Understanding Migraines
What They Are, How to Recognize Them, and How Holistic Care at Stockheart Whole Health in Minneapolis Can Support You
Migraines are more than just headaches—they’re a complex neurological condition that impacts many people’s lives. If you’re experiencing intense, recurring head pain along with symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, you might be searching for migraine care options here in Minneapolis or elsewhere in Minnesota. Finding the right support is key, and holistic care that addresses the whole person can make a meaningful difference.
An asian woman in a white button up shirt places her hand over her forehead. Her eyes are closed with bright lighting shining over them.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines involve shifts in brain activity and blood flow, influenced by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental conditions common in Minnesota. These episodes can last from hours to days and often come with symptoms like:
Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head
Nausea or vomiting
Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Visual changes including auras or blind spots
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Recognizing these symptoms can help you seek appropriate care from migraine specialists in Minneapolis or functional medicine providers offering integrative treatments.
What Science Tells Us—and What It Doesn’t
There’s been a lot of research into migraine causes and treatments, focusing on the brain’s biochemical changes and nervous system activity. Still, migraines remain a complex condition without a simple, one-size-fits-all cause.
It’s important to acknowledge the historic gaps in migraine research—especially related to gender bias. Migraines disproportionately affect people assigned female at birth, but their experiences have often been overlooked or misunderstood in healthcare. This has contributed to underdiagnosis and limited treatment options.
This reality highlights why holistic care in MN that listens to your lived experience and treats you as a whole person is so valuable.
Why Migraine Causes Are So Complex
Migraines don’t have a single trigger. Instead, they develop from a mix of genetic, neurological, hormonal, and environmental factors. Many people identify personal triggers like bright lights, certain foods, or stress. But usually, it’s the combination of multiple factors over time that pushes the nervous system toward a “tipping point” and triggers a migraine.
Understanding this helps us shift focus from trying to avoid every single trigger to building resilience and balance in the nervous system through holistic approaches.
How to Know If You’re Experiencing a Migraine
Knowing the signs helps you find the right care. Common migraine symptoms include:
Moderate to severe head pain, often on one side
Nausea or heightened sensitivity to light and sound
Visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots
Headaches that interfere with daily life
If this sounds familiar, connecting with migraine care providers in Minneapolis can guide you toward relief.
Common Triggers and How to Manage Them Naturally
Triggers vary, but many people notice:
Stress and emotional strain
Hormonal fluctuations, especially around menstrual cycles
Irregular or insufficient sleep
Certain foods and drinks (like caffeine or processed meats)
Sensory overload from bright lights or loud sounds
Weather changes, including Minnesota’s characteristic barometric pressure shifts
Tracking your personal triggers and supporting your body’s natural rhythms can reduce migraine frequency.
Some practical, natural strategies include:
Practicing gentle stress reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Keeping a regular sleep schedule to support your nervous system
Staying hydrated throughout the day
Mindfully choosing foods and drinks that support your health
Engaging in gentle movement like yoga or walking
Creating calming, sensory-friendly environments
Consulting with healthcare providers about hormonal balance and nervous system health
How Stockheart Whole Health Offers Holistic Migraine Support in Minneapolis
At Stockheart Whole Health, we combine compassionate, trauma-informed care with integrative medicine to support people living with migraines.
Dr. Brenna Erickson, a skilled migraine specialist in Minneapolis, offers:
Advanced DNFT Chiropractic: A gentle approach focused on releasing nervous system tension, unique in Minnesota.
Functional Medicine Evaluations: Personalized assessments of hormones, nutrition, genetics, and lifestyle.
Whole-Person Care: Addressing the emotional and physical impacts of migraine with empathy and individualized plans.
Collaborative Partnership: Working closely with you to develop sustainable, holistic strategies that fit your life.
If you’re seeking migraine care in Minneapolis that respects your experience and supports your whole health, Stockheart Whole Health is here for you.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to schedule a discovery session with Dr. Brenna Erickson and begin your journey toward balanced, holistic migraine care.
