2025 Expert Guide to Migraines: Triggers, Treatments & Tools with Dr. Asare Christian, MD

In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Asare Christian, MD, a pain medicine and rehabilitation specialist, to explore the complex physiology of migraines and how a root-cause or functional medicine approach can transform treatment. They discuss the various triggers, including hormonal fluctuations, gut health, inflammation, and environmental toxins, as well as innovative natural therapies, supplements, and device options that empower patients to take control of their headache management. This conversation offers a comprehensive view of migraine care beyond conventional medications, emphasizing education, prevention, and personalized strategies for lasting relief. You'll hear them discuss: The evolving understanding of migraine pathophysiology, including neuronal triggers and the trigeminal system Conventional vs. natural approaches to migraine treatment The role of hormones, gut health, micronutrients, and environmental toxins in migraine triggers The importance of education and personalized pain management plans Cutting-edge devices and non-pharmacological therapies for acute and preventative care The significance of sleep, stress management, and resilience in migraine reduction The impact of gut microbiome and inflammation on chronic pain conditions Guest Introduction: Dr. Asare Christian is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, founder of Ether Medicine, and a leader in integrating functional medicine approaches into pain management. His focus is on identifying root causes of chronic pain and migraines—such as hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation—and offering personalized, natural, and innovative treatments to optimize health and reduce symptom burden. Labs Mentioned: Hormone panels (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid) Microbiome testing CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) Nutrient levels (magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, cellular nutrient testing) Infections (H. pylori, candida) CoQ10 and other mitochondrial markers Supplements Mentioned: Magnesium B vitamins Vitamin D CoQ10 Fish oil / Omega-3s / Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) Ketone esters Butterbur Feverfew Chaste Tree (Agnus Castus) Wild Yam LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) Guest and Sponsor Details: Practice: Aether Medicine Phone: 484-806-1101 Town: Wayne, PA Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview 01:42 – Dr. Christian’s pathway into functional pain medicine 03:04 – Understanding why pain isn’t just a symptom, but a driver of patient health 04:53 – Defining migraine and its impact globally 06:55 – Conventional medication history and recent advances such as CGRP antagonists 11:04 – Systemic and neural pathways involved in migraine physiology 13:25 – Triggers including hormonal fluctuations, diet, gut health, stress, and toxins 15:20 – Modulating pain through neuroaffective strategies and vagus nerve stimulation 17:11 – Educating patients on triggers, and developing personalized pain and migraine plans 24:40 – The microbiome’s influence on pain and inflammation 28:20 – The role of micronutrients and cellular energy in migraine management 34:00 – Shared physiology in other pain conditions, energy regulation, and mitochondria 36:54 – Inflammation management and safe supplement use, including LDN and peptides 49:00 – Natural herbs like butterbur, feverfew, and stabilizing mast cells 54:25 – Neuromodulation devices for in-office and on-the-go migraine management 58:27 – Patient success rates and hope for those suffering from migraines 01:00:16 – Key takeaways: triggers, nutrition, and personalized care for migraine resolution