Ah, yes - migraines. There’s nothing like having to end your day at 4 p.m. because of a throbbing headache that won’t stop. Amidst nausea, visual distortions, and just flat out pain, you may feel like there is no magical cure for your migraine. And you're right -- there isn't. But just as every body is different, so is every headache, and sometimes the key is finding the weird technique that works for you.
What causes migraines?
While the exact cause of migraines has not been confirmed, medical professionals have come to conclusions that support a certain theme: blood vessels. This means that the migraine headache is, at its core, a vascular problem. In order to eliminate the pain caused by migraines, doctors must target nerves that connect with blood vessels. For some people, this may mean a prescription to triptans like Imitrex or Maxalt. Others may have to undergo more invasive treatments such as surgery. In the mean time, here are some at-home tricks for becoming migraine free.
1. Fire & Ice
For this technique, run a hot bath about 6 inches deep, or just enough to cover your feet. As you put your feet in the bath, place an ice pack or a cold washcloth on the back of your neck just below your head. The hot water helps to drain blood towards the feet and away from your head and neck, which should help with the throbbing.
2. Pressure Points
There are several pressure points on the head and hands that can alleviate the pain of migraines. For quick relief, use your fingers to apply moderate pressure to the area between your eyebrows or the space between your thumb and forefinger.
3. Coffee Break
Caffeine in very small amounts is known to shrink blood vessels in the event of a migraine attack, which is why it’s used in over-the-counter medicines such as Excedrin. If you don’t have any Excedrin on hand and can’t get to your local CVS, an espresso shot or a few sips of coffee may do the trick.
4. Binaural Beats
This trick is my personal favorite because it always gets me to sleep, which is definitely not easy when you’re suffering from a migraine. All you’ll need for this is a dark, quiet room, a phone with internet access and a pair of headphones. YouTube has a wide array of "migraine relief" videos, which are basically just nature sounds on steroids. The beats in the background of these videos are meant to mimic blood circulation and bring about a relaxing effect.
5. Minty Fresh
You don't need your own garden in the woods to become an aromatherapy guru of sorts. Peppermint essential oil is known for its cooling and calming effects, which can work wonders when a migraine has claimed control of your head. Try massaging a small amount onto your temples and the area behind your ears for relief.
