<ul class="summary-list"><li>Yoni massage is a Tantric practice that may help increase sensitivity in your vagina.</li><li>It involves gently massaging your vagina without the goal of having an orgasm.</li><li>This kind of massage may also help you connect to your own sexual pleasure and understand your body.</li></ul><p>Yoni massage is a Tantric practice based on Hindu tradition that involves massaging the vulva and vagina in a mindful way. The goal<a href="https://somananda.org/blog/the-health-benefits-of-tantric-yoni-massage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> isn't to have an orgasm</a>, but to increase your sensitivity and help you connect to your own body.</p><p><strong>Note:</strong> Yoni is a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/yoni" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanskrit word</a> that means vagina, womb, or source - it's often used in<a href="https://www.sammakaruna.org/neotantra-navatantra-tantric-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> neo-Tantra</a>, a sexual practice that derives from Hindu tradition. </p><p>Here's what you need to know about yoni massage and how you can practice it alone or with a partner.</p><h2>What is a yoni massage?</h2><p>In Tantric practice, the yoni is a center of pleasure in your body and a<a href="https://somananda.org/blog/the-health-benefits-of-tantric-yoni-massage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> source of powerful energy</a>.</p><p>"The receiver of the yoni massage can open to deeper pleasure and presence while experiencing the sensations within her body," says<a href="http://www.isistemplearts.com/isis-phoenix/"> Isis Phoenix</a>, an intimacy coach and yoga teacher trained in Tantra, and head of<a href="http://www.isistemplearts.com/"> Isis Temple Arts</a>.</p>Related Article Module: How to practice tantric <keyword id="6355231" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sex">sex</keyword>: a slow, meditative form of intimacy that can improve relationships, according to sex therapists<p>Tantric practitioners say that yoni massage can help with a variety of sexual and emotional problems, though more research is still needed to see if these claims are supported by science.</p><p>According to Phoenix, yoni massage can help you:</p><ul><li>Increase blood circulation to your vulva and<a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-vaginas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> vagina</a></li><li>Increase your genital sensitivity</li><li>Develop greater awareness of your body</li><li>Connect to your own sexual pleasure and desire</li></ul><p>In a<a href="https://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2006/387930.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> small 2006 pilot study</a>, 20 women with sexual problems received a treatment similar to yoni massage called vaginal acupressure. A majority of the women reported that the treatment improved their symptoms including low sexual desire, difficulty climaxing, and pain during sex.</p><p>Yoni massage can also just be a simple self-care or pleasure practice.</p><h2><strong>How to practice yoni massage</strong></h2><p>You can try yoni massage with a partner or with a Tantric massage practitioner, but Phoenix recommends exploring the technique on yourself, first. </p><p>Before you begin, make sure you take a few minutes to relax, wash your hands, and find a comfortable position wherein you can lie down.</p><h3><strong>A step-by-step guide to practicing yoni massage</strong></h3><p>Once you're prepared, start the yoni massage by following<a href="https://karmatantric.com/yoni-massage-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> these steps</a>:</p><ol><li>Start by massaging your belly - you can use massage oil if this feels more comfortable.</li><li>Move up slowly from your belly to massage your rib cage, breasts, and nipples. You can pinch or <a href="https://www.insider.com/nipple-orgasm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make circles around your nipples</a> for extra stimulation.</li><li>Cup your vulva in the palm of your hand, feeling the warmth.</li><li>Gently massage the flesh above your vulva with your thumbs and fingertips. Move downward toward your clitoral hood, making circles but not directly touching it.</li><li>Massage your outer labia and then your inner labia, moving slowly and touching one area at a time.</li><li>Stimulate your <a href="https://www.insider.com/where-is-the-clitoris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clitoris</a> by putting a finger on each side of your clitoris hood and moving your fingers up and down to conceal and reveal the clitoris. You should use mild pressure, starting slowly and gradually moving faster.</li><li>Start to touch your whole vulva now, massaging multiple areas at once. Move your hands up and down from the top of your clitoris to your vaginal opening, using more pressure than before. You can also massage the clitoris with one hand while touching your vagina or vulva with the other.</li><li> If you're open to penetration, you can slide the fingers of one hand into your vagina, using a "come here" motion to touch your <a href="https://www.insider.com/g-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-spot</a>. You can also just move your fingers however you like, getting more familiar with the sensations inside your vagina.