Migraine home remedies

Natural home remedies for migraine pain

Last month, I was talking with my sibling, Dipika, she shared that a dull headache presses right into space above her left eye. The discomfort intensifies with the area like the skull, behind the ears in the upper neck, and jaw part. In fact, for most of the last month, she had a headache every day, all day. She has actually developed the sensitivity to light as well. When consulted, the doctor suspected the condition of migraine and suggested her rest for at least a week – a screen-free week.

She is an enthusiastic IT professional working from home given that COVID-19 lockdown. And now, No computer – No phone – implies No work!! A worrying affair.

Work from Home & Migraine

During the Coronavirus pandemic, a growing number of individuals are selecting to work from home either part-time or full-time. At least they get more than happy that they are out of traveling, office surveillance, specifically from managers keeping track of or participating in the review meetings.

Must read – Life after COVID-19 and road to recovery

There’s constantly a blurred line between work and home. Though it provides flexibility as well as independence, work from home can come with a price. A lot of the moments, it may produce feelings of isolation and disconnection – anonymous pressure of being productive.

While recognizing the reasons, Dipika was sharing that office working is a lot more defined work. The office infrastructure brings the most distinction – the warm lights (best for eyes and mood), the friendly computer systems (preventive for digital eye strain), and the furniture (keep us in best posture). The chit-chatter with co-workers between breaks provides opportunities for regular social interaction and connection. The reasons are valid.

To overcome all this, she has spent some bucks and bought a good screen which is less straining to eyes – a computer table and office-type chair to avoid body ache as a result of lengthy hour sittings – she has actually identified a proper workspace at home with lighting adjustment and good ventilation along. Even she is doing work on her official outfit to create that defined work atmosphere.

Still, is it a permanent solution? No. Because, there is no cure for migraine, but some home remedies and better treatment may reduce the frequency and severity of pain and help relieve the symptoms. Let us understand.

Migraine- Symptoms, and causes

A migraine episode is different from a headache. Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. It’s frequently characterized by intense, debilitating headaches. It usually occurs in stages and can last for several days. Going ahead, read about types of headaches you might not know.

Prodrome – You can observe tiredness, Constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased thirst, and urination. You can observe these symptoms a day before the migraine.

Aura – The symptoms may vary depending on which part of the brain is associated. It is the actual migraine stage which lasts for 20 to 60 minutes. The symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body, difficulty speaking, hearing noises or music, visual impair, etc

Attack – A migraine usually lasts from four to 72 hours if untreated. The symptoms may include pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides, pain that throbs or pulses, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch, nausea, and vomiting.

Postdrome – This is the final stage of an attack with hangover type feelings. After a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused, and washed out for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated. Eat these superfoods to stay energetic all the day.

Each person’s experience of living with migraine will be different – from the symptoms to frequency and severity of attacks, to the treatments used and the impact on work, family, and social life. Possible causes include changes in the brain that affect the way nerves communicate, the balance of chemicals, the blood vessels, and the family history or genetics. Do you know why knowing family history is important?

Migraine triggers vary but include(1):

  • Hormonal changes, for example, around menstruation.
  • Emotional triggers, such as stress, depression, anxiety, excitement, and shock.
  • Physical causes that can include tiredness, lack of sleep, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, physical overexertion, low blood sugar, jet lag, irregular mealtimes, and dehydration.
  • Dietary factors, including alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, and foods containing the additive tyramine.
  • Environmental factors, including flickering screens, strong smells, secondhand smoke, loud noises, stuffy rooms, temperature changes, and bright lights.
  • Medications, such as sleeping pills, etc.

Home remedies

If you are working at home and spending a lot of time on screen, you must stop headaches from computer screens first. You can take the following steps;

  • Reduce computer screen glare and take frequent breaks from the screen.
  • Work in a properly lit area. A good ventilated room with proper lighting adjustment is useful.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes – Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away.
  • Keep your workspace area well organized and cleaned.

However, if you already have a problem with migraines, lifestyle modification is the best option to remedy it. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce the chances of an episode starts.

1. Get enough sleep

2. Drink and follow the best time to drink water. Drinking ginger tea is recommended.

3. Avoid eating the acid forming and addictive foods.

4. It is essentially a breathing technique like the Brahmri Pranayyam where the humming sound vibrations tend to soothe the nerves around the brain and forehead. Be regular in exercising. Performing below mentioned yoga poses is advisable to relieve pain or just refer to our video section;  

  • Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend)
  • Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
  • Shishuasana (Child Pose)
  • Marjariasana (Cat Stretch)
  • Paschimottanasana (Two-legged Forward Bend)
  • Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
  • Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
  • Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
  • Supta baddha konasana (Bound angle pose)

5. Kick out stress from your system and say hello to happiness.  Have someone to talk to. You can even find a support group, either in person or online.

 6. Inhaling the fragrance of essential oils like rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and jasmine could be a great soother. You use sesame oil as a nasal drop, flexible cold packs, hat, or mask for headache relief if you experience the pain severely.  It is advised staying in a quiet, darkened room.

7. Other non-drug remedies may include acupuncture and neck exercises or physical therapy.

8. If your partner is having a migraine, take over just about some extra household duties. It will give them a psychological boost. Consult your doctor if home-hacks are not working effectively.

True love has a habit of coming back. And so do the migraine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KlKBMV-Reg&list=PLgT9THwz1CFhkRuAVzqtfbCfUGcm6Jy7s&index=2&t=3s