Hello again migraine – it’s been a whole 2 weeks since I saw you last. Welcome back!

Everyone has something they can recall about their childhood ailments. Maybe it was your tonsils, your ear infections, maybe you were the person with the chronic asthma or nosebleeds. For me, I don’t recall any of the above; but I sure do recall my first headache (at my own grade 1 birthday party no less). I remember my second and then it’s a blur of chronic headaches which evolved into migraines. As a child, my parents went on the hunt for answers, but none were found. As a teenager and young adult I just did as they say to do; the cold cloth, dark room, and Ibuprofin at the side table. When I had my children, hiding away in a dark room for hours was a thing of the past – I am often just happy to take a quick bathroom break on my own. My migraines evolved into unbearable pain that kept me away from work hours, park outings with my children, and events I initially couldn’t wait to attend. It was literally interfering with my life. At this point, I would do ANYTHING to keep away from the pain and nausea. My new Neurologist was confused with my symptoms and offered me stomach curdling pain management medication topped with prescriptions for Epilepsy I would have to take “every day for the rest of your life” she said. Insert images of me trying to run away from this appointment. I needed some answers, not a band aid to the pain. What is causing these disabling headaches? She had no idea, just a high hope the meds would help my pain. If this storyline sounds familiar to you? I feel your pain – literally. I am sorry migraines are part of your life too. I write this blog – not to offer real answers; sorry but I’ll explain below. Instead to offer tips on how to help deal with your headaches; especially if your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to sleep it off in a dark room.

First off, your headache triggers may be completely different from mine. It is key to work out and try to identify your triggers. Finding the deep reason behind your headaches is key! Your answers may come in diet changes or hormone balancing to name a couple; but see your Naturopathic Doctor to help guide your journey. That being said here are some at-home-tips you can do that have helped me manage my pain and get through the migraines whether they last a couple hours or a couple days!

1. Get your hands on some peppermint essential oil. My absolute favourite product is a peppermint roll on bottle by DoTerra. DoTerra Peppermint Touch Peppermint has been shown to reduce the intensity, often the headache all together. Some researchers suspect that the oil helps control blood flow in the body and open up the sinuses for better oxygen flow. Sometimes I feel like the burning pain of the peppermint is just distracting from the headache. Whatever the reason – I’ll take it and I’ll take another bottle of peppermint please. Roll it on your forehead, in front of your ears, on the temples and watch as all passing people stare you down for your smell. Oh well – you enjoy the relief. Beware: it does burn the eyes, so keep away from the direct area around your eyes.
2. Cold pack on the neck. Many headaches, and migraines especially are linked to an increased flow of blood to the head causing inflammation and pain. Researchers believe that the cooling pack slows the blood flowing to the head. This helps to reduce the inflammation, which helps improve the pain felt by migraines.
3. Try to control your stress levels. Yes, I know that’s is hard at times. If you’re feeling burnt out or having a hard time dealing with regular stressors, an appointment may be needed to recharge and refuel your adrenal glands and stress response. In the pain of a migraine, it is no time to talk about stress when you’re likely shaking with stress just trying to push through the pain and nausea. That being said, stress is one of the most common headache triggers across genders, races, and age. Chronic stress triggers the production of pain producing substances which dilate your blood vessels causing inflammation, pain and migraines. In daily life, I try my best to control my stress response. When I feel a migraine coming on – I am the person who just lets anything fly by; because it is no time for stress then. Kids want an extra dessert? Find me on a day I feel a headache coming on!
4. Acupressure! It’s a technique similar in principle to acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. Simply put, there are points on your body which when activated or massaged trigger a response in a corresponding place on the body. “Bologne” my husband would say, but the skeptic in him sees the truth behind these magical points. Lucky for him, he’s my go to acupressurist – appointed by me! Click herefor a quick overview on these headache points.
5. THIS MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE!! Caffeine can be a trigger as well as an inhibitor. The coffee lover in me screams for a morning coffee out of need and habit. The migraine sufferer in me, has seen this kill a headache time and time again. I don’t mean your usual double double or heavy dairy latte. I mean a strong espresso drink. it contains “vasoconstrictive” properties that cause the blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow, caffeine can aid in head pain relief. For me it is often the answer.
6. Hydrate! Stay hydrated with water daily. Period. This is important for all good things in life and health; including keeping headaches at bay.

Now if you are a sufferer, you must look to uncover the reason behind your migraines. There are natural alternatives to treatment like diet changes, acupuncture, nutrient supplementation, chiropractic care etc. that have given me relief as well. Finding your triggers will only help the above treatments work more effectively. In the meantime, I hope my tips help you through your next headache.

Martina