Unusual Ways To Beat A Migraine

Migraines are severe, debilitating headaches that can last hours. Around 10% of the population experiences migraines in some form (as much as 25% of women may experience a migraine in their lifetime). 

The exact cause of these headaches is unknown. Much like allergies and intolerances, people tend to have specific triggers. Most of us will attempt to ride out a migraine by taking painkillers and lying in a dark, quiet room. This can be an effective way to deal with a migraine, but it’s not the only form of treatment. Below are some of the more unusual ways in which some people fight migraines, which could be worth trying yourself if you’re a regular migraine sufferer. 

Use heat/cold

A lot of people find that the heat or the cold can help to dull a migraine. This could include placing a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel on one’s forehead or a heating pack on the neck. Taking a hot bath can have pain relieving effects for some people. 

Drink some coffee

Some people find that they’re able to beat a migraine early by drinking a cup of coffee just as the pain is starting. This is believed to be due to the caffeine, which can restrict blood flow to the head (during a migraine, the blood vessels enlarge causing a rush of blood to the head, which is thought to be part of the cause of the pain). Coffee can be a headache trigger for some people so bear this in mind.

Try a massage/chiropractic care

Various forms of holistic care can work for some people. Massages may be able to quell the pain. Chiropractic care can also be used to treat headaches - in fact, Ray Nannis of Optimum Wellness Solutions was inspired to get into chiropractic care after getting such treatment for his own headaches. Such treatment may be able to relieve pain during an attack or may even be used to reduce the frequency of migraines. 

Try acupuncture

Acupuncture is another form of holistic medicine that involves inserting long thin needles into specific pressure points. In a study, patients experiencing chronic headaches (80% with a migraine) were given twelve sessions of acupuncture over three months. On average, patients reported 34% less headaches after the treatment. 

Throw up

Ever had a migraine so bad that you feel physically sick? You may find that throwing up actually reduces the pain and possibly even rids the migraine altogether. Some people with migraines find throwing up to be the best solution and may even induce vomiting in themselves. Headache expert Rachel Colman of the Center For Headache And Pain Medicine offers a few theories for this and how it could be effective. 

Have an orgasm

Having sex or masturbating can be the cure to a migraine for some people. In fact, in one study, 60% of migraine sufferers found that bringing themselves to an orgasm cured their migraine. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why this is effective - it is believed to simply be the rush of endorphins, which are known to have pain-relieving properties. Unfortunately, sex can be a trigger for some people.

Finding your triggers

By far the best way to beat migraines is to prevent them happening in the first place. Most regular migraines are the result of triggers - these could be certain foods, certain medication, flashing lights or even a break in routine (some people experience a ‘weekend migraine’ as a result of lying in on a Saturday). Not all triggers can be avoided - for some people, changes in weather can cause migraines. However, by understanding your trigger, you may be able to plan for it more effectively.