As some of you know, I suffer from cluster migraines. A rare type of migraine that affects about 10% of people (and mostly males). Lucky me. Clusters are also called suicide migraines. No explanation needed. While I’m fortunate mine are not as bad as many, when they are active, they are debilitating. Luckily, mine hang around for a few months and then go into remission.
I know many of you also suffer from migraines, and with each reoccurrence, I learn something new and I would like to share what helps me. FYI, I do not take medication, as I do not want the side effects, plus they don’t really work for clusters.
Top 10 things that help my cluster migraines:
Acupuncture: Finding a good acupuncturist is critical. It takes time to open the meridian line but the more often the treatment, the quicker migraines go away.
Massage/massage tools: See my post for my go-to move as soon as I feel a headache coming on. But regular massages help keep tension out of my head.
Ki-Hara stretching: to keep my neck from accumulating too much tension.
Breathing: Breathing techniques that get more oxygen to your brain are critical for relieving headaches. To learn more check out Wim Hof Method or the Oxygen Advantage.
Essential oils. I carry them everywhere. This is the mixture I use in a roll-on.
Sleep: Making sure my circadian rhythms are normal is critical.
Blood sugar: Making sugar my blood sugar is not bottoming out or spiking at night waking me up. That means eating at the same time every day (which also helps regulate circadian rhythms) and not drinking too much alcohol or eating too much sugar.
Ice packs. When all else fails, ice to the rescue.
Staying hydrated. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces. Plus sea salt for electrolyte balancing.
Managing stress.
Would love to hear from you. What tricks help you get rid of headaches? Comment below.