Headaches can be painful, but migraines are on another level. Those who suffer from migraines often struggle to find effective treatment. Traditional remedies like ibuprofen may not always provide relief. While lying in a dark room is a common suggestion, a doctor on TikTok has a surprising hot water trick that may help alleviate migraine pain.
Treat your migraine with this hot water trick
A video featuring Andrea Eder, a business coach, demonstrates a simple yet effective method for relieving migraines. By soaking your feet in hot water, you can dilate the blood vessels in your feet, redirecting blood flow away from your head and reducing pressure on the vessels causing the migraine. This natural remedy has no side effects and has helped many migraine sufferers.
While the hot water trick may not work for everyone, there are other natural remedies worth exploring. Drinking water, consuming caffeine, trying ginger tea, applying heat or ice packs, managing stress through breathing exercises or yoga, and tracking your symptoms are all potential ways to alleviate migraine pain. Finding the right solution may require some trial and error, but it’s worth it in the long run.
More natural ways to treat headaches and migraines
Drink water
Staying hydrated can help reduce the intensity of migraine pain, although it may not prevent them entirely. Drinking an extra liter and a half of water a day has been shown to provide some relief for frequent headache sufferers.
Caffeine
Caffeine, when used strategically, can enhance other painkillers and alter the perception of pain. Some individuals find relief from migraines by consuming caffeine consistently at the same time each day. However, for those sensitive to caffeine, caution is advised.
Ginger tea
Ginger has been found to have migraine-relieving properties. Steeping freshly grated ginger in hot water can help alleviate migraine symptoms. Alternatively, ginger tea bags can also be used, although they may be less potent.
Heat
For tension headaches and certain migraines, applying heat to the head or neck can relax tense muscles and provide relief. A hot compress or a warm shower can help alleviate pain caused by stress or lack of sleep.
Ice packs
Some individuals find relief from migraines by applying ice packs or cold towels to the forehead or neck. The cold temperature can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, lessening the pain associated with certain types of migraines.
Managing stress
Breathing exercises and yoga can help manage stress, a common trigger for migraines. By practicing deep breathing and incorporating gentle yoga poses, individuals may experience relief from migraine symptoms.
Track your symptoms
Keeping a diary of migraine symptoms can help identify triggers and find effective remedies. By avoiding triggers and implementing preventive measures, such as wearing sunglasses or using earplugs, individuals can potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Keep Reading: More symptoms than you think may be associated with your migraines
Sources
- “Doctor explains hot water migraine trick which will get rid of headaches with no side effects.” Joe. George McKay. September 9, 2023
- “10 Natural Remedies for Headaches Worth Trying.” The Healthy. Lauren Gelman. April 5, 2021
- “Top Self-Care Techniques for Migraine.” WebMD. Rachel Reiff Ellis. August 18, 2021