I battle chronic pain, chronic migraines, chronic muscle tension, PMS, POTS, IBS, vertigo, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have researched and experimented so much over the years, trying to find minor changes I could make in my life that would lead to an overall better health. Most of my conditions cannot be healed or cured, so the key to coping with these conditions is COMFORT.
Essential Oils
Specifically the combination of basil, peppermint, and menthol. A local tea shop near me sells this combo of essential oils in a tube labeled "Migraine B Gone." It gives the sensation that Bio Freeze would on muscles, on the brain to relieve migraines.
Vegetarian Diet
My body struggles to break down meat, and I believe it has a lot to do with the hormones that the animals are on. I strongly believe this, because I cannot hold down milk or strongly dairy-based products.
Almond Milk
Over time, I grew to be intolerant of milk. I went three years without drinking milk or an alternative. This past year I started trying different almond milks, and I have found one that I enjoy the most. Almond milk has many benefits: low in calories, low in carbs, high in Vitamin D and E, and more.
NO Fast Food
Whenever I used to eat fast food or junk food, I would experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Not only is fast/junk food not worth the pain and discomfort, but it's NOT HEALTHY. There are so many benefits to avoiding fast/junk food. Such as weight loss, clearer skin, more energy, better moods, fewer cravings, better hormonal balance, less migraines, and improved brain health. To learn more about why you should ditch processed foods, read https://www.eatthis.com/processed-foods/ .
Avoid Pop
As there are many benefits to ditching processed foods, soda pop should also be ditched for many valid reasons. Soda pop contains so much sugar that overtime it can lead to diabetes or insulin resistance. Pop also contains phosphoric acid which can lead to osteoporosis, cavities, and bone weakness. Pop also contains high fructose and caffeine, which can also lead to long-term problems.
Yoga
Whenever I work out, my brain reduces specific endorphins that trigger migraines. Yoga is the only form of exercise that I have found to be greatly beneficial, and doesn't trigger my body. Yoga helps with my muscle tension, stress, and energy levels. I highly suggest trying yoga if you haven't. I was annoyed for so long when people kept telling me it would change my life, since most suggestions just worsen my pain, but yoga is unique. I am so glad I gave yoga a try.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is beneficial for anyone, but it is the most successful therapy for trauma victims. I never realized how much my stress and mental illnesses caused my body physical pain. Once I began EMDR therapy, my brain learned to process my past traumas which relieved my body. I began to have a lower level of pain every day.
Medical Massages
​Having chronic muscle tension, simply trying to massage myself doesn't do the trick. When I go to the chiropractor, I get medical massages that help my body to be rid of knots, relieve tension, and release toxins.
Use a Calendar
Not only am I a busy person, but I also am forgetful due to my stress or medications at time. Using a calendar is what keeps me accountable. I keep track of when have work, therapy, appointments, social plans, SERIOUSLY EVERYTHING...
Cefaly
Cefaly has CHANGED my life. I apply it almost every night to my forehead, and it works to defeat migraines and prevent future ones.
"Cefaly is an External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation device (e-TNS) for migraine treatment. A self-adhesive electrode is placed on the forehead and the Cefaly device is magnetically connected to this electrode. Precise micro-impulses are then sent through the electrode to the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve to either relieve the headache pain during a migraine attack (Acute setting) or to prevent future migraine attacks (Prevent setting)."
Learn more at https://www.cefaly.us/en/migraine-treatment-cefaly
Vitamin B12
I used to experience genuine chronic fatigue, dizziness, and clumsiness so severely. Eventually my B12 levels were tested, and the results were shockingly low. So low, that I don't know how I functioned at all. I have been taking supplements for five months and am already up to a normal B12 level. Another component to B12 supplements, is that almost all vegetarians should monitor their B12 levels.
Iron
Similar to my B12 levels, my iron levels have always been low. I used to be more pale than I am naturally, tired at random times, short of breath, had dry hair, restless legs, and of course migraines and headaches. Iron supplements are essential to my health. They may be essential to yours too, please have your iron levels checked next time you see your doctor.
Avoid Blue Light
I have a Google Pixel 2 which allows me to turn off the blue light behind the screen. My screen may appear more yellow, but it allows me to avoid the dangers of the blue light, and decreases my migraines.
Birth Control
Battling PMS made the week before, of, and after my period excruciatingly painful. Since being on birth control, I have regulated my periods, am only in pain the week of my period, and have less migraines during my period.
