Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Magnesium Soak

I recently discovered a great new way to get some relief during a migraine. It could also be a great way if done regularly to prevent migraines. Have you ever tried soaking in Epsom salts and some relaxing herbs like lavender? Lovely just lovely!

Epsom salts are easily found in the first aid or digestive section of drug or grocery stores. Its just another name for magnesium sulfate! When put in hot bath water it is a excellent way for you to absorb some much needed magnesium into your system and help relieve your headache. I love adding some lavender in with it which is a wonderfully relaxing nervine and pain reliever itself.  Fill the water with water as hot as you can stand it. Add 1/2 cup of salts to the water and several teaspoons of herbs. Submerge yourself in the water covering as much of your skin as you can. I like to lay with my neck at the back of the tub with a eye mask on. Stay in until the water cools.
Watch out this is intensely relaxing! Don't fall asleep!

Don't have time for a bath? Try a foot bath! Same principles apply just use less herbs and salts and put them in a container that both feet fit in comfortably. Sit back and enjoy!

I found this study interesting and it shows the power magnesium can have on a headache in the moment text found here

Intravenous Magnesium in the Treatment of Migraines during Pregnancy
In this study, the researchers assessed the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulfate in the treatment of migraines during pregnancy.1 Ten pregnant women with migraine headaches were referred for this experiment from the obstetrics ward and the emergency room.1 These women all received intravenous hydration and one gram of magnesium sulfate in a 10% solution over a five minute period.1 The intensity of the headache was assessed on a scale from one to ten and compared between recordings before and after the infusion.1
The patients in this study reported significant reductions in pain after the infusion of magnesium sulfate and eight (80%) of the patients reported total pain relief.1 All of the patients, upon resolution of the headache, reported resolution of migraine associated nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia.1 However, minimal facial flushing and abdominal cramping occurred in two (20%) of the patients after receiving magnesium sulfate.1 The researchers of this study concluded that the intravenous use of magnesium sulfate may be a safe and effective treatment of migraines in with pregnancy, but a larger study will be helpful to corroborate these findings. 1

1. Wilson, M C, O’Brien, W F. Intravenous Magnesium as a Treatment of Migraine in Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2000; 182(1, Part 2):S154.




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