A tendency towards migraines often runs in the family and allergic factors may be involved. Stress is said to be the most important migraine trigger. Migraine sufferers have increased serotonin levels - serotonin is released when adrenaline levels rise due to stress. These are issues that a homeopath would consider routinely when determining the best way to treat a client with migraine.

Here's a testimonial from a previous migraine sufferer: "After my episode of glandular fever last year I have suffered from pressure headaches. Things weren't resolving with traditional medical intervention and on the recommendation of my wife's friend I started homeopathy consultations. Within the space of a few homeopathic treatments my headaches have resolved and I feel back to my normal, healthy self again."

Lifestyle adjustments

If you suffer from migraines, it is recommended that you to eat regularly, get eight hours sleep per night and avoid adrenal stimulants such as tea, coffee, orange juice and chocolate.

Selecting the best remedy

For relief during a migraine, you can try one of the following four main homeopathic migraine remedies, which are available in leading pharmacies and health food stores. Simply choose the remedy which most closely matches your symptoms:

- Natrum Muriaticum - The migraines / headaches are often worse in the morning and you may wake up with a headache / migraine or with a warning that you will get one. There is often severe pain in the head as if it would burst. This pain may make you cough or make your eyes water. This is one of the most common migraine / headache homeopathic remedies.

- Nux Vomica - Severe headache / migraine with chilliness and vomiting, resulting from over-work or stress. You may feel relief from leaning your head against something (i.e. pressure on the forehead) and you may be more sensitive to noises than normal during the headache / migraine. Being constipated increases the chance that you will suffer a migraine.

- Bryonia - You will have very severe headaches with additional pain over the eyes in some cases. Even simple movements like moving your eyes from one side to the next can worsen your pain. In this case it's often a good idea to close your eyes. The headaches / migraines often come on after drinking alcohol or from a lot of stress.

- Arsenicum Album - Often the migraines / headaches are relieved in some way from cold applications on the head. If you require this remedy there will often also be digestive disturbances, e.g. vomiting or diarrhea. You may be feeling anxious and / or chilly at the same time.

You can purchase the remedy in a 30c potency and take one pill every two hours while your symptoms continue, up to six doses per day. When you start to feel better, stop taking the remedy and only restart it if your symptoms worsen.

If your symptoms persist, always seek professional advice from your Homeopath or GP Never stop taking medication prescribed by your GP without his or her approval.