Migraines and Massage

Those of you who have experienced a migraine know that it is no ordinary headache.  Blurred vision, light sensitivity, slow thinking, and even nausea and vomiting can accompany this gruesome, mind-bending pain.  I know, because I have them!  They can be triggered by so many things.  Women experience chronic migraine 80% more than men.  They are definitely genetic, and other injuries can make one prone to them.

When it comes to migraines, massage can be a relief if received on a regular basis, but not necessarily during a migraine or at the onset of one.  I have found that if I can catch one early enough, massage can be effective at alleviating or minimizing the pain of a migraine.  Other times I have found the technique of the therapist or the increased circulation caused by the massage can really throw me head on into a major migraine attack.

Fortunately there is help.  I have taken note of my clients and what they have done to cope with their migraines.  Many sufferers simply use an ice pack on the forehead and at the base of the skull.  Others use Chiropractic care on a regular basis.  There are so many medicines out there to help people deal with their migraines.  I personally find that when I have an attack, I have to take my prescription- or the pain will quickly become debilitating.  Also Acupuncture can benefit those who have migraines.

Another method of controlling these headaches for women is getting their hormones under control.  Studies have shown that there is a link between a drop in Estrogen levels and women experiencing hormonal migraines.  All women have hormonal fluctuations during ovulation (about 2 weeks before the first day of your monthly) and during menstruation (your period).  Women in their child bearing years have a small drop in their estrogen level during ovulation, and at the onset of that monthly buddy, the period.  But women who are menopausal, pre-menopausal, or peri-menopausal have an extra burden.  Their hormones are not as predictable, therefore it's harder to predict a migraine.
Just to know this can be helpful.  If you are unaware of where your hormone levels are and you have been getting more migraines, it may be a good idea to visit your OB/GYN and have those levels checked in your blood work.

Other times migraines might be triggered by foods, food additives, chemicals, smells, environmental allergies, and especially alcohol.  Some studies show that people with migraines have been triggered by foods with high mold counts, stinky cheeses, fermented foods such as wine and beer, yeast bearing foods, citrus, tea leaves.  Also mold in the air or in your home may trigger those pesky migraines.  Recently I heard of a man who had to eliminate corn and corn by-products from his diet- that was his migraine trigger.  Also, sugar can be very inflammatory... And very hard to break!

Whichever method you find, it is important to know that there are physicians who specialize in helping people deal with migraines.Your best bet is elimination of trigger foods and chemicals as well as taking care of yourself and making sure you keep your stress levels in check.  One of the number one causes of migraines is higher stress levels, so keeping a regular massage appointment can help guard against migraines and tension headaches.

Do any of you have any suggestions on how to control migraines?  What works for you, your family?