This post is much different than most that I share. If you’re just here for the food, skip this one. We’ll be back to the table on Monday!
The biggest goal I have this year is to get rid of my migraines and headaches. I know. That may not really be possible. But as I thought about it, I do have control over a few things that could make a big difference in how I feel.
I almost didn’t share this post. These things may not work for me. Or for anyone. The reason I decided to publish this is because maybe it will help someone. People who deal with migraines will try all kinds of things to get rid of them. But we also get tired of trying sometimes. Right now I’m at the place where I’m ready to make a renewed effort. If you’re at that place too, maybe some of these things will help.
This will be an ongoing effort for me, but here are the things I’m trying:
1. Going to bed on time.
One thing that triggers migraines for me is being tired. But I can make sure I get in bed by 10pm every night. Or nearly every night.
2. Yoga – particularly one set of poses for healthy neck and jaw.
I’ve been using Stay at Home Yoga since October. I’m really loving this program!
I like that it doesn’t require any special equipment. And that I can do it in my living room.
There are full, multi-class series (my favorite series is Yoga for Desk Jockeys), mini yoga breaks that only take a couple of minutes and 3 short poses that focus on a specific need.
I’m committed to do the 3 poses for healthy neck and jaw everyday for at least 90 days. I’ve logged 16 days so far (I started in December). These poses stretch the exact muscles the massage therapist worked on last winter in an effort to treat my migraines. As soon as I tried the poses, I knew I’d stumbled on something good.
Those poses only take about 5 minutes, so it’s easy to fit in. Then I’ve been adding one of the other classes too.
3. Essential Oils
After I had the flu/cold thing in November, with its weeklong headache, I broke down and bought Young Living Essential Oils.
I bought it mostly for the Thieves oil, which supports your immune system. (We diffused this when my daughter came down with the flu and no one else got sick. You can read more about that experience here.)
I’ve been using peppermint oil and Stress Away to help ward off migraines. As soon as I feel my shoulders, neck and jaw get tight (early warning symptom of a migraine for me) I rub Stress Away all over the area. Then I apply peppermint to my temples, behind my ears and base of my skull.
I do think this has curbed several migraines. And it also provides some relief when I do have one.
Young Living also has an oil called M-Grain that I’ll be trying soon.
4. Taking vitamins daily.
I bought a big jar of gummy vitamins at Costco. May not help, but it won’t hurt.
5. Magnesium oil
I’ve read that many people are low in magnesium and that can cause migraines (among other things). One way to get magnesium is to spray magnesium oil on the feet each night before bed. It’s absorbed best through the skin, which works for me because I hate swallowing huge pills.
You can easily make your own magnesium oil by boiling 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup magnesium flakes. Put that in a spray bottle and you’re all set. I added drop of Lavender oil because it’s good for sleep.
6. No sweets until after dinner.
This is a personal rule I came up with to curb my sweet tooth a bit. I think there’s connection between too much sugar (especially chocolate sweets) and my migraines. Instead of going cold turkey like I tried last year, I’m taking a “small is big” approach. I’m too likely to throw in the towel if I make it too hard on myself. Knowing I can indulge a little late in the day keeps me on track.
How it’s going:
So far, so good. I’ve taken a lot less Treximet than I usually do. Time will tell if these changes will reduce my migraines and headaches. But so far, I do think I’m moving in the right direction.
This post contains affiliate links.