Migraine support

Migraines are terrible and painful. They run in our family and unfortunately I get them on occasions, although I am having a year of chronic migraines (was misdiagnosed with hemiplegic - this might have been because the severity or paralysis from medication mis-use had taken place from GP trying to help me get it under control with too many medication options) this has been debilitating, so thinking of any of you that suffer! I suffer with a sensory aura which is where I experience a sensation of paralysis and weakness on the right side of my body. The migraine aura is a process of your body changing in vision, speech or sensation. It can be a scary, daunting and a awful out of body experience place to be. The auras for me last 3 to 4 hours and at my worst 24 hours and then I have the post syndrome of feeling dizzy, drained and washed out for a couple of days before I return to feeling nearly 99.9% me. Also no one explains to you about when you have chronic migraine this means you will experience symptoms daily (mind blown!), mine include sinus throbbing, vertigo and back of head pain tightness, neck stiffness and shoulder blade tingle as this tingle like coldness under my right eye and ear under water (all my symptoms are on the right side). A good day is if these symptoms start in the afternoon. I have started to rate between 1-5 to help my family understand the severity of pain that day (1 being bed ridden). I am still on a journey of education as this is early days in the chronic world the great news is it is reversible and one day hope to be back to episodic with environmental adjustments now.

The triggers are the hardest to put a finger on be it anything, including overheating, certain foods, noise, bright light, too little or too much sleep, physical exertion, and stress. 

I believe mine triggered mostly from the hangover of the third lockdown 2021 and change. I was so thankful to finally understand with the loving support of my family around me how to handle them and what I should trial and error in the journey of prevention. This included having a routine (no lay ins!) cutting out alcohol and processed foods, eating clean and lean and eating regularly every 3-4 hours (three square meals). Holistic practices with acupuncture, reflexology, taking supplements magnesium citrate, b2 vitamin 400mg daily and essential oils. Daily exercise (walking/body balance). The main importance was to listen to my body and understand any signs that may cause me to trigger. To take time for me and running on empty would not help me and my family.

I felt being in a calm, dark room with ice compression and my diffuser beneficial in my time of need. I recommend the brand icekap for an ice compression hat, which is a great comfort during and in a recovery process. I would use a diffuser timer to help keep the hat on for the maximum time (30 minutes) it recommends. 

So, this signature blend is not a magic cure but this headache diffuser blend of essential oils can offer some assistance and support in your time of need, like it has done for me. I hope it helps give you some support.

Aroma diffuser blend directions, based on adding to 100ml of cool water in your diffuser:

• Add three drops Lavender
• Add two drops Peppermint
• Add two drops Lemon

Lavender essential oil It has pain relief properties that are safe and effective when dealing with a migraine. Lavender also calms and relaxes.

Peppermint essential oil improves circulation, relax muscles, and soothe the gut, all of which can be helpful during a migraine.

Lemon essential oil It's earthy, citrus aroma has calming and soothing effects. It is uplifting and cleansing to help with the discomfort of a migraine.

Please reach out and let us know if this blend has worked for you, also this is great to take out and about with you in a roller ball to relieve any symptoms you might still have after an attack. We would love to hear all about your wellbeing journey.

Healthy Wishes

Becky x

Follow for more details on instagram (post on tool support links) 

p.s. I really recommend the Heads Up podcast and https://www.instagram.com/the_migraine_life/ thank you Amy!

Headache Specialists discuss everything migraine and headache related. This podcast is set up to help give support and advice to those suffering with this largely misunderstood condition.

Throughout this podcast you will hear from guest speakers and experts in the medical field, as well as from migraineurs themselves sharing their experiences.

https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/migraine-and-headaches/heads-up-podcast/

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