Migraines can stop your life right in its tracks. Whether it starts with an aura, a throb behind the eyes, or the dreaded wave of fatigue and nausea, many people know when one is coming. And once it starts, the only thing that seems to help is retreating to a dark room and waiting it out. This leaves you wondering when the next one will strike, and what you can do about it. Dr. Radhika Kamat, a leading Naturopathic Doctor in Singapore, offers a different kind of support. At her clinic in Singapore, she works with patients who are tired of chasing relief through prescriptions that offer only short-term control. Her care explores what the body is trying to say and how to shift the internal conditions that contribute to migraine patterns. Online or In Person Consultations Migraine Relief Doesn’t Always Last For some people, a new medication works for a while. A supplement cuts the number of episodes. A change in diet helps reduce flare-ups. Then the pattern returns. Painkillers and abortive drugs may offer temporary comfort, but they rarely address what’s behind the migraines. Over time, increasing dosages may lead to rebound headaches, medication dependency, or side effects that mimic the very symptoms people are trying to escape. The longer this cycle continues, the harder it can be to remember what life felt like before the migraines began. We Help You Understand Why Migraines Happen Although migraine science is still evolving, most researchers now believe it involves an interplay of nervous system hypersensitivity, hormonal signalling, immune function, and vascular activity. Some describe it as the body’s final response to multiple stressors across several systems[1]. These may include: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine Blood vessel constriction and dilation in the brain Elevated inflammatory mediators and cytokines Shifts in oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone This explains why no single cause or treatment fits all cases. Migraines are complex, and so is the path to recovery. Common Triggers That Keep the Cycle Going Identifying triggers can be frustrating. Some patients know what sets their migraines off. Others track symptoms for months without spotting a clear pattern. Most people have more than one contributing factor. Research suggests the average number is between five and six per person[2]. Emotional Stress and Mental Health Stress is one of the most common and consistent migraine triggers. It may also be part of a feedback loop. Chronic migraines contribute to anxiety, and anxiety increases the risk of further episodes. Supporting the nervous system through consistent routines, counselling, and regulation strategies can make a meaningful difference. Hormonal Fluctuations Oestrogen plays a large role in migraine risk, particularly around menstruation. Drops in oestrogen levels before a period often correlate with increased sensitivity to light, noise, or food. Some women also experience migraines during ovulation or pregnancy. Low progesterone, high oestrogen, or shifting androgen levels can all play a part[3]. Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, or abrupt changes in hormonal medications may affect symptoms in sensitive individuals. A comprehensive hormonal evaluation can help map out what the body is doing over the course of a month. Sleep Disruptions A consistent sleep-wake cycle supports neurological repair. Irregular sleep, shift work, or poor-quality rest can make migraines more frequent or severe. Some patients also experience early morning migraines linked to drops in melatonin or blood sugar. Food and Histamine Triggers Not all dietary triggers show up immediately. In many cases, histamine-rich foods like aged cheeses, wine, or chocolate lead to delayed symptoms that appear hours later. Other culprits include processed meats with nitrates, highly refined sugar, or artificial sweeteners like aspartame[4]. Keeping a food and symptom journal, along with functional testing if appropriate, can help narrow the list. That process may feel overwhelming without support. Dr. Kamat walks her patients through it step by step. Environmental and Weather Factors Shifts in barometric pressure, air pollution, bright lights, or loud noise can be difficult to avoid entirely. While not every patient reacts to these stimuli, those with heightened sensory processing are more likely to notice a connection. Hydration, daily movement, eye protection, and planned rest may offer support during known trigger windows. Paediatric and Adolescent Patterns In younger patients, migraines can stem from a range of factors, including anxiety, disrupted sleep, and unresolved trauma. Studies have also found a higher incidence of coeliac disease in children with unexplained headaches[5]. For adolescents, hormone shifts and academic stress may contribute. Dr. Kamat works with children and teens using age-appropriate strategies that prioritise safety and whole-body balance. A Naturopathic Path to Migraine Recovery Dr. Kamat develops a structured, collaborative plan based on a patient’s history, lab results when needed, hormone profiles, and daily patterns. She focuses on reducing the body’s reactivity and identifying which systems need attention. This may include: Hormonal support through herbs or bioidentical options Nutritional therapy to correct deficiencies (magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10, B6) Gut health repair to reduce systemic inflammation Nervous system support through adaptogens, vagus nerve work, or counselling referrals Migraine prevention strategies that consider sleep, exercise, and nervous system regulation Her care is grounded in the body’s capacity to heal. Each plan is personalised, manageable, and adapted to what the individual can integrate. Tracking Progress With Care and Patience Healing is not always linear. As patterns become clearer, many patients begin to make more informed choices around their food, stress, and routines. Over time, migraine episodes may become less frequent and less intense. Dr. Kamat adjusts each plan based on individual response, changes in symptoms, and test results. With consistent follow-up, most patients gain a sense of control that had felt out of reach for years. Start a Conversation About Migraine Support If migraines have been interrupting your life, and conventional treatment hasn’t helped as much as you’d hoped, there are other options worth exploring. Dr. Radhika Kamat offers appointments in Singapore and also meets with patients online worldwide. Contact us for homeopathic treatment, functional medicine consultations, and other needs. You don’t need to keep waiting for the next flare-up. There are thoughtful, natural steps forward. References Charles A. The pathophysiology of migraine: implications for clinical management. The Lancet Neurology. 2018;17(2):174-182. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30435-0 (see link) Kelman L. The triggers or precipitants of the acute migraine attack. Cephalalgia. 2007;27(5):394-402. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01303. (see link) MacGregor EA. Oestrogen and attacks of migraine with and without aura. The Lancet Neurology. 2004;3(6):354-361. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(04)00740-4 Martin VT, Vij B. Diet and headache: Part 1. Headache. 2016;56(9):1543-1552. doi:10.1111/head.12953 Lionetti E, Francavilla R, Pavone P, et al. Headache in pediatric patients with celiac disease and its prevalence as a diagnostic clue. BMC Pediatrics. 2015;15(1):1-6. doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0348-0 *not a medical/dental service, does not cover under Singapore health service act
