Having a migraine can feel like the worst experience for many. The pain is excruciating and your senses go haywire. Migraine symptoms differ from person to person, but one thing we can agree on is the pain severity. It is debilitating.
During a migraine episode, your vision can become blurry. An intense, throbbing pain inside your head can make you feel like your brain is in a vacuum. Nausea and dizziness sometimes accompany the pain, along with muscle tension and a sensitivity to certain tastes and smells.
If taking pain medication is not an option for you, there are other ways to seek relief. Here are the top six tips you can do at home when you or someone you know is suffering from migraine:
1. Hydrate
Some people who suffer from migraines find that dehydration can be a trigger. Drinking water as soon as you feel a migraine brewing can help lessen the symptoms. Sports drinks that contain electrolytes like magnesium help replenish lost minerals in the body.
2. Take a hot shower or apply a hot compress on your head
Taking hot showers helps your muscles relax. The heat from the shower or compress reduces the vessel constriction in your head and improves circulation. If you have a sauna at home or in your local sports club, that can work, too.
3. Dim the lights or use ambient lighting
Most people who suffer from migraines find that bright lights can exacerbate their symptoms. Turn off the lights in your room and use ambient lighting instead. You might also want to switch your devices to night or dark mode to reduce light exposure.
4. Sleep it off
Help your head recover from the day’s stress by sleeping. Have a regular bedtime and waking schedule to ensure that you get high-quality sleep. If you can, lower the temperature in your room so you can fall asleep faster. You can even put on your favorite sleep playlist to make the mood more relaxing.
5. Use aromatherapeutic oils
Aromatherapeutic essential oils can do wonders for pain relief. A combination of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender can clear a fuzzy head and reduce stress. Citrusy scents such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit are popular choices when fighting off nausea. Copaiba is an essential oil known for its potency in treating migraine symptoms.
6. Have a deep-tissue massage
Deep tissue massage releases the tension trapped in our body and helps improve muscle relaxation. Massage clinics that specialize in pain management use therapeutic techniques to help relieve the pressure from our muscles and joints and can be particularly effective in treating migraine symptoms.
Apart from immediate relief treatments, lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of migraines. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques support a healthy mind and body.
If done under proper medical guidance, effective pain management has a positive impact on our well-being. With these tips and habits, you are well on your way to taking better care of your health and achieving a more active lifestyle. These are the keys to living a fuller life.
