Migraine:Alternative & Complementary Therapies Non-drug or complementary therapies are becoming increasingly more popular as more individuals are seeking to supplement their standard care with safe complimentary therapies. Many of the alternative/complementary therapies have been around for centuries but until recently, the medical community tended to dismiss so-called alternatives, largely because of the lack of scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the therapies (Constantine & Scott, 1994; & South, 1994). The blending of modern medicine with ancient medicine is apparent in today�s society as clinical trials, detailed case studies, good investigation and safety standards are being developed for complementary medicine. In reviewing various studies and articles on complementary therapies for migraine, it is apparent that responses to these therapies are highly individual but as Constantine & Scott (1994) state, �the only way to know if a non-drug therapy works for you is to try it.� For most people, medications and non-drug therapies work hand in hand. If non-drug therapies are successful, they may allow an individual to take medication less often and in smaller doses (Constantine & Scott, 1994). It is evident that there is a variety of alternative/complementary therapies to help alleviate the effects of migraine triggers. It is reported that nearly 70% of migraine sufferers have tried alternative/complementary treatments (ACP, 2000). Most of the complementary/alternative therapies are used as a preventative treatment. Some of the most common complementary therapies used include: biofeedback, botox injections, hypnosis, yoga, nutritional regimens, exercise, acupuncture, massage therapy, aromatherapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), hot/cold compresses, chiropractic, herbal remedies-feverfew, and magnesium suppliments.  home
American College of Physicians. (2000). Migraine and other headaches .NewYork: New York. Dorling Kinderslay Publishing.
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