</li><li>Stop whenever you feel ready - you may have an orgasm but this isn't the goal of yoni massage.</li><li>Give yourself a few minutes to relax after the massage, using breathing techniques again if this helps to calm you.</li></ol><p>If you enjoy the experience of solo yoni massage, "setting up a consensual yoni massage with a partner is a lovely way to deepen intimacy," Phoenix says.</p><p>However, you should avoid using yoni massage as foreplay. "A yoni massage is a complete experience in itself rather than a build-up to intercourse or a reciprocal sexual act," Phoenix says.</p><p>There are professionals who offer yoni massage as a Tantric practice, but you will need to do your own research on your masseuse, as Tantra itself is unregulated.</p><p>You can find a directory of certified sexological bodyworkers<a href="https://sexologicalbodyworkers.org/practitioners#!directory/ord=rnd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here</a>.</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p><strong> </strong>Yoni massage is a sexual practice that may help you connect with your body and recognize your feelings of sexual desire and pleasure. More research is needed to determine the <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> benefits of yoni massage, but some people report that it can relieve sexual problems. </p><a data-type="605d13d3266b2043646d3223">5 sex games for couples that will make sex fun and put you in the mood</a><a data-type="605e288633ddca64ae51d564">Sex therapists share the 6 best-of-the-best sex positions for maximum pleasure</a><a data-type="6038045e6a46851f0d460ca5">Up your foreplay game with these 9 erogenous zones that can turn anyone on</a><a data-type="6037f64dae885721de39196b">How to broach the topic of sex toys with your partner</a>

How to get in touch with your body by giving your vagina a yoni massage

<ul><li><keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> infection has shaken many things including beliefs in the age-old traditions and customs.</li><li>CDC alerted the international community that shaking hands can be a source of contacting the disease from others. </li><li><keyword id="76421" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Namaste">Namaste</keyword> – the traditional Indian way of greeting has now grabbed the attention of the world as a potentially safe way of greeting people.</li></ul>Namaste – is the traditional way of greeting people that has been in practice for so long across most local traditions of the Indian heritage. To greet someone in this fashion, you just have to join both the palms together in a worshipful pose and say ‘Namaste’. <br /><br />The other person is usually expected to respond in the same fashion. The top benefit of Namaste is there is no physical touching of the other person while greeting. In this way, any risks of contacting microbes and diseases from the other person we greet are fully avoided. More than its health advantages, ‘Namaste’ has a deep meaning attached to it besides several other lesser known benefits.<br /><br /><strong>How to greet saying Namaste?</strong><br /><br />While doing Namaste, the person greeting slightly bows with a smile in his lips. The person holds both the palms together pressed each against the other. Fingers pointing upwards and the thumbs close to the chest. In Natya Shastra (the treatise on traditional dancing), Namaste or Namaskar is known as Anjali Mudra. When the Anjali Mudra (Namaskar) is held in the standing pose, it is called as Pranamasana in Yoga. <br /><br /><strong>The meaning of Namaste</strong><br /><br />The meaning of Namaste is ‘I bow to the divine in you’. By saying Namaste, the person doing it acknowledges the spiritual oneness of the spirit in the other person greeted. Hence Namaste is the highest and the most respectful form of greeting we can find in any culture of the world. <br /><br /><strong>Why Namaste has recently grabbed the attention of the world</strong><br /><br />The rampant spread of coronavirus and the huge toll of death it has claimed across geographies has triggered alarms in the world community. Also, growing awareness of the ways in which diseases can be contacted has made us re-evaluate the several customs, practices, beliefs, food habits and other aspects of personal and community living. <br /><br />One among such concerns is the way of greeting people. CDC revealed that shaking hands with people who carry microbes in their hands can be a sure way of contacting the germs leading to disease spread. Hence people have now started reinventing and recommending the several benefits of Namaste, the Indian traditional way of greeting that does not involve any physical contact with the other person.<br /><br /><strong>Other lesser known benefits of Namaste</strong><br /><br />The age old therapeutic and wellness systems like acupressure have acknowledged the other far reaching health benefits of Namaste. While holding the Anjali Mudra or the worshipful pose, the person holds both his palms touching each other. When this is done, he unintentionally activates all the very important nerve endings and vital points in his palms. This is a very beneficial therapeutic practice that can tone up several body systems and balance several inconsistencies and hormonal secretions in the body.<br /><br /><strong>Say Namaste</strong><br /><br />The next time when you greet someone, do it in the Indian way. When you say Namaskar, you not only turn your greeting a more profound and meaningful one, but also you reap several advantages connected to this most wonderful practice. <br /><br /><br />

