Migraines and Guided Imagery

Hi, Nancy! Here's my limited experience with using imagery and relaxation techniques during a migraine attack: if I am not in too much pain (or too physically ill) to do this, I visualize myself at the beach, my favorite place. I imagine the sun warming me, a balmy breeze washing over my skin, and the sound and rhythm of the waves calming my brain.

I have not been able to significantly stop the pain or end an attack in this way, but I think it helps me relax through the attack, if just a tiny bit, instead of panicking, tightening muscles, etc., and making it worse. If I am nauseous, I try to calm my stomach in this way, too. It helps me breathe easier.

While I was working on the Migraine Expressions book, a great number of people told me about their interest in the brain-body connections and the potential creative or 'brain-power' juices they felt during some attacks. I think those connections warrant exploration.

By the way, I use this technique in any potentially stressful situation, like during a dentist appointment, driving in stressful traffic (no, I don't close my eyes then) or anytime I feel tense and it's possible to do. Brain power to us all!

I do agree with these helping out with migraines. Of course any time you have noise or any sound during a migraine doesn't help.

I went to my Therapist one day, and I usually always have a migraine, or have had one. I had just taken Midrin before going in. She asked if I wanted to try the "Relaxation technique, " and I thought whatever.  I said yes, it's worth trying I guess. So, She began at number 10, and started to say things like, "Imagine your in a warm place. The sky is beautiful, and you feel the sun on your face. You can hear water running in a brook." I'm not sure what else she said, but it from down to 0, I was not totally "asleep", as she was telling me I was. But........I found myself very, very relaxed. My breathing slowed down, and I did feel better. So, I think it does help to put our minds in a quiet and imaginary place.

Denise

Nancy that's great that you were able to help your friend with guided imagery. I have used this type of imagery for years to help me with anxiety and for relaxation. I began using it about 6 years ago for Migraines - like your friend, it's sometimes hard for me when the pain levels are high. When they are I keep it simple and imagine the pain turning to a liquid and draining from my head, and being replaced by a soft glowing light. It's very useful in between Migraines, to use guided imagery as part of regular relaxation practice. I also use imagery when I find myself getting triggered - like yesterday, walking into a very crowded, loud, brightly lit cafeteria, I could feel the start of a migraine and I imagined a protective layer of silver around me, reflecting the light and sound and smells back away from me. I didn't get a Migraine! I've had such luck with imagery, these days I am using guided imagery in the relaxation classes I teach.

I have often used this method, also at the beginning or during prodromal attack.  While it doesn't always work, it can lessen to at least a head hitting wall type relief.