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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.
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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'm all for whatever or whichever technique works to reduce our pain. Thank you for sharing yours with us.