Overcoming Migraine Holistically

My Personal Story of Overcoming Migraine Headaches.

People who suffer from migraines in any capacity want to get rid of them or at minimum decrease how often they occur.

I began to experience migraine headaches as a teenager. Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine can explicitly describe how its many symptoms differ from other headaches. Migraines can cause not only pain but also mood swings, sensitivity to light, different smells, irritability, as well as other discomforts. Migraines can last for days and disrupt daily function.

I can remember the worst experience of a migraine headache was me racing against time to make sure I took medicine at the onset of my symptoms. If I waited too long into the headache, (usually an hour or more), I would then start to feel nauseous. This was a horrible feeling because once I became nauseous I became sensitive to light and needed to be in a dark room. I was not able to function and get things done. Most or all of these symptoms would last 1 to 3 days, which was extremely frustrating.

We all do not have the same triggers for migraine headaches. Although there are many different causes for migraine headaches, some of the most common are stress, hormones, drastic physical changes, such as changes in altitude, and emotional changes.

My Personal Experience

Although, I have suffered from countless episodes of migraine headaches over 10 years ago. There are a few occurrences I remember vividly as if they just happened. One of those times was when I took my four-year-old to a family birthday party over an hour from my home. I remember starting to feel nauseous when I woke up that morning. My child was excited, and I wanted to see my family and celebrate with my little cousin. It was at one of those jumping play indoor facilities. I was the type of parent who enjoyed every activity with my children. I didn’t mind climbing and jumping. However, this day I didn’t have the energy, and I didn’t sleep well the night before. I pushed myself to attend the party and tried to enjoy myself. I enjoyed eating pizza and all the other treats. I remember feeling hazy and experienced brain fog. I wanted to just go to a quiet place and sit. By the end of the party my head was pounding. I took some pain medication, but I felt that I waited too long. I left a few minutes before many others and made sure my child was happy and enjoyed herself. After putting her in the car seat we are driving and I felt so sick I had to pull over on the highway. I literally had to open the door and regurgitate all of the food I had eaten. I was so embarrassed and helpless. I made a quick call to alert me that I wasn’t feeling my best.  I was still in acute pain. By the time I arrived home I could barely do anything but lay down. I missed my grandmother’s 90th birthday party and this broke my heart because I was very close to her. My children and spouse at the time attended but I was helpless. I felt better the next day, but it took me about 3 days to get rid of the brain fog.

I have experienced many similar incidents where migraines crippled me. While I was in college I took Beta Blockers as a preventative medicine to proactively prevent. However, I didn’t want to be on this kind of medicine or any other medication for the rest of my life.

I know many women who have similar stories. Both men and women experience migraines, but often the attacks in women can be more severe and often because of changes in estrogen hormone levels.

In my training in wellness, nutrition, and overall lifestyle well-being that led to overall changes in how I live my life I no longer experience migraines. There are several holistic practices I utilize to keep me migraine-free and I will share some of my tips in hopes that this will help other women and moms to begin to dig deeper than medication in reducing instances and alleviating migraine headaches. There is no instant quick fix, but there is a process of making intentional self and soul-care changes that filter into other areas of your life. There are often strategic food and herbal options that help one to release and release from chronic stress that affects tense muscle in the brain that can cause migraines.

There is no instant quick fix, but there is a process of making intentional self and soul-care changes that filter into other areas of your life.

Migraine Support

1. Self-care: I define self-care as daily taking time to give yourself 1 or more of what you need unattached and without attending to the needs or expectations of others. This is bigger than hair and nail appointments, especially if while we are at these appointments our minds are on chores and obligations.
2. Mindset Shifts: Practicing releasing yourself from all thoughts and expectations or anything that causes you to feel any stress. (My reminder is when something causes my facial expression or eyebrows to lean into each other, this typically means that your soul disagrees).
3. Anti-inflammatory Foods: Foods that are more natural with fewer chemicals and low sugar, preservatives, etc. These also improve our mood and cause our guts to feel better. (Anything you eat that causes a bloating, unnatural burst of energy, or temporary uncomfortability)
4. Soul Care: Quiet time without distraction to do nothing or meditate, read, enjoy nature, journal, etc.
5. Movement: Movement is huge in hormone regulation, stress, mood, and muscle constriction. When we move our body our organ systems process more efficiently.
6. Herbs: Herbs that are adaptogens help balance stress and help our bodies to adapt. (Ashwagandha, holy basil, and Ginseng, are a few, but be sure to check with a pharmacist or doctor if you are on another regimen)

My personal practical supports which have helped to prevent migraines from occurring in addition to prayer and meditation are, stretching exercises, cloves, coconut oil, and other herbs. Also, taking time to pull away and rest when needed.

To make any healthy lifestyle change it is necessary to be aware of your bodies signals and listen to them. I had to experiment with those signals and respond differently to reduce stress and allow restoration and replenishment.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from clients and my personal journey is that when returning from vacation or a break, not to dive into overdrive. I don’t believe anyone’s goal is to drain or wear themselves out. Often we take on way too much which can keep us in a continuous state of stress and/or overdrive.

Making small consistent changes to our routine can diminish how often we experience migraines and other pain. Allow yourself 60 days or more of consistent life changes to recognize the benefits and decrease stress that causes headache pain.