For individuals who suffer the effects of migraines, the symptoms are acutely familiar: throbbing, pulsing pain; aural halos with sensitivity to light or sound; and nausea. According to “The Health and Wellness Handbook,” migraines are a common problem affecting 6% of men and 18% of women in the United States. Conventional doctors believe that poor dietary habits and dehydration can trigger migraines; stress and tension are also thought to contribute to the development of chronic migraine headaches.
For many people, the occurrence of a migraine equates to banishing oneself to a dark room with a cold compress against the head, but aromatherapists approach migraines with an arsenal of scents selected for specific types of migraines to ease the pain and perhaps prevent onset. Once you have determined what triggers your migraines, use one of the following aromatherapy recipes to ease the pain or prevent a migraine.
Aromatherapy Blend #1
For migraines related to negative emotions, combine 3 drops Roman chamomile and 8 drops lavender in a 10 ml bottle and fill with a carrier oil of your choice, such as olive oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil or peanut oil. Be sure to avoid nut oils if you have allergies.
Shake the mixture well to ensure proper infusion and then use the blend to massage your temples, forehead and solar plexus. Inhale the calming scent deeply. You can also add 15 drops of this blend to a warm bath. Soak in this soothing bath for at least 15 minutes.
Aromatherapy Blend #2
For migraines associated with nervous tension, fill a 10 ml bottle with 3 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops neroli and 5 drops marjoram. Fill the remaining bottle space with carrier oil and shake well.
Use this oil for a gentle neck massage; while tilting your head gently to one side, use the pads of your fingers in a downward stroke away from the head. Use this downward stroking movement as you vary your head positions. You should eventually rotate the head down and around to the other side. Breathe deeply so that the volatile oils can make their way through the olfactory system.
Aromatherapy Blend #3
When muscular tension is what triggers your migraine, use this cooling blend to soothe the muscles and experience relief. Use 4 drops lavender oil and 5 drops peppermint oil combined in a 10 ml bottle and fill with preferred carrier oil. Use this oil to gently massage the temples, neck, forehead and base of the spine.
The peppermint in this oil is extremely volatile, which is why you will experience a mild cooling sensation. This oil should be kept away from all mucous membranes lest the cooling sensation become a burning sensation. Should this oil make its way to your eyes accidentally, simply flush with cool water for several minutes.
Diffusing Scents for Migraines
Every person has unique reactions to scents. If you find that a particular essential oil is less soothing to you than others, there is nothing wrong with exchanging it for another one that you like better. One of the goals of aromatherapy is relaxation, so it will not do you any good to surround yourself with a scent that you hate.
There are several types of diffusers on the market ranging from flame-based to cool vapor, and these can deliver a consistent soothing aroma to your home or work space to prevent the onset of a migraine. There are also small necklace diffusers available at some health food stores and online if you wish to access to your aromatic tool wherever you go.
Chronic Migraines
If you suffer from chronic migraines, you will want to discuss this with your health care practitioner to ensure more serious conditions have been ruled out. A certified aromatherapist may be able to work with you to create a blend that works well for your specific symptoms if you find that you need further guidance.
References
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Health & Wellness Handbook"; The SouthWestern Company; 2005
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homeade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self" ;Stephanie Tourles;2007
