When I was around 7 years old, I started getting migraines, and it was a really scary experience for me. Feeling that much pain in the part of your body where your brain is housed is frightening!
Fortunately, my migraines would vanish once I had thrown up and drifted off to sleep – pain relievers were completely ineffective. I was also lucky enough to avoid any visual disturbances (known as a warning aura), prolonged bouts of nausea, or debilitating migraines that linger for days on end.
Recently, I had a headache after spending time with a friend who lives roughly 45 miles from my place. On my way back, the bright headlights of approaching cars began to annoy me, and I could tell my headache was on the verge of turning into a migraine. Knowing that I could end up far from home in that condition, I opted to stop at a service station. I parked my car and lay down on the back seat for about 20 minutes, entering a calming state. To my delight, I emerged from that brief rest feeling refreshed and able to continue my journey.
Migraines are mainly caused by the chemicals in the body. Your body acts like a laboratory, and these chemicals affect your physical condition. When someone has a migraine, there is a change in serotonin levels in the body (they drop), leading to the swelling of blood vessels. It is this swelling that causes the pain.
Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors such as emotional stress, fatigue, certain foods, bright lights, and loud noises. Skipping meals, hormonal changes like menstruation, and even weather fluctuations can also lead to migraines.
Hypnosis offers a fantastic escape from the agony of migraines for a variety of reasons. During the trance, suggestions can be incorporated to manage and reduce the intensity of the pain. The sheer act of relaxation alone can be incredibly beneficial, especially if stress is not the root cause of the migraine. It’s only natural to experience some stress after the onset of pain, so finding relief through hypnosis can be a game-changer. For those dealing with recurring migraines, suggestions can be provided to help them recognise the subtle warning signs of an impending headache or migraine. Utilising self-hypnosis or relaxation techniques can then help prevent the symptoms from worsening.
By Gemma Bailey
