A migraine or a cluster headache is something I’ve been dealing with quite a lot these last few months. It’s throbbing and a kind of pain that is difficult to deal with when it strikes. For me, though, a few hours before it builds up, I can feel it coming, and for the most part, I keep my head tilted so I feel less of the intense pain.
Now they say for a migraine, different things work for different people. But honestly, when it hits, you want to do everything you possibly can to let that wave of pain pass. While there are some things, you can do to ease the pain while it’s happening… there are also specific lifestyle changes you can imbibe to avoid migraines altogether.
10 Ways To Get Instant Relief from Migraine
1. Find A Calm Place
At the immediate onset of migraine pain, find a calm space for yourself. Take a break from whatever you are doing. Turn off or dim the lights, change the temperature of the room. Lie down for a few minutes. Sleep if you can, because it may not take away your pain but sleeping at that moment means not feeling it right away. Often when I sleep and wake up, the throbbing headache reduces in its intensity.
2. Use An Ice Pack
The ice, they say, is anti-inflammatory. So resort to an ice pack as that would instantly numb the sensation of pain. Taking a cold water shower, too, could have a similar effect. I usually end up trying all temperature therapies. Right from taking a cold shower to making my room cold to get my hands on an ice-pack.
3. Apply Lavender or Peppermint Oil
Lavender and Peppermint essential oils have a calming and soothing effect. You could put a few drops of it on your pillowcase so as you lie down, and you can smell its scent. Or I think what works best is if you apply some of the oil on your forehead and temples. The aromas are intense, so most of our senses and focus shift towards that instead, which aids in easing the pain. Other than that, research shows that these essential oils help in providing relief.
4. Drink Ginger Tea
Ginger is another thing that helps reduce those migraine symptoms. So you could drink a hot cup of ginger tea, and in general, start adding ginger into your diet too.
5. Try Deep Breathing
When nothing gives you relief and the pain is so unbearable that you can’t fall asleep…. give breathing a try. Deep breaths and some relaxing music might be able to help ease that migraine pain.
6. Hydrate Yourself
There is usually a reason why migraines occur. I’ve been trying to keep track of what triggers it for me. On certain days it’s because I’ve not had enough water.. so the minute I feel like it might be beginning for me, I start hydrating. So drink that bottle of water and rest.
7. Drink Coffee
Some might think this doesn’t work for them, as coffee for certain people triggers a migraine. But somehow, for me, caffeine helps. When that migraine hits, I instantly find myself making a cup of cold black coffee. However, a large amount of it might cause anxiety or even prevent you from sleeping.
8. Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium
Skipping meals can cause a migraine too. So if you think that could be why you’ve become victim to a migraine, then eat something. They say magnesium-rich foods help with reducing the frequency of migraines too. So when that pain hits, try eating something rich in Magnesium. You could eat a handful of Sunflower Seeds, some almonds or even a spoonful of Peanut Butter.
9. Stretch Your Body
Any pain in our bodies is usually a result of some stuck energy. So sometimes, when all else fails, move your body. Stretch your body, try doing some of the yoga asanas. Moving our body releases stuck energy which could help ease the pain too.
10. Medication
Although I am not a fan of medicines, I try going for natural remedies for as long as I can. But if the pain is unbearable and nothing else has helped so far, try taking prescribed medicine.
Everyone has a different experience with a migraine. And other things end up working for different people. If you know of something that works for you, add those in the comments too. And I hope these help anyone who has a tough time dealing with migraine pain.
In the long run, though, the pain can be avoided. Keep a journal and start becoming aware of your triggers. Is it sound, light, or certain foods? See what triggers the pain for you and work around it.