Namaste: Indian way of greeting people grabs the whole world’s attention during coronavirus

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="654210" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="face-yoga">Face yoga</keyword> provides <keyword id="613295" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="anti-aging">anti-aging</keyword> results through a combination of massage and facial exercise. </li><li>Face yoga benefits include easing tension, tightening skin, and strengthening facial muscles. </li><li>Practice face yoga daily for 20 minutes and you should see results in six weeks. </li></ul><p>Smooth, firm, lifted skin is highly coveted in a time where many hope to age gracefully. But what if there was a way to reduce fine lines and saggy skin without facelifts or <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-botox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Botox injections</a>? The answer may be face yoga. </p>Related Article Module: The best anti-aging ingredients for <keyword id="110679" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="skincare">skincare</keyword>, according to dermatologists<p>Face yoga, which includes specific exercises and massages targeting the face, may strengthen skin and reduce signs of aging, amongst other benefits. </p><p>Here's what you need to know about face yoga and a few exercises to try it for yourself. </p><h2>What is face yoga? </h2><p>Face yoga combines massage, acupressure, exercises, and relaxation to provide safe, anti-aging skin results, says <a href="https://faceyogaexpert.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Danielle Collins</a>, who has been teaching face yoga for 16 years with her own <a href="https://faceyogaexpert.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">practice</a>. All you need to do face yoga are your hands.</p><p>While there are limited studies on the benefits of face yoga, the few out there found that the technique: </p><ul><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24296342/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tightens your skin</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29503371/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Improves mental health</a> </li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25302289/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strengthens facial muscles</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23356206/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eases tension</a> </li></ul><p>According to Collins and <a href="https://www.happyfaceyoga.com/about-gary-sikorski" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gary Sikorski</a>, a certified face yoga teacher and founder of <a href="https://www.happyfaceyoga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Face Yoga</a>, other anecdotal benefits of face yoga include:</p><ul><li>Increasing blood circulation</li><li>Diminishing fine lines</li><li>Softening your skin</li><li>Reducing puffiness</li><li>Improving posture</li></ul><p>Most people can practice face yoga, Collins says. But if you have one of the following conditions on your face, consult with a medical professional beforehand and avoid massaging the affected area: </p><ul><li>An injury like an open wound or broken jaw</li><li>Active acne </li><li>Eczema </li><li>Psoriasis </li></ul><p><strong>Important: </strong>Always wash your hands before doing face yoga in order to prevent acne.</p><h2>Face yoga exercises</h2><p>There are many different facial exercises you can do while growing your daily routine. To practice face yoga, start with one minute a day and work your way to 10, says Collins. From there, try increasing it to 20 minutes a day.</p><p>Here are some face yoga options to try at home and how they can benefit you, according to Collins and Sikorski. </p><h3><strong>1. Cheek sculptor</strong></h3><p><strong>Good for: </strong>Lifting and sculpting the cheek area.</p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong></p><ol><li>Put your index fingers and middle fingers near the bottom of the face. </li><li>Glide your fingers up the face with the index fingers going up the smile lines, then stopping around the nostrils. </li><li>The middle fingers then slide up the rest of the cheeks. </li><li>The fingers move into a V position as they slide up the face. </li><li>Repeat for one minute.</li></ol><h3><strong>2. Neck tension releaser</strong></h3><p><strong>Good for: </strong>Boosting circulation, releasing tension in the back of the neck, opening shoulders, and lifting and firming the front of the neck. </p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong></p><ol><li>Gently tilt back the head.</li><li>Then use your fingers to tap across the front of your neck lightly. </li><li>Gradually move up and continue onto the cheek area, around the mouth, gently under the eyes, and onto the temple. </li><li>Do this for about one minute.</li></ol><h3><strong>3. Third eye softener</strong></h3><p><strong>Good for: </strong>Reducing stress and headaches, relaxing muscles, and softening vertical lines between the eyebrows. </p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong>This is a simple exercise where you repeatedly press between your eyebrows with one finger in the same spot, says Collins. Do this for about a minute. </p><h3><strong>4. Forehead smoother</strong></h3><p><strong>Good for: </strong>Lifting eyebrows, smoothing forehead lines, preventing eyelid droop, and releasing tension.</p><p><strong>How to do it: </strong></p><ol><li>Put your index and middle fingers of both hands on your forehead along the hairline.</li><li>Press the length of those fingers firmly down and slide them lower towards your eyebrows. </li><li>Simultaneously lift your eyebrows up. </li><li>Hold for ten seconds while taking a deep breath. </li><li>Do this three times, holding the last one for 20 seconds. </li><li>Do the sequence one more time. </li></ol><h3><strong>5. Lower eyelid firmer</strong></h3><p><strong>Good for:  </strong>Strengthening upper and lower eyelids, increasing blood circulation, brightening skin around eyes, and decreasing under-eye puffiness. </p><p><strong>How to do it:  </strong></p><ol><li>Place your middle fingers on the inside corner of your eyes and your index fingers on the outside of your eyes. </li><li>Squint with your lower eyelids and feel the muscles under your fingers tighten. </li><li>Do this ten times while keeping the upper eyelids open. </li><li>Hold the final squint for 20 seconds.</li><li>Repeat the session once.</li></ol><h2>Does face yoga work? </h2><p>Similar to other exercises, you must do face yoga consistently to see results. "It's just like going to the gym," says Sikorski. "If you practice more exercises and spend more time with your face, then you'll see quicker, faster, and better results." </p><p>The amount of time it takes to see lasting results from face yoga varies from person to person, but Sikorski says to expect to see initial results after six to ten weeks of 15 to 20 minute daily sessions.</p><p>For example, in a <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2666801" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small 2018 study</a>, participants made up of middle-aged women learned 32 facial exercises. Over 20 weeks, they did face yoga for 30-minute intervals, either daily or every other day. At the end of the study, upper and lower cheek fullness improved, and the estimated age of participants decreased.</p><p>Wearing SPF, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help results appear sooner, says Collins. </p><p><strong>Important: </strong>While tugging on your face may seem like it could exacerbate wrinkles, face yoga will not cause lines when appropriately performed. You shouldn't see any lines during the exercises as the fingers keep the skin taut, says Collins. </p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway </strong></h2><p>Face yoga is a form of facial massage, acupuncture, and exercise that is intended to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It should be practiced daily for 20 minutes. </p><p>Face yoga is doable for most people. However, Collins cautions to listen to your face. "Ask yourself how are you feeling and go really gentle with the techniques when you start," she says. The results will still come.</p><a data-type="5f6cdeff0afbe76ae82c13cd">The benefits of retinol and how to use it to fight acne, wrinkles, and dullness</a><a data-type="5f63a3222b299823f3655cf6">The best anti-aging ingredients for skincare, according to dermatologists</a><a data-type="609aec25bac7610ffa59b005">9 tips to permanently get rid of dark circles under your eyes, according to a dermatologist</a><a data-type="5f7f4cd7d67e120f2235e234">The anti-aging and skin-healing effects of vitamin E</a>

5 anti-aging face yoga exercises that will reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="30998" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Botox">Botox</keyword> treats chronic <keyword id="32334" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Migraines">migraines</keyword> by temporarily inhibiting nerve cells from producing pain and allowing muscles to relax. </li><li>Most insurance companies will cover Botox for migraines if two or more medications have been ineffective in relieving your migraines. </li><li>Botox injections can be administered every 12 weeks by a board-certified physician. </li></ul><p>Often thought of as a strictly cosmetic procedure, <a href="https://www.botox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Botox</a> can also treat conditions such as chronic migraines. If two or more medications have been ineffective in treating your chronic migraines, most insurance companies will cover Botox as an alternative treatment.</p><p>Here's what you need to know about using Botox to treat migraines and how to tell if it's right for you.</p><h2>What is botox?</h2><p>Since its creation in the late 1980s, Botox has become a popular way to treat everything from wrinkles to chronic migraines. It works by injecting a toxin known as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856357/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">botulinum</a> into the skin. </p><p>"[Botulinum] temporarily inhibits the nerve cells that are responsible for sending specific signals to muscles, causing them to contract," says <a href="https://www.michelegreenmd.com/botox-nyc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michele Green</a>, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. "Botox works by 'freezing' the nerve terminals, which can produce pain, and also relaxes the muscle." </p><h2>How does botox help migraines? </h2><p>Worldwide, about <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30% of people ages 18 to 65 experience migraines</a> each year, with between 1.7% and 4% of adults having chronic migraines. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201"></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Migraines</a> are beyond typical <keyword id="6361884" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="headache">headache</keyword> pain as they cause either a pulsing sensation, extreme pain, or both. A migraine may last a few hours to a few days and can even cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. A person has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4416971/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chronic migraines</a> if they experience these severe headaches at least 15 days of the month. </p><p><a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103000s5232lbl.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Botox is FDA-approved</a> for managing chronic migraines at a dose of 200 Units/4 mL or 100 Units/2 mL every 12 weeks. While not a permanent solution, Botox is proven to help stop migraines before they occur. </p><p>"Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission," says Green. "This prevents the activation of pain networks in the brain."</p><p>Green has found that many of her patients can limit or forego oral migraine medication altogether after starting Botox injections. "[Botox] treats migraines and prevents these painful headaches from occurring. Many of my patients no longer need oral migraine medications once they initiate Botox injections," she says.</p><p>Some research has found that about 80% of patients who received botox treatment for migraines experienced <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/view/study-finds-sustained-efficacy-of-botox-for-migraine-over-3-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at least a 50% reduction in pain</a> after three sessions. </p><p>A small <a href="https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-018-0918-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> followed those who saw these results for three years of treatment to identify long-term effects. It found that overall, patients saw a reduction in the number of days per month they experience migraines, as well as the amount of migraine medication they required. Some people decreased their frequency of botox injections after a year from every three months to every four to six months due to improved symptoms.</p><p>"Botox has one of the best efficacy profiles we have seen of all the therapeutics to treat migraines," says <a href="http://www.ucihealth.org/find-a-doctor/s/shalini-shah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shalini Shah</a>, MD, the vice-chair of the anesthesiology department and director of pain services at the University of California, Irvine. </p><p>As a result of the proven effectiveness of this treatment, many insurance companies will cover the procedures. However, a person will generally have to prove that they've tried at least two other types of preventative migraine treatment, such as anti-seizure or blood pressure medication, says Green.</p><h2>Are there any risks to using botox for migraines? </h2><p>Side effects of Botox on the face and neck are the same, whether for cosmetic reasons or to treat migraines. </p><p>According to <a href="https://kerlanjobe.org/physicians/ilan-j-danan-md-m-sc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ilan Danan</a>, MD, MSc, a sports neurologist and pain management specialist at the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658" target="_blank" rel="noopener">potential side effects of Botox</a> include: </p><ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Neck pain</li><li>Discomfort at the injection sites</li><li>Skin irritation </li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Face drooping</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-the-flu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flu symptoms</a></li></ul><p>In severe but uncommon cases, the toxin in Botox may spread to other areas of the body. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing, says Shah. If this occurs, call a doctor immediately.  </p><p>To help mitigate risks, Danan and Shah say to <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid getting Botox</a> if you are:</p><ul><li>Pregnant or might become pregnant </li><li>Breastfeeding</li><li>Allergic to Botox</li><li>Experiencing a skin infection </li><li>Diagnosed with a neurological disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Myasthenia Gravis (MG) </li></ul><h2>What to expect when using botox for migraines</h2><p>If you choose to use Botox for migraines, a board-certified physician for Botox  — usually a neurologist — can administer the treatment. They will inject it in the forehead, above and between the eyebrows, the base of the skull, and the neck, says Green. These spots are points of discomfort for migraines.</p><p>Botox injections only take a few minutes and should not cause much pain. After receiving treatment, keep your head upright for a minimum of four hours and avoid massaging the injected areas for three days. </p><p>"Rubbing the area of treatment can result in moving Botox to unwanted areas. Botox is superficially injected, therefore, it needs an adequate amount of time without movement for it to dissipate fittingly," says Green. Refrain from exercise the day of treatment as it can increase your blood pressure, potentially causing bruising and swelling.</p><p>Patients can begin to feel migraine relief within seven to ten days following treatment, says Shah. However, Danan adds that some people may require multiple sessions to feel results. </p><p>"After the injection, we typically see the most efficacy at the six-week post-injection mark, and then relief until the toxin disassociates from the receptor at 12 weeks,"  says Shah.</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Botox injections are proven to help patients with chronic migraines by freezing nerve terminals, which produce pain and relaxing the muscles. Most insurance companies will cover Botox as a migraine treatment as long as two other forms of migraine medication did not work for you. If you are experiencing chronic migraines, reach out to a headache specialist or neurologist.</p><h2>Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-fatiguehttps://www.insider.com/what-is-migraine-aura" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is a migraine aura? Causes and treatments</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/period-migraine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Your period might be causing your migraine: Here's how to tell and ways to treat menstrual migraines</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 home remedies for migraines and when to see a doctor</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/pressure-points-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pressure points for migraines: A guide to getting relief through acupressure</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-am-i-always-tired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why am I always tired? The main causes of sleepiness and fatigue</a></strong></li></ul>

Botox is one of the most effective treatments for chronic migraines — here's how to know if it's right for you

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A <keyword id="30945" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Migraine">migraine</keyword> aura is a series of symptoms that last for 20-60 minutes before a migraine.</li><li>Migraine auras come with different symptoms that can range from seeing flashes of light to feeling tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or body.</li><li>People who experience migraine aura often have a better chance of heading off an oncoming migraine by taking medication beforehand.</li></ul><p>An estimated <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25%-30%</a> of people who suffer from migraines experience what are called migraine aura. A migraine aura is a series of symptoms that precede a migraine, so people who experience the aura know when a migraine is about to strike. </p><p>"It's like when you see the clouds and you know it's going to rain," says<a href="https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/medhat-f-mikhael" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Medhat Mikhael</a>, MD, the medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. "The aura is the clouds, and you know the migraine will follow."</p><p>During a migraine aura, you might see flashes of light, experience blind spots or blurry vision, or feel a tingling sensation in your face or hands. Here's more about what causes migraine aura, how to prevent them, and when to see a doctor for your condition. </p><h2>What is migraine aura?</h2><p>In the hour before the onset of a migraine headache, people who experience aura may deal with a range of symptoms that usually<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> last</a> for 20-60 minutes. </p><p> The most common type of aura is visual, Mikhael says. These<a href="https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/migraine-with-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> symptoms may include</a>:</p><ul><li>Seeing flashes of light, zig-zag lines, colored spots, or stars.</li><li>Experiencing tunnel vision.</li><li>Having blindspots or temporary blindness.</li></ul><p>However, migraine aura are highly individualized and symptoms will vary from person to person. Some examples of other migraine aura symptoms <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">involve</a>: </p><ul><li>Tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or body. </li><li>Speech problems like mumbling, slurring, or having difficulty finding the right word.</li><li>Hearing sounds, known as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25480808/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">auditory hallucinations</a>. </li></ul><p>It's estimated that<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/migraine/#inheritance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> half</a> of the people who get migraines have a family member who also experiences the condition, which likely means migraines, including ones with aura, are inherited. Scientists are still working to understand the genetic component of migraine aura. </p><h2>What causes aura? </h2><p>Researchers aren't exactly sure what causes migraine aura, but studies indicate that auras originate in the<a href="https://www.dartmouth.edu/~rswenson/NeuroSci/chapter_11.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> cerebral cortex</a> — the area of the brain that controls visual and other sensory input. </p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6005951/#:~:text=In%20about%20one-third%20of,an%20affected%20cortex%20(3)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">A 2018 study </a>showed that people who experience migraine auras also had a physical depression in their cerebral structure — the layout of the cerebral cortex. That physical depression may be the reason for the visual and other sensory symptoms associated with aura, Mikhael says. </p><p>Like other types of migraines, migraines with aura can be brought on by a range of <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">triggers</a>, from stress to <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-that-trigger-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eating certain foods</a>. </p><p>In rare cases, the aura can happen without a migraine. These cases are called a<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/silent-migraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> silent migraine</a>, and they're <a href="https://migraine.com/migraine-types/silent-migraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most common</a> among people with a history of migraine aura. Most of the time, this is because the person was able to take medication to interrupt the migraine, Mikhael says. </p><h2>How to prevent migraine with aura</h2><p>The treatment for migraines with aura is the same as migraines without aura, Mikhael says. Although aura can be unpleasant and scary, it also gives people the opportunity to interrupt a migraine before the headache becomes severe.</p><p>"Because they know the aura is followed with migraine, a lot of our patients get ahead of the game by using abortive medications," as soon as aura occurs, he says.<a href="https://migrainedisease.org/treating-migraine/treatment/preventive-abortive-and-rescue-migraine-treatments/"> </a></p><p><a href="https://migrainedisease.org/treating-migraine/treatment/preventive-abortive-and-rescue-migraine-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abortive migraine medications</strong></a> — including the classes of drugs called<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/oral-triptan-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> triptans</a> and<a href="https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ergotamine.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ergotamines</a> — interrupt the process that causes a migraine, stopping the condition from progressing into a full-blown headache. Taking these medications upon the first sign of an aura makes them more likely to work, Mikhael says. </p><p><a href="https://migrainedisease.org/treating-migraine/treatment/preventive-abortive-and-rescue-migraine-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Preventative migraine medications</strong></a>, which can range from beta-blockers to migraine-specific injections like<a href="https://www.drugs.com/ajovy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Ajovy</a>, can also help keep migraines with aura at bay. </p><p><strong>Lifestyle changes</strong> like <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-relieve-stress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reducing stress</a> through <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-meditate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daily meditation</a> may <a href="https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/head.12420" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help</a> prevent migraines or reduce their severity, too, says Mikhael.</p><p>Over time, patients also learn what home remedies — like laying in a dark room and avoiding noise — can assist with symptoms until medication begins to work. </p><h2>When to see a doctor </h2><p>In most cases, the symptoms of aura are no more harmful than migraine without aura. If you're experiencing migraine aura for the first time, talk to your doctor. They may want to ensure that you're not suffering from conditions with similar symptoms,<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/silent-migraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> including</a> seizures, vision changes, or stroke.  </p><p>There are some potentially serious conditions associated with aura, as well. Anytime the <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aura lasts longer than an hour</a> or is accompanied by changes in consciousness or alertness, you<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> should</a> seek medical help.</p><p><a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/hemiplegic-migraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hemiplegic migraine</a> is a rare type of migraine that occurs with aura and usually runs within families. In addition to the aura symptoms listed above, people who experience hemiplegic migraines also experience weakness on one side of the body. Mikhael says typical migraine treatments can make a hemiplegic migraine worse, so speak to your doctor immediately if you think you may be experiencing one.</p><p>Another major concern is people who experience migraines with aura — especially women — are at<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540227/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> increased risk</a> of stroke. In fact, women who experience migraine aura are up to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540227/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">twice as likely</a> to have a stroke compared to people who do not have migraines with aura. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Experiencing a migraine with aura — especially for the first time — can be jarring, or even frightening. However, aura can also serve as a warning bell to help patients ward off a more severe migraine. </p><p>Overall, with more research and improved pharmaceuticals to treat migraines with aura, they're becoming easier to live with, Mikhael says. His colleagues who work in emergency rooms used to see migraine patients every day, he says. Now, that's rare.</p><p>"Most of the preventive treatments we use these days and the abortive therapies keep the migraines under control," says Mikhael.</p><h2>Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-fatigue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The most common causes of fatigue and how to figure out why you're always tired</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/period-migraine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Your period might be causing your migraine: Here's how to tell and ways to treat menstrual migraines</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 home remedies for migraines and when to see a doctor</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/pressure-points-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pressure points for migraines: A guide to getting relief through acupressure</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-am-i-always-tired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why am I always tired? The main causes of sleepiness and fatigue</a></strong></li></ul>

Migraine auras are a series of symptoms that precede a migraine and may help you stop a migraine before it starts

I'm a San Diego-based travel writer and I think these 13 hotels offer everything you've been dreaming about in a vacation

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="721539" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Natural-remedies">Natural remedies</keyword> for <keyword id="32334" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Migraines">migraines</keyword> that can provide relief and may prevent future attacks include B2 supplements, magnesium, yoga, and getting enough sleep.</li><li>To further help prevent <keyword id="30945" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Migraine">migraine</keyword>s in the future, avoid common migraine triggers like alcohol, bright lights, and loud noises. </li><li>You should see a doctor for your migraine if it's accompanied by certain conditions like vertigo or cognitive problems.</li></ul><p>A migraine is a neurological disease, and is much more than just a headache, with <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/november/migraines-vs-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms that include</a> nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to sound, light, or smells. </p><p>If you think you may be suffering from migraines, be sure to see your primary care doctor or a specialist who can appropriately diagnose you and rule out any other causes. </p><p>"The first step is to make sure that your headache has been properly evaluated and your specific headache syndrome is diagnosed," says board-certified neurologist <a href="https://hudsonmedical.com/medical/team/thomas-pitts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thomas Pitts</a>, with Hudson Medical + Wellness in New York City. </p><p>Once you've determined that your pain is migraine-based, you can take steps to find relief. Here are several home remedies to help treat some of the symptoms of migraines.</p><h2>Natural remedies for migraines</h2><p>Remedies for migraines include those that can help you find relief and prevent more migraines in the future. Adding magnesium to your diet, vitamin B2 supplementation, practicing yoga, and getting enough quality sleep are just a few home remedies you can try to help relieve the pain and prevent future episodes.</p><h3>1. Magnesium </h3><p>Adding a magnesium supplement to your diet, in doses of 400 to 500 milligrams a day, can help prevent migraines according to the <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/magnesium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Migraine Foundation</a>. The supplement may avert the occurrence of aura, a type of sensory disturbance, as well as light and noise sensitivity. Keep the dose at 400 milligrams if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Diarrhea and abdominal cramping are the most common side effects of taking magnesium. