Archive for April, 2010
When You Suffer From a Migraine Are You in Or Out?
You wake up with a killer of a migraine headache. You have a job, commitments and a life to live. So what do you do?
You are experiencing great pain, you feel unwell and more likely than not nauseous as well so deciding whether to go out or not becomes a difficult decision to make. Are you going to be able to manage if you do go out or is the migraine likely to escalate to the extent where you may feel unable to even get back? Being able to determine whether it is safe for you to go out whilst experiencing a migraine is a major part of learning to manage the headaches. To help you along below you will find some pointers that will help you in deciding whether you can risk going out for the day whilst suffering a migraine attack.
How are you feeling?
You have a migraine and we are all aware of just how painful and debilitating this can be but are you able to function? You alone know how your headaches behave. Will it get better, worse or just remain with you during the day? Is there enough to motivate you to try and carry on as normal in spite of the pain?
What medication have you taken?
Most of us when we experience headache pain reach for some form of over the counter pain or prescription medication, so what did you take? Was it an over the counter remedy or something with more of a kick? If you swallowed prescription pills check the leaflet that came with it before you make any decisions about going out or not. If it warns against driving and operating heavy machinery you should probably stay at home for the rest of the day unless of course you are familiar with it and know exactly how your body handles the medication. You may feel well able to function in spite of the medication but at least think it through first.
Why do you want or need to go out?
Is what you are wanting to go out and do important enough to warrant fighting through the pain and forcing yourself to carry on as normal? If your job requires you to be alert at all times attempting to do it whilst suffering pain and the effects of medication may actually place your life and others lives in jeopardy. It’s your choice.
Headaches and Migraines
There are many reasons for headaches and many effective remedies for headaches that don’t have the risks that over the counter and prescription drugs have.
The Number One cause of headaches is stress. Stress will cause a contraction in the muscles.
* If your headache is across the forehead–it can be caused by the kidneys.
* If your headache is across the temples–it can be caused by the thyroid.
* Headaches in corners of forehead–can be caused by the adrenal glands.
* Headaches on the left side of the head, or the analytical side, can come from the stomach, constipation, or emotions that are not reconciled.
* Headaches in the middle of the forehead, that are under the center of the eyebrow–can be caused by the sinuses.
* Headaches behind the eye–can be caused by parasites, pituitary function, or pancreatic congestion.
When headache pain relief is urgent, I have found that if I apply 2 or 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil at the back of my neck and each temple, it provides me quick relief.
The reflex point for headaches is in the center soft area of your hand. One can mix Peppermint, Lavender and Marjoram oils together and apply it to the back of the neck and temples, as well as in the center of the hand for relief, as well.
Cluster headaches are intensely painful because of the burning, throbbing, and piercing feelings that one experiences. A cluster headache, is a headache pain that just does not go away. Try Basil, Peppermint, Marjoram, and Rosemary together, and apply it at the back of the neck, on the soles of the feet, and in the center of the hand for maximum benefits. The Marjoram reduces the tension; tension being a big part of the headache.
Gastric headaches come from eating foods that just don’t agree with us. I have learned the wonderful benefits of putting a drop of Peppermint oil in my coffee or tea. Now I know why, my own mother was always sucking on Peppermint candies. As kids, we never liked Peppermint candy much, and always wondered why Peppermint was our Mother’s candy of choice…I guess it was because she was always having gastric headaches.
Hormonal headaches in women are often associated with the change in hormones and occur prior to menstruation or menopause. Chronic headaches that follow the cycle are due to inflammation, which causes pressure. It can be significantly reduced by putting some Lavender essential oil on the bottom of the feet, around ankle bones, and on pulse points.
The horrendous Migraine headache is often triggered by a contracted vessel in the brain which needs to be opened up. Sometimes the headache is being caused by dehydration. However, when the pain is so bad, one does not feel much like drinking water; even though that is what is needed. Peppermint to the rescue again! One can breathe it in, by placing the bottle under the nose and breathing in, several deep breaths. This may help open up the contracted vessels. I personally, have had great consistent relief, by using hot wash cloths on the back of my head and on my forehead. When the cloth cooled, I would put it in a bowl of hot water again, and reapply. It felt good and the pain was gone in 45 minutes, without that hang over feeling one gets from having to take prescription drugs. Stress migraines also respond to Lavender and Peppermint essential oils.
The sinus headache is a type of headache associated with deep pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and the bridge of the nose. These are intense headaches also, that can come on suddenly, with allergies or congestion. Lavender and Peppermint essential oils to the rescue again.