Thermal
Thermal or temperature biofeedback training focuses on changing the blood flow in the hands. A finger thermometer, or thermistor, is taped on one of the fingers to register its temperature during the biofeedback session. During the session, the person will do a relaxation and mental focus exercise to try to raise the temperature to 96F. The average finger temperature for a normal person is 85F. The average for a person with migraine is usually only in the 70s.
A person can do this at home with some equipment and training, but it needs to be done every day.
Muscular (EMG)
Electromyography, or EMG biofeedback, uses an electrode placed on the skin over a muscle in the forehead, neck, or shoulder to measure the microvoltage within that muscle. A tight muscle produces more microvoltage than a relaxed one. The person then does various relaxation and visualization exercises in order to reduce muscle tension. This can also be done at home with the right equipment and training, but needs to be part of an overall healthy daily routine.
Brain wave (EEG)
An electroencephalogram is used to monitor the electrical activity in the brain. With EEG biofeedback, sensors on the scalp record and monitor brain wave patterns. Then the person tries to slow their brain wave activity through relaxation exercises. This is known as a theta state and with practice, this state can be maintained even during the most stressful situations, resulting in a much lower risk of developing migraines and other form of headache.
The exercises are usually taught in a center over a period of time. Once they are mastered, the person should use them every day whenever they confront a stressful situation.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, CBT, also known as “talk therapy,” is an effective way to manage stress and has been shown effective in people who have chronic headaches, including chronic migraine.
CBT can be used for all sorts of mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. CBT can be done individually or in groups, and pretty much done anywhere, in an office, online or over the phone. It is important to have therapy sessions regularly and to maintain an overall headache-healthy lifestyle.
http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Psychotherapy
Electrical or Frequency Stimulation
Electrical or frequency stimulation can reduce the perception of pain in many individuals. In some cases, they can also stimulate healing. The most popular and safest form, with around 80 years of research to back it up, is the Rife generator. Another popular method of preventing or treating migraine is known as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, or TENS unit.
Inventor Royal Raymond Rife studied the effect of frequencies on the body in relation to various conditions, and came up with frequencies and treatment plans for many major health conditions, including headache, migraine, and Lyme disease, which often produces headaches. Two small plates are placed where the pain is, or on the hands and feet, and the frequency is played or the suggested duration and number of cycles until the pain is relieved and the headaches are reduced or disappear completely.
Rife generators are extremely expensive to buy, but you can learn how to make your own with just a few simple tools and supplies:
TENS units are similar, but use electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves in the head. Once illegal, these are now readily available at pharmacies and online. They can be expensive, however, and not treat multiple conditions the way your own Rife generator can.
A Cranial Electrical Stimulator or CES is applied directly to the head and gives a small electrical current. It is most often used in relation to chronic tension headaches and migraine prevention.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy believes that symptoms are a sign that the bod needs to be healed. The principle behind relieving the symptom is to try to use herbs and other remedies to promote healing, not to mask symptoms. Bach’s Flower Remedies are one example of homeopathy, with their Rescue Remedy used for a range of purposes. Studies have shown that homeopathy can be beneficial in relieve migraine and tension headaches. Common substances used to treat various forms of headache include belladonna, iris and nux vomica.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy, commonly though incorrectly referred to as hypnosis, is a CAM used to help a range of health conditions, offering relief to the sufferer in a natural, non-invasive way with few side effects.
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis, a method of inducing a trance-like state, in order to relax the subject. As the word hypnotherapy suggests, the main goal is therapy, that is, treatment.
Hypnotherapy’s effectiveness comes from a hypnotherapist’s skill not just in hypnotizing someone, but in their verbal communication with the hypnotized patient in order to help them concentrate on specific thoughts, tasks or goals to in order to deal with whatever health issue they wish.
In the case of headache, it would be important to focus on stress management and pain relief. Hypnotherapy can also be described as guided relaxation, in which the mind can focus on certain thoughts without getting upset or worried. Once they have come out of the hypnotized state, the person can follow through with that has been suggested and further treatment will be planned in order to track their progress in relieving their headaches.
Magnetic Stimulation
The Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (Cerena TMS) was approved for use in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2013. Users apply it to the back of the head and press a button in order to release a small burst of magnetic energy. This will stimulate certain areas of the brain.
It can be used safely once every 24 hours, and success rates at relieving migraine have been reported as high as 40%. It is available for those over age 18 who have migraines with aura. It is easy to use, safe, and has had no reported side effects thus far. The device can be rented or purchased, but can be considered rather expensive compared to conventional headache treatments.
