I suffer from chronic migraines. I suffered a Massive head injury when I was in college and that is what triggered them. My mother suffers from chronic migraines as well. My migraines are triggered by foods, bright light, weather, my monthly cycle and seasons. They leave me feeling nauseated, or vomiting, sensitive to light and sound, numb and tingling, super irritated, and lethargic. They are NOT fun.
We have tried EVERYTHING to help get rid of them. After years of diet tracking, migraine journaling, and testing…Nothing worked. Imitrex pens were the only solution that took the pain away but left me feeling hungover, dizzy, and with a severe case of vertigo. Not worth it.
In recent years I have been able to study them more closely and in detail. They have gotten better and less frequent with diet changes and Shakeology but still not GONE. The reduced from 15-20 a month to 1 every 2-3 months. No bad. I’ll take it. They vary from month to month. The diet changes I made were cutting out soda, white flour, most gluten, processed foods (although I still enjoy a night out from time to time), selfish (for me this was a trigger), eating healthy fats and more raw fruits and veggies. I followed a few different diet plans like low for map, low carb (left me cranky and irritated and hungry), 100% Gluten Free, and we did a food elimination diet. Non of those are realistic for me and didn’t produce results. I enjoy a good 80/20 lifestyle where I can still enjoy good clean foods I love in moderation and focus on the clean diet changes I mentioned. I found a plan that I love and works best for me and that is the Portion Fix.
This past year they came back with vengeance. I began journaling them again using botoxchronicmigraine.com and the iheadache app for my phone. With this information I was able to receive a small dosage of botox just above my brow line to reduce the migraines. It does reduce them but DOES NOT completely get rid of them. I am back down to about 1 per month and the severity is much less.
If I can help even ONE person reduce their migraine pain than I am happy to be writing this post. I understand the pain of a migraine and have learned several tips and trick along the way to ease the pain and to manage through it. I have a few products that I NEVER go without when I migraine sets in.
I have an eye mask that I CAN NOT live without when I have a migraine. I have refilled it with lavender twice and I keep the lavender spray handy to freshen it up a bit when the aroma gets weak. It is a Sonoma Lavender Aromatherapy Eye Mask. It is weighted and you can stick it in the freezer or in the microwave. I personally just keep it in my bedside table and use it when I feel a migraine coming on. I HIGHLY recommend this mask. Sonoma Lavender also makes neck wraps, booties, blankets, and bolster pillows. The blankets are AMAZING!
The other product I can’t live without when I feel a migraine coming on are my essential oils and bath salts. Essential oils have proven TO ME that they are very effective in helping to reduce the migraine pain and in some cases stop the migraine all together. But that is only when I catch them before they become overwhelming. My favorite is YoungLiving’s M-Grain. I keep it in my purse. They have an entire line of oils set up to help but this one is my favorite. Their Stress away roll on oil is pretty fab too and a staple in my purse. (I am not a rep for young living. Just sharing my tips and things that work for me)
I also love a Good Lavender, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus oils. I am more of a penny saver so I just go with the basics from NOW essential oils for those. I can find them in pretty much any drug or grocery store in the organics or holistic sections. I enjoy using these in my Detox baths with a little lemon and epsom salts to help calm my body. Epsom salts are high in magnesium which help reduce muscle aches and pains and reduce inflammation. It helps to promote detoxification and relaxation.
A detox bath is one of my favorite most relaxing things to do when I have a migraine BUT I don’t get to enjoy them too often as I am home alone with my children most days. But when I DO get to enjoy them. Here is what I do. I guzzle down 32 oz of water while I get the bath ready. Staying hydrated is KEY when you have a migraine. I let the salts and the oils settle for a moment the I slide in and rest my head on a bath pillow and relax. Almost every time, Just like that…the migraine disappears.
How to Enjoy a MIGRAINE DETOX BATH:
Before the bath:
1. Drink. 32 oz of water
2. Soak a wash cloth in cool water with 1-2 drops lavender essential oil and lemon juice from 1/2 a fresh lemon. Then stick it in the freezer for a minute or 2.
3. Prepare a hot cup of tea. (Your choice. I usually just do a regular herbal tea with lemon or kombucha tea)
Prepare the bath:
1. Fill the tub with hot water, 5-10 drops essential oil (I love lavender with peppermint or eucalyptus) and 2 cups lavender epsom salt.
(When I have a migraine the heat makes my head want to burst but make it as hot as you can tolerate. The idea is to sweat)
2. Sprinkle in 1 cup of baking soda as this helps increase mineral absorption.
******go get the towel you stuck in the freezer & your tea*******
3. Get in the tub all the way up to your neck. You want as much of your body underwater as you can. Close your eyes, do some breathing exercises and soak for at least 20 minutes. I put the cool wrap/towel across my face & forehead.
After the bath:
1: Slowly get out and head into a cool shower. You may feel a little dizzy and light-headed, this will go away as you rinse in the cool water. (It will help to increase your circulation).
****Do Not use harsh soaps or shampoos. Just rinse with water.
2. Towel dry and apply a natural moisturizer like body butter, shea butter or coconut oil. Just no lotions with perfumes, dyes or chemicals.
***** Wait 30 min. to eat.
3. drink another 32 oz of filtered water. I just fill up my nalgene and make it a goal to finish it.
4. Try to find a quiet place to just rest and do some of the breathing exercises I posted about before.
If you know anyone who suffers migraines. Share this detox bath recipe with them and see if it gives them any relief.
I am not promising anything as everyone’s body is different and responds to different treatments and therapies.
When all else fails and my migraines are severe and it is early enough in the day I go for the Excedrin Migraine Extra Strength. When it is late at night it keeps me awake. Sometimes it is worth being awake to get rid of the pain. I always try to catch them early with 2 of these little magic pills. LOL.
Let me know if you find this helpful and share these helpful tips with your friends or fellow migraine sufferers.
xoxo
Lauren
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