Research have led to the discovery that inflammation is the reason behind migraines. Hence, the same treatment for inflammation is applicable to migraines also. We can successfully apply alternate hot and cold therapy for migraine pain. It has been found that certain people get relief from hot treatments like taking a warm bath while others are comfortable with cold treatments like applying cold packs on the affected areas. Some prefer alternate hot and cold treatments. Therefore, you can choose the treatment that suits you and practice it in the comfort of your home.
The following are some easy home remedies which can be done quickly at home.
1. Ice wrap / Cold packs
How it works
The ice wrap and cold packs cools down the area of the pain which is due to the pressure exerted by the large blood vessels to the nearby nerves. Both of these works by soothing the nerves increasing the flow of blood and reducing the pain.
How to use
Ice wrap is an easy, effective and inexpensive way to treat the problem. Cold packs like stick on cold forehead patches, rectangular packs, fitted mask and instant cool packs are some varieties which you can try. These are used around the head and neck.
Do’s and Don’ts
These packs can be kept on for 20 minutes only.Take it out after every 20 minutes to give skin a break and to avoid skin freezing.
2. Ice Towels
How it works
The ice towel cools and diminishes the pain from the site of inflammation which have caused migraines. The cold towel cools and soothes the disturbed nerves which releases the tension and thereby pain subsides.
How to use
Soak a towel, get rid of excess water and put in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This towel is folded to make the whole towel more colder. The cooled towel is kept around the neck till pain subsides.
Do’s and Don’ts
After freezing, the towel is again folded so that the more freeze area lies in the middle with the wet part outside.
3. Hot Water Bags
How it works
The warming up of the feet make the blood vessels to enlarge demanding more supply of blood to fill them. These makes blood to drain from the head area releasing the tension from the forehead.
How to use
Hot water bags are used for various purposes. For migraines, use it to warm your feet. This may sound funny but try this next time you have an attack on the way.
Do’s and Don’ts
While using this technique, use a cold compress on the forehead so that pain does not get worse with the rise of temperature in the head. Just boiled water should be cooled to a certain extend to avoid burns.
