, conflicts underlying migraines tend to be related to one or more of the following: intellectual self-worth, powerlessness, denial, and/or fear.  

Therefore, to apply a biopsychosocial approach to healing chronic migraines, the first step is to become aware of whether there are any underlying conflicts/negative core beliefs, and if so, gently heal them.  In my own therapy practice I may apply one or more treatments such as EFT, Somatic Therapy, EMDR, hypnotic suggestion and forgiveness therapy, to help clients heal from migraines.  In addition, there are many self-care strategies you can use.  These include: diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga, and the Psychological Processing Technique (PPT) outlined here.  Other methods to boost energy include eating healthy food, taking vitamins, or natural remedies, as well as keeping fit both mentally and physically.  It is also advisable to change your environment if it is toxic: the PPT technique is a good way to process negative emotions and think through possible solutions for change. 

Remember, it’s also necessary to continually invest in your psychological, physical and social wellbeing, as this would significantly reduce the negative impact of conflict shocks.  

Wishing you all the best.

Sadaf