So often as migraine sufferers, when the pain occurs, our first thought is to reach for the pain medication to find relief. I’ve been there myself. You will do almost anything to get rid of the pain – that intense throbbing pain that just pounds away at you as if there is no end in sight.

The good news is that you may not need a doctor’s prescription to treat your migraine. You can often find relief in other ways, without medication. I have found so many simple ways to find relief and many times have not had to take medication at all.

Apply an ice pack to the painful part of your head – wrap the ice pack in some cloth to protect your skin and then try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck. I have personally found the most benefit when I put it on the back of my neck. I have also tried those eye masks that you can freeze (the ones filled with some type of bean) and have found these to be of great benefit with a certain type of migraine.

Take a very warm bath or shower – this has a very relaxing effect and often easing away the tension really helps to loosen those muscle that may be triggering a migraine. If you are able, throw some lavender oil or lavender crystals into the bath or show – or even a little peppermint oil to breath in some calming and soothing scents.

Ask someone to rub your neck and back – this is so helpful when you have a migraine. If you are at work, maybe there is someone there who will help you out. At home? Maybe a partner or child can help. If there’s no one around, one of the things I have found to be beneficial is a Thera-Cane. The knobby parts let you get into the muscle and massage where it hurts. Of course, if you can, treat yourself to a massage.

Apply gentle, steady, rotating pressure – you can do this to the painful area of your head with your index finger or thumb. Maintain pressure for 7 to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.

Rest, sit, or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders. This is a way of learning how to recognize the trigger points and where you hold your greatest amount of tension in your body. As you rest and relax, concentrate on those areas that are the tightest and then start taking deep breaths and consciously think of those areas releasing all the tension as you take those deep breaths.

Daily Stretching – If you have a lot of muscle contractions in your neck, it may help to do physical therapy exercises every day. You can do so stretching exercises with your neck and head. I have found that when I do this on a daily basis, it has helped with the prevention of migraines.

Remember, this is a journey you are on. A journey to find pain relief, and yes – even healing from your migraines. It won’t happen overnight, but I know from experience that it most definitely can happen. As you learn more about alternative ways to treat your migraines, you will find yourself on that journey to health and hope.

P.S. If you have tried just about everything and nothing seems to work – if you are ready to take the next step to find relief from the pain and agony of migraine, I am excited to announce I will once again be offering my Master Migraine Program in May. If you would like to get on the wait list, go to https://www.holistic-healthandwellness.com/contact and take that first step to change your life