Headaches / Migraines
(The following is s quoted excerpt, pages 110-116, from the Book The Great Health Heist © by Paul Rosen J.D.,L.Ac. Published by Warren Publishing, Inc.)
Anyone who has ever had a severe headache, let alone a migraine, knows that such pain can often be intense and, at times, even debilitating. The New York Times reported in an article dated August 8, 2006, that the World Health Organization (WHO) ranks migraines among the most disabling ills. Some 28 million Americans suffer with migraines while many millions more have them in milder forms. Employers lose the equivalent of $13 billion in lost productivity, with another $1 billion spent on medical care. All in all, statistics show that almost 18% of women and 6% of men experience migraines between puberty and 40 years of age.
Common triggers causing migraines are weather, missing a meal, stress, and alcohol and food reactions. A recent study shows that over half the sufferers consider crying to be a trigger. However, the bottom line is that, like most other symptoms, it is the autonomic nervous system reminding us that we are not heeding the warning signs.
Suppressive medication for migraines includes painkillers such as Imitrex, Zomig and Frova. These are triptans, and the use of these drugs requires active monitoring by a medical doctor because potential side effects, such as heart complications, can be severe. Then there are the NSAIDS, or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. An example of this group is Ibuprofen. Recent studies reveal serious side effects, including liver, kidney or stomach problems. In addition, they can cause rebound headaches. Soon, not only are you experiencing: headaches from a source which is not clearly known, but you may also get additional headaches from the very drugs you take!
Some of you may have to resort to narcotics to ease your pain. The downside of these types of drugs is addiction. And last but not least are steroids. It is commonly known that the chronic use of steroids results in adrenal exhaustion, weight gain and chronic body pains - to name just a few. I once overheard a medical doctor say, "In these cases I have to decide whether to let my patient suffer with the disease he has or give him a different disease caused by the drug I prescribe."
Wouldn't it be amazing if all you had to do to ease your headache and migraine pain was identify and prioritize the five known stressors that can affect the healing process? (From Chapter 7 [the book The Great Health Heist]: The 5 stressors are scars, food sensitivities, immune challenges, chemical challenges and metal challenges.) Relieve these stressors, provide whole-food nutrition and, voila, migraines and headaches are a thing of the past.
This is what two people from our clinic had to say after starting their health improvement programs.
"HM" wrote of her success," I was getting four to six migraines per week; sometimes they came with really bad neck pain. After my first treatment, I noticed right away a decline in headaches. That first week after the treatment, I didn't have any headaches."
Like so many of my patients, "HM" had been hesitant to give up or go without her over-the-counter pain relievers. But once she did, she realized the gift of true health had been waiting for her all along.
"I used to have a headache almost every day or every other day," wrote "RS" with relief. "During the last five years or so I started experiencing migraines also. I had no idea what was causing them and was starting to get concerned that something serious might be wrong with me. I started on my program and within a week the headaches were gone."
There are headaches that are severe and headaches that are chronic. Each has unique pain descriptors associated with it. "RH" suffered from both, but his chronic headaches became the reason for his first office visit.
"Before I came [to your clinic ], I was in pain sometimes three weeks in a row with chronic headaches," he explained. "Sometimes, I was even bedridden because of the pain. The only thing that would help would be to constantly take medications. After my appointments here I instantly felt better. It has been a little more than three weeks and I haven’t had a headache since. The program [identifying] the problem foods really helped and I can't think what it would be like without [that knowledge]."
"JH" had been a long-time sufferer of headaches, both severe and chronic, and was truly one of those patients who had his life given back to him by Nutrition Response Testing. Explains "JH" in his letter: "I have had headaches since I was six years old. When I came here, I was taking six to eight Excedrin a day. There were many times that my pain would affect my entire lifestyle. My headaches now are almost gone. In the last two weeks, I have only taken six Excedrin. My energy level is much higher now and my attitude with my family is much better."
"SH" had suffered pain ever since a traffic accident. "I was rear-ended by a dumpster some 11 or 12 years ago. My neck is fused. Due to the pain and headaches, I have seen several doctors and specialists and have had a CAT scan and an MRI. Last fall I was going through several weeks of severe headaches and only three to four hours of sleep a night. After my third visit with Paul Rosen, the magic of healing without pills began. The treatments helped me beyond words. I am thankful to be able to be working again."
Like so many of my patients, "RT" had gotten so used to having daily headaches that the pain was almost routine. "I used to have a headache at least once a day, usually upon arising in the morning, " he explained in an email. "I would have almost instant diarrhea upon consumption of dairy products or leafy green vegetables. I have experienced radical improvement since starting the [Nutrition Response Testing] program. I haven't experienced a headache in three weeks now. I am now able to eat salads without deleterious effects. I have also lost 10 pounds in 90 days and have gone off Nexium and Allegra with no adverse effects."
Finally, "VP" wrote to tell me of her success with Nutrition Response Testing: "I was experiencing chronic pain between my shoulders and severe headaches (stress headaches) which were becoming increasingly frequent. My physician had prescribed Rizatriptan, which masked the pain but cured nothing. My massage therapist recommended I see an acupuncturist. My headaches are less severe and less frequent now. The pain between my shoulders is gone, and I've been able to do lots of yard work involving heavy lifting and pulling without re-injuring my shoulders."
If these stories sound too good to be true, ask yourself what's stopping you from seeking treatment like these patients. You don't have to suffer needlessly; relief is out there. I know trying something new can be daunting, but the point of these testimonials is to reach out a hand, to let you hear a familiar voice say that relief is available. You just have to find the “missing piece!”