Home remedies for migraine: Can soaking your feet in hot water help get rid of the pain?

Not long ago, I was diagnosed with migraine and trust me they are anything but a normal headache. They feel like an all-consuming, debilitating experience that ruins your day, and sometimes the whole weak. The throbbing pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, the relentless nausea – it’s enough to make the strongest people seek help. But before I was diagnosed with migraine, my mother used to ask me to dip my feet in hot water to ease the pain. While my mother has a lot of home remedies in her kitty for various conditions, this one really helped me. Little did I know that her home remedy for migraine was actually something that even doctors recommend.

Recently I stumbled upon a post by Dr Kunal Sood, who is an Interventional Pain Doctor in Maryland, United States, stating how soaking feet in hot water is actually a good home remedy for migraine.

Quick home remedy for migraines

Did you know headache disorders such as migraines are the third most common cause of disability? It is a common problem that affects a lot of people. A migraine headache is characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the brain. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, mood changes, increased sensitivity to light, sound, or noise, and confusion are the common symptoms of a migraine.

Over the years, a lot of people have tried many home remedies to get rid of the throbbing pain. People even use ice packs to soothe the pain induced by a migraine. Soaking your feet in hot water is another home remedy for migraines that people try, including my mother. And guess what? This mother-approved home remedy actually has a lot of benefits for people with migraines. If you’re wondering how it works, here’s what you need to know.

As per experts, migraine pain is caused by the waves of activity by a group of brain cells. These trigger certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, to cause the blood arteries to narrow down, causing throbbing pain in one side of your head. In the video, Dr Sood explains that soaking your feet in hot water causes the blood vessels in your feet to dilate by pulling away the blood from your head. It eases the pressure on the blood vessels, causing migraines and decreasing your pain. Yes, it is as simple as this and this hack actually works.

Also Read: Headache hacks: Try these 4 effective ways for relief

Are there any side effects of this home remedy for migraine?

Soaking feet in hot water is one of the oldest ways to relax. But it does more than just help you relax, it can help you find relief from migraine. Dr Sood says that soaking your feet in hot water can actually help and has no side effects. So, it is not just mom-recommended but doctor-approved as well.

If a migraine is bothering you and you’re looking for a way to soothe the pain, soaking your feet in hot water may help. So, what are you waiting for? Dim the lights, and get ready to try Mom’s magical remedy for migraines. However, you need to consult your doctor before trying anything new.