Migraine can be described as being like that one relative who just has a knack for turning up, unannounced and at the worst possible moment to spoil the fun. They are often accompanied by throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea, which makes them severe. For those who have migraines, know that there is no cure so you just take some painkillers, sleep in a dark room, and hope for the best. But what if I told you that the next migraine remedy could be. .. music?
The Magic of Music
Music has always remained a faithful companion of humanity throughout history. It is a part of our joy, sorrow, and even in all the little things we encounter daily. But would this help with migraines? As it happens, yes, it may in fact.
This makes music therapy a well-defined profession that uses music to support and enhance psychological and physical well-being. This implies that listening to music that one loves helps in reducing stress and anxiety, two conditions that may cause a migraine. Well, the next time you think a migraine is coming on, try listening to some soft music. Do you know how your body needs rest and special pampering once in a while? The same goes for the brain.
Stress can be cited as one of the factors that cause migraines. Stress is when muscles constrict, the pulse quickens and blood pressure elevates. All these factors can lead to the development of a migraine. Music, especially instrumental or romantic music, can calm the mind and body as well. It can help decrease your resting heart rate, and relax muscles while decreasing stress hormones such as cortisol.
Multiple studies have established that listening to music causes the brain to release dopamine, which is popularly referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormone. It may also contribute towards enhanced mood and perceived pain relief. For those who tend to get migraines, this can potentially lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines.
There are several categories, and the impact of one type can be different from another. For instance, when you hear upbeat music you may get inspired to dance while other times when you hear slow soft music, you may feel relieved to just lie down and rest. Select relaxation music that offers slower beats per minute, gentle and soothing tunes that are free from singing. At least silent that is music played with instruments like piano or acoustic guitar may also be good.
Enter Binaural Beats
Moving on, I’d like to discuss listening to binaural beats. It may make you envision a few drums in a sauna, but it is rather scientific than that! Binaural beats are a type of sound wave treatment that employs audio frequencies in each ear which are slightly different from each other. While your brain can distinguish between two actual frequencies and generate a third frequency, there is a gap between the two frequencies of your heartbeat. It may alter brainwave patterns and be useful in lessening painful feelings or encouraging a state of rest.
Here’s how it works: Consider that you are listening through headphones, to a 200 Hz tone in your left ear and a 210 hertz tone in your right ear. Your brain begins to add and subtract in its head without a computer and almost immediately becomes aware of about a 10-hertz beat. This may lead to the sort of relaxation or stillness that one can achieve in a state of meditation.
The existence of binaural beats dates back to 1839 when it was discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, a physicist from Russia. However, it was only at the turn of the 20th century that some of them started being investigated for their potential use in therapies. Binaural beat affects brain activity and when different frequencies are introduced they have different effects on the mind. For instance, alpha wave bands ranging from 8-13 hertz are related to resting state while theta waves with speeds of frequency ranging from 4-7 Hz are related to meditation and deep relaxation.
In migraine prevention and treatment, the use of binaural beats can assist due to their well-known effect on lowering stress levels among individuals. A portion of reviewed research claims that binaural beats can minimize pain perception since the human brain will be preoccupied with relaxation to consider any pain signals.
The Science Behind It
Though this may sound like something out of a Hollywood sci-fi flick, there is some science behind it. Researchers have confirmed that binaural beats have the potential to lower anxiety, enhance mood, and even boost concentration. All these attributes could, in theory, assist with migraine attacks.
However, the science is not yet settled. Some researchers have found that it works while others suggested that it’s just a placebo. But come on, where there is smoke there is fire, right?
A study carried out in 2018 showed that the participants who listened to binaural beats had their anxiety levels reduced compared to those who listened to normal music. Another study conducted in 2016 revealed that binaural beats could enhance deep sleep quality, which is also important for migraine patients since poor sleep can lead to migraines.
However, all the studies have not revealed similar positive results. While some scientists claim that binaural beats work mainly due to the placebo effect which means that the treatment is effective if people believe in it. This is a familiar pattern in many kinds of CAM treatments.
With that being said, there is something to be said about the power of the placebo effect. If you are convinced that binaural beats or music will help with your migraines, it is likely to do so. Psychological factors play a very important role in a person’s physical well-being as emotions and expectations do matter.
Personal Stories and Anecdotes
Complementary therapy for migraine such as music and binaural beats are very popular among migraine sufferers. undefined This is a hardworking mother who has to endure migraines from time to time. She has been listening to binaural beats before going to bed and she has experienced fewer headaches and better sleep. “It’s like my brain is getting a gentle massage,” she says.
Next, there is Mark, who turns on the classical music, which he prefers, to avoid having a migraine. “It’s like telling my migraine ‘No way José!’” or something like that in laughter.
Such experiences, similar to those of Jane and Mark, are not a rarity among migraine patients. Although there are limited research studies on binaural beats, especially in terms of science, millions have reported that music and binaural beats help them. Such testimonies imply that both these therapies can help control migraine attacks.
Thus, it should be understood that migraine attacks can manifest differently in every individual. This means that what may have proven useful to a particular person may not be the same as some other person. It is all about trying different things, and searching for something that will suit you the best. To some people, it may be classical music while others might prefer binaural beats or even mixing both classics and beats.
How to Get Started
If you’re curious to try music or binaural beats for migraine relief, here are some tips:
- Find the Right Music: This is true because everyone is unique and of course, has different preferences when it comes to food. Opera, pop, country, blues—choose your favorite music style for relaxation.
- Use Quality Headphones: This is especially crucial for binaural beats since you actually require two different frequencies, one in each ear.
- Start Slow: Start with a short session and try it out to observe your progress. More time must be introduced, adding more time as the user gets used to the new duration.
- Consistency is Key: As with any treatment, it probably isn’t going to work immediately, you know? Stick with it!
When choosing the right music, one should try different moods to find out what provides the best ambiance. Your searches could reveal that nature sounds or ambient electronic music is particularly effective. The streaming platforms also contain numerous playlists and albums that are intended for relaxation and relieving stress among listeners.
For binaural beats, numerous apps and websites offer free and paid tracks. Look for tracks labeled with the specific brainwave frequency you’re targeting, such as alpha, theta, or delta waves. Some apps even allow you to customize the frequencies to suit your preferences.
Creating a relaxing environment can also enhance the effects of music and binaural beats. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without distractions. Dim the lights, close your eyes, and let the sounds wash over you.
Conclusion
While music and binaural beats might not be a magical cure for migraines, they can be a helpful tool in your migraine-fighting arsenal. They’re low-risk, easy to try, and might just make your brain feel like it’s floating on a cloud. So next time a migraine strikes, don your headphones and let the beats battle it out. Who knows, you might just find the relief you’ve been looking for.
And remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new treatments. Your head deserves the best care, after all!
Final Note
Migraines may be relentless party crashers, but with a good playlist and some binaural beats, you might just send them packing. So here’s to a future with fewer migraines and more music. Cheers!
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
