5 Gifts for Migraine Sufferers.

I got my first Migraine 10 years ago. During these past 10 years, I have sought relief through many, many different ways. I seriously need to write a post about EVERYTHING I have tried. 

Sleep, Prescription Meds, Muscle Relaxers, Feverfew, Tons of Water, Massage, Light Exercise (when I feel one coming on), Essential Oils, Ice Foot Baths, Trigger-Point Therapy, Steam, Heating Packs, Alternating Heat and Cold, TENS, Caffeine, Ice Packs, Acupuncture, etc...

Through a lot of trial and error, I have figured out what works for me. The amount of Migraines I get and their severity have really lessened. As soon as I feel a twinge in the back of my neck, I have to TAKE ACTION. 

Obviously, the best solution is to PREVENT a Migraine from happening. My triggers are Hormones, Lack of Sleep and Stress. Unfortunately, there is not much I can do about Lack of Sleep at this stage in my life.

Here are a few PREVENTIONS that have helped me. And some ideas for Gifts that may help the person in your life who suffers from Migraines.

1. Buckwheat Pillow

I bought this 10 months ago and I LOVE IT. Definitely worth the 35 bucks I paid for it. Great for headaches caused by neck pain. It's cooling and is like a Memory Foam Pillow, without all the questionable chemicals. It's a little crunchy. It can take a few days to get accustomed to the sensation of the pillow shifting around so much. But, neck pain is no longer a Migraine trigger for me, thanks to this pillow.

One of these days I want to buy a whole Buckwheat Mattress. You can buy a kit from Open Your Eyes Bedding.

2. A Gift Card to a POCA Acupuncture Clinic

Acupuncture treatments have helped shorten the length of my Migraines, lessen their severity, and helped prevent me from getting to the vomiting stage many, many times. Regular treatments are essential for me to get my Migraines under control.

How is that affordable?  Two words.

Community Acupuncture.

At $15-25 a pop for a treatment in a group setting, I can't recommend this enough. For those folks living in MD/NOVA/DC, we are lucky..there are several options. I've been to the...

The Turning Point (Frederick)

City Acupuncture Circle (D.C), 

Mend (Baltimore),

Our Space (Silver Spring) 

and Sufi Acupuncture (Hagerstown).

Black Sheep Community Acupuncture Clinic (Baltimore) is only 5 minutes from my Sister's house. I definitely want to get a treatment there soon.

Check out POCA to see if there is a Community Acupuncture Clinic near you. I'm sure the Clinic closest to you (or the Gift recipient) would be happy to provide you with an Acupuncture Treatment Gift Card.

3. Epsom Salt

There appears to be a link between Magnesium deficiency and Migraines. One way I've been trying to get more Magnesium is to regularly take baths with Epsom Salts. It's an easy (and relaxing) way to up your Magnesium intake. You can soak your feet in an Epsom Salt Foot Bath for 20 minutes, if you are more of a Shower person. Nice Stocking Stuffer.

4. Raw Almonds

A tasty way to get more Magnesium is through eating Nuts and Seeds. Pumpkins (and other Squash) Seeds provide the most Magnesium of any Nut or Seed.. Another thoughtful Stocking Stuffer.

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

When I feel a Migraine coming on, I try and find ways to cool down the base of my skull. Ice Packs work well and so does Peppermint Essential Oil. It's very cooling and feels so good on whatever part of my head is the throbbing. I know a lot of people use Lavender Essential Oil as well. I love the smell of Lavender, but prefer the cold sensation of Peppermint more.

That wraps it up. As common as Migraines are, I'm sure there is someone on your Christmas List who might benefit from some of these Gifts. Hope this helps!


***Full Disclosure: There are a few Affiliate Links on this page. Thanks a bunch.