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Functional Migraine Clinic

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Living with chronic migraines and headaches can be an exhausting and debilitating experience. The throbbing pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, the cloud of discomfort overshadowing daily life – these symptoms can’t be taken lightly. Migraines aren’t something you have to live with. You deserve relief. 

 

Get ready to feel your best and show up vibrantly at work, in relationships, and for yourself. Migraines are a silent battle fought by many, where every day feels like an uphill struggle against an invisible foe. However, there is hope. 

 

Debora Tingley works with women in Berkeley and online to get to the root cause of migraines and other chronic conditions. Following a functional medicine approach, she provides holistic recommendations to all of her clients. After listening to your story and considering your goals, she will deliver a personalized wellness plan that works for you.

 

Let’s do something about your migraines. Get started with Debora Tingley today.

Functional Medicine: Getting to the Root Cause of Migraines

Functional medicine approaches health care with a holistic lens, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to uncover and address the root causes of ailments. When it comes to migraines, this approach becomes invaluable. Migraines can stem from a multitude of factors, each requiring personalized attention and treatment. Here are five common causes:

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  • Dietary Triggers

Certain foods and beverages, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Identifying and eliminating these triggers is paramount in managing migraines.

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  • Hormonal Imbalances

Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraines in many women. Balancing hormones through targeted interventions is crucial in preventing these hormonal fluctuations from triggering migraines.

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  • Stress and Emotional Factors

Stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors can act as potent triggers for migraines. Learning stress management techniques and addressing underlying emotional issues are vital components of migraine management.

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  • Sleep Disruptions

Irregular sleep patterns, sleep deprivation, or poor sleep quality can exacerbate migraines or even act as triggers themselves. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits and addressing sleep disorders are essential in migraine prevention.

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  • Genetic Predisposition

Genetics play a significant role in migraine susceptibility. Understanding one’s genetic predisposition to migraines can help tailor treatment approaches for better outcomes. 

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What Are Migraines? Beyond Just a Headache

A migraine is not just a severe headache; it’s a complex neurological condition characterized by intense throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Unlike tension headaches, which often present as a dull ache and typically don’t interfere significantly with daily activities, migraines can be incapacitating. 

 

In addition to head pain, migraines often come with other symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances such as aura. Functional medicine can help you reduce all of these symptoms.

How Functional Medicine Can Provide Relief

Functional medicine takes a multifaceted approach to addressing migraines, focusing on optimizing overall health to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Here’s how it can help:

1. Personalized Nutrition

Personalized Nutrition plays a pivotal role in migraine management. By identifying and eliminating dietary triggers such as tyramine, nitrates, MSG, and artificial sweeteners, individuals can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Adopting a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet, abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, can provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals while reducing inflammation – a common trigger for migraines. Moreover, staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration-induced headaches is crucial. Debora Tingley assists individuals in crafting personalized dietary plans tailored to their unique triggers and nutritional needs, empowering them to make sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term migraine management.
 

2. Fitness

Incorporating regular exercise into one’s routine not only strengthens the body but also alleviates stress, a significant migraine trigger. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, thereby reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines. Additionally, exercise improves sleep quality, enhances cardiovascular health, and boosts overall well-being – factors that contribute to migraine prevention. Whether it’s engaging in aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or cycling, or embracing the mind-body connection through practices such as yoga or tai chi, finding enjoyable forms of exercise is key. Debora Tingley collaborates with individuals to develop personalized fitness plans that suit their preferences, abilities, and migraine management goals, fostering a sustainable approach to incorporating physical activity into their lives.
 

3. Stress Reduction

Chronic stress is a common trigger for migraines, exacerbating both the frequency and intensity of attacks. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques offer effective strategies for managing stress and promoting relaxation. These practices not only help individuals cultivate greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions but also induce a physiological state of calmness, reducing muscle tension and alleviating the physiological manifestations of stress. Debora Tingley guides individuals in integrating stress-reduction techniques into their daily routines, empowering them to cultivate resilience in the face of stressors and minimize their impact on migraine occurrence.
 

4.Hormone Balance

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen levels, can significantly influence migraine susceptibility, especially in women. Our functional medicine practice in Berkeley employs targeted interventions to address hormonal imbalances naturally, thereby reducing the likelihood of hormonal migraine triggers. Through dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, and, if necessary, bio-identical hormone therapy, Debora Tingley assists individuals in restoring hormonal equilibrium, mitigating the impact of fluctuating hormone levels on migraine occurrence. By addressing hormonal imbalances comprehensively, individuals can experience greater stability in their migraine patterns and enhanced overall well-being.
 

5.Sleep Optimization

Adequate and restorative sleep is essential for migraine management. Addressing sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome and adopting healthy sleep habits can significantly reduce the occurrence of sleep-related migraine triggers. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing a sleep environment conducive to restful sleep are essential components of sleep optimization. Debora Tingley collaborates with individuals to identify underlying sleep disturbances and implement evidence-based strategies for improving sleep quality and duration. By prioritizing sleep hygiene and fostering restorative sleep patterns, individuals can experience a substantial reduction in migraine frequency and severity.

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Why Painkillers Aren’t Always the Answer to Migraines

While painkillers and medications may offer temporary relief from migraine symptoms, they often fail to address the underlying causes and can even exacerbate the problem in the long run. Moreover, frequent use of painkillers can lead to medication overuse headaches, perpetuating a vicious cycle of dependence on medications for relief.

Finally, Migraine Relief for Women!

Debora Tingley offers personalized, one-on-one care to individuals suffering from migraines, whether in Berkeley or anywhere else via telehealth. With her expertise in functional medicine, she provides comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans aimed at addressing the root causes of migraines and empowering women to reclaim their lives from the grip of chronic head pain.

 

Migraines and headaches don’t need to dictate your life. Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to migraine management, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying factors contributing to these debilitating attacks. Debora Tingley is ready to get started on your personalized wellness plan.

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