As you are probably well aware, migraines are the type of “headache” that can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, along with other symptoms – and all ending in throbbing, intense pain on one side of the head. Some people have an aura, which is a group of symptoms which are like a warning signal for those who have it prior to the actual migraine beginning. An aura can include flashing lights, wavy lines, tingling and visual disturbances as well as other symptoms. Some people who suffer with migraines also report problems with their minds, such as an inability to focus and a feeling of “fuzziness.” It has been reported that some people find this to be more disabling than the pain itself. Each person has a slightly unique set of symptoms and pain levels, but what migraineurs well know, whatever the degree and extent of the symptoms and pain, they are definitely debilitating and affect their lifestyle and ability to function properly. Personally, besides foods, I find stress and weather to be the most typical trigger for my migraines. Yet my sister, who also suffers with migraines, finds hers are only triggered by stress. Whatever the cause, it is important to know the triggers in your own migraine experience, so that you can learn what to avoid to minimize the frequency of your migraines.
5 Simple Lifestyle Tips for Migraine Relief
As you know, I am a great believer in using holistic methods in handling migraines, and have found them to be very successful in my own life. Below are a few methods you can introduce (if you don’t already) into your daily regimen to help with your migraines.
Can Drinking Water Ease Your Migraine?
Not to sound like a broken record, but I cannot stress enough how important hydration is in relation to migraines. Dehydration is a major trigger for migraines. Research also suggests that there is a link between migraines and hydration. I know it is hard when you are in the throws of a migraine to drink water, but it will help if you try. However, the best course of action is to keep yourself hydrated on a daily basis to minimize the likelihood of migraines occurring.
Is Caffeine Effective With the Relief of Migraines?
Caffeine does help to reduce inflammation which can bring pain relief. It constricts the cranial blood vessels and therefore can help alleviate pain where there is vessel dilation as with migraines. I am sure you have also noticed that many pain relievers, even over-the-counter, when marked for migraine relief, generally have some caffeine as an ingredient.
- Caffeine helps reduce inflammation, and that can bring relief from pain.
- Caffeine constricts the cranial blood vessels and can help alleviate pain especially in migraine headaches where there is vessel dilation.
- Caffeine is a key active ingredient in many headache medications.
- Caffeine increases the potency of other medications and how quickly it works.
- When caffeine is taken along with other medications, for example when used with an anti-inflammatory drug, it will enhance the absorption of that other medication in the body.
However, it should also be remembered that an excess of caffeine in and of itself can be a cause of migraines, so please use in moderation.
Can Ginger Ale Help With Migraines?
Ginger is definitely a great anti-inflammatory, and as I have suggested before, it is great to use ginger in smoothies, and even to make fresh ginger tea to help with inflammation, nausea and headaches.
In addition to the benefits ginger can give to migraineurs, ginger also is rich in potassium, manganese and silicon, all of which promote heart function, immunity and healthy skin respectively. Ginger also contains amounts of Vitamins A,C,E, B, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, calcium and beta-carotene. As well as being a great anti-inflammatory for migraines, it actually can also reduce inflammation-related pain caused by menstruation.
The following ginger ale recipe is from Curejoy.com and may be worth a try!
Ginger Ale:
- Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 finely chopped ginger to it.
- Simmer this mix for 5 minutes.
- Take it off the heat, strain and mix ginger juice and sparkling water in a 1:3 ratio.
- Use a desired amount of raw honey, stevia or lemon juice to sweeten, add a few ice cubes and enjoy.
Can Yoga Help With Migraines?
Some say that with the consistent practice of the following Yoga poses, you can initially lessen the triggers and ultimately alleviate migraines. It has often been touted that Yoga helps relieve stress, which as we know is a major trigger for migraines.
Tadasana or Mountain Pose: Tadasana is the beginning pose for most of the standing asanas.now,
Benefits: Tadasana stretches the body and lengthens the spine and enhances its flexible; it also increases overall body balance and improves focus.
Virabhadrasana I or Warrior I Pose: Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), with hands beside the body. Now place the left foot a good distance from the body. Bend the left leg from the knee so that the thigh becomes parallel to the ground. Now take both hands joined at the palm and raise them straight above the head. Now bend the entire body above waist and the head towards the back. Look up or backwards. Stay in this position for 1 minute. Now inhale and while exhaling bring down both the hands. Then straighten the knee and stand in Tadasana. Rest for 1 minute and repeat the otherside.
Benefits: In Virabhadrasana, the body is stretched in the opposite direction and various muscles and joints of the spine, legs and waist are stretched which increases the mobility of the body parts; thus improving blood circulation. Additionally the stomach and abdominal organs get extended and hence their functioning improves.
Trikonasana or Triangle Pose: Stand in Tadasana. Place the left leg at a good distance from the right towards the left. Inhale and while exhaling bring down the left hand touch the left toe with the left palm. Now raise the right hand straight above the head. Keep the head steady and look at the right hand. Hold in this position for 1 minute. Inhale and while exhaling bring down the right hand and raise the left hand and stand in Tadasana. Rest for 1 minute and repeat on the right side.
Benefits: In Trikonasana one side is stretched and other side is contracted. This helps in overall blood circulation, stretching key body organs, joints and muscles thus improving their mobility.
Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose: Stand in Tadasana. Then join both the legs. Now raise both the hands straight above the head touching the ears and join the palm above. Now bend the body from the waist to the left until the hands becomes parallel to the ground. Hold in this position for 1 minute. Now slowly raise the body and stand straight and then bring the hands down. Rest in Tadasana for 1 minute. Repeat the asana on the other side.
Benefits: Ardha Chandrasana strengthens the hip abductors. Also the hamstring muscles are stretched. One side of the body gets stretched and other side contracts. This improves involved joint and muscles mobility and since arms are extended away from the body it helps to tone the shoulder and arm muscles.
Vrikshasana or Tree Pose: Begin in Tadasana. Now raise the left leg and press the palm of the leg to the right thigh. Exhale and while inhaling take both hands and raise them above the head touching the ears and join the palms above the head. Stay in this position for 1 minute. Inhale and while exhaling bring both hands and the leg down and stand inTadasana. Repeat on the other side.
Benefits: Vrikshasana improves overall body balance and helps in toning and relaxing the muscles and the joints thus improving their mobility.
[Yoga poses by Jill Paschal – www.jillpaschalyoga.com]
Can Magnesium Help Migraines?
On a regular basis, I add magnesium aspartate to my daily regimen, but there are many different types of magnesium. Make sure you choose one that absorbs well into your system. For better absorption, you can even try a lotion or oil form of magnesium.
According to research, magnesium is thought to affect changes in the blood vessels in the brain. Again, since blood vessels dilate with a migraine, this can can help with the prevention of migraines and can also be used as a treatment of acute migraines.
Research further claims that magnesium is thought to be especially helpful for menstrual migraines, and goes on to state that magnesium may be a safer choice than powerful prescription medications. This is great news for those who prefer more natural alternatives to help with migraines.
If you are struggling with your migraines and would like to learn how to incorporate some healthy alternatives and remedies into your daily lifestyle, I would love to talk with you. Together we can discuss ways to minimize and reduce your migraines. I would love to help you achieve relief from pain and frequency of migraines. For your free consultation, click below.
To purchase my e-book, “The Ultimate Migraine Handbook: An Holistic Approach for Pain Relief,” CLICK HERE!
As a former chronic migrainer, these are great tips. Caffeine definitely helped my type of migraines. I also found fluorescent lighting was a trigger. I worked in an office where the lighting literally made me sick. Also I discovered corn triggered them. Making some lifestyle changes helped significantly.