Patient Health International – health information for patients and carers

Many migraine sufferers have found that complementary medicine can help relieve their migraine attacks.

It is important to be aware that most complementary therapies have not been shown to be effective in appropriately designed clinical trials, but they may bring some relief to you.
Complementary medicines which may be of benefit include hypnosis, herbalism, homeopathy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (also known as TENS) and acupuncture.
Relaxation therapy helps reduce stress, which is a common trigger for a migraine attack.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, which involves identifying and modifying your response to migraine, such as distress and anxiety, may also be useful. As these responses can worsen your migraine, the aim is to identify and remove them.