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Acupuncture for Migraine Only a Placebo?

The American Headache Society supports that Traditional & “Sham” Acupuncture Both Effective for Migraine Relief. In contrast, after reviewing the studies mentioned in the AHS press release, Steven Novella of NeuroLogica Blog claims that the American Headache Society Recommends Placebos for Migraine. He writes, Studies show that sham acupuncture is as effective as true acupuncture, [...]

Dear Magnesium, Will You Be My Valentine?

My head pain is currently at a level 3. Yes, you read that correctly. Yesterday it was at a level 2 for six hours and level 3 for four hours. Level 2? Level 3? I haven’t had pain levels this low in all the years I’ve been rating it. I’m kinda afraid that acknowledging the [...]

Traditional & “Sham” Acupuncture Both Effective for Migraine Relief

I don’t normally republish press releases without further investigation, but I’m going to today because 1) It is from the American Headache Society and quotes my headache specialist, whom I trust immensely; 2) It provides a novel, scientific perspective on why acupuncture may help migraine (the focus is on endorphins and the effect they have [...]

The Disappointment of Failed Treatments & Rallying to Try Again

I’m really struggling with the migraines right now, both physically and emotionally. It has been eight weeks since I got Botox injections and I’ve seen no improvement in the migraines. They are actually more frequent and more severe than before the injections, though I can’t say whether the Botox made them worse or if it [...]

Migraine Research Foundation Announces Recipients of 2011 Grants

The Migraine Research Foundation, which raises funds to research the causes and mechanisms of migraine, improve treatments, and find a cure for this little-understood but debilitating illness, has announced the recipients of their 2011 grants. From the MRF: This year’s grantees will explore ground-breaking inquiries in the areas of chronic migraine treatment, genetic sequencing and [...]

Extreme Migraine Diet: Eliminating Tyramine & Tannins

After purposefully not making any resolutions for 2012 (I’ve decided to embrace my flaws instead of constantly trying to fix myself), I find myself on the second day of the new year plotting the most extreme migraine diet I’ve ever done. The diet will be guided, in part, by Heal Your Headache: The 1-2-3 Program [...]

Mediation & Self-Compassion: Suffering is Optional

I keep talking about how my migraines have improved, though my migraine diary for December appears to tell a different story. I had at least a level 7 migraine 17 of the first 18 days of the month. Those can be explained by bad weather, Botox injection aftermath, and more bad weather. Just when the [...]

Why I’m Doing Better, Part 2

I’ve changed my promised follow-up to Why I’m Doing Better, Part 1 because the format felt wrong. I have plenty to write about the strategies that have made me feel better, but I want to do so in descriptive individual posts instead of a couple all-about-me lists. I think my new approach has far more [...]

Migraine Research Foundation Donations Doubled This Week

The Migraine Research Foundation raises funds to research the causes and mechanisms of migraine, improve treatments, and find a cure for this little-understood but debilitating illness. Until December 31, 2011, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to a generous anonymous donor. Because all of the foundation’s costs are underwritten, 100% of your donation will go [...]

The Lure of a “Miracle Cure”: Green Smoothies

I had migraine for 10 years. Two children, husband and full time job. I had headache twice a week it was horrible. I couldn’t live without medication.Tried all natural things, herbs, acupuncture massages, diet. Doctors not helping in this case only can give you medication so you can use it all your life. 6 moths [...]