this blog post may contain affiliate links that are eligible for commission*
Migraines are something that effects a large part of the population and something that when it happens, immediate relief is the only thing that's on our minds. I've been suffering from migraines since I was 14 years old. I actually remember the day when I had my first one. I was sitting in 6th period history class and it started with an aura. Since that day, I have always had the 'warning sign' before the onset of the headache which would take me out for the rest of the day following onset. Over the years, I would often try to pinpoint what would be the cause but they seemed so random I still haven't quite figured out what are my triggers. I can say stress is probably the cause of a few but not all.
So whats a migraine headache?
A migraine is one of several types of headaches that is sometimes accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. These headaches can last for a few hours and as long as a couple days. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that more over 30 million Americans are affected by migraine headaches. Women are more affected than men as well. My migraines would last for hours and even after the headache passed, my body was left feeling like I had been hit by a truck. I definitely experienced the above symptoms mentioned as well as the aura. Not everyone experiences an aura or otherwise known as a 'classic migraine'.
Visual changes that occur when you have an aura before your migraine starts:
Bright flashing dots or lights
Blind spots
Blurry vision
Temporary vision loss
Stress
Certain Foods
Caffeine
Changes in the weather
Menstrual cycle
Lack of rest and changes in sleep
Research has shown that migraines can be hereditary as well. When I discussed my headaches with my mother, apparently she began to have them as well at an early age.
Over the years, I've tried countless things for relief. Prescription medications, over the counter medications and just suffer through them. I don't get them as often as I used to but now I try a more natural approach to relieving my migraines. I start as soon as I sense an aura coming on and usually catching them early prevents the actual headache from coming on. Now what I choose to do and sharing in this blog is what works for me. Everyone is different. This also isn't a substitute for medical advice or means stop following your doctor's orders. So here's what I do for relief:
The first thing I do is go to youtube and put on binuaral beats for headache/migraine relief. There are some about 10-20 minutes long. Wearing earphones, I listen as I prepare some cream of tartar. Now when I first learned of this, I was a bit skeptical. I thought I suffered this long and something this simple will bring relief. Well I used a half of teaspoon in a small amount of room temperature water. You can mix it in up to 8 ounces of water but I just prefer to guzzle it down pretty quickly and get it over with. I lay down in a dark room and within a half an hour the symptoms have disappeared. If the headache feels as though its coming on, I use peppermint oil on my temples (peppermint oil is great for headache relief by the way) and place an ice pack on my neck. Within an hour, I can feel myself starting to feel normal again.
Cream of tartar does contain potassium so if you have any type of issues with your kidneys or take certain type of medications that contains potassium or affect your potassium levels in your body I suggest you avoid this remedy and consult with your physician on different options.
Hope this blog post helps and brings much needed relief!
Comments