“ Massage helps undo the fightor-flight response that a lot of migraineurs experience .”
4 . Aromatherapy
Scientific studies suggest that lavender and peppermint scents can help manage migraines and headaches . A 2010 study by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran found that peppermint relieved nausea and vomiting associated with migraines . Other studies have shown that the smell of peppermint can reduce the perception of pain .
Rather than using aromatherapy to relieve a migraine , Dr . Mauskop recommends enlisting positive scents to avoid the bad smells that can trigger an attack . One option is a product called Migrastick , a small , inexpensive roller filled with lavender and peppermint essential oils . Dr . Mauskop tells patients who get stuck on a bus or train next to a heavy perfume wearer to take the product out , put it under their nose and inhale .
5 . Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Biofeedback
This model of therapy helps patients identify thoughts or mental triggers , such as self-doubt or relationship troubles , that excite the nervous system . Once these stressors are identified , the therapist and patient work together to develop methods of staying relaxed .
“ When I see people who have trouble with migraines , I find there ’ s something else going on with them that they don ’ t know how to handle ,” Farmer says . “ They don ’ t want to admit it or maybe they ’ re not even aware of it .”
This tactic is especially effective when paired with biofeedback , a system that tracks patients ’ responses to stress and teaches them how to lower their nervous system ’ s excitability .
Most psychologists are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy , Farmer says , but when you call a psychologist ’ s office , you should ask about experience working with migraine and headache patients . And if you don ’ t click with one therapist , try someone else . “ Not every psychologist is right for everyone ,” Farmer says . According to the NHF , biofeedback is an excellent adjunctive therapy . Many studies demonstrate that a course of biofeedback will reduce the severity and frequency of acute headache attacks .
32 HEAD WISE | Volume 1 , Issue 3 • 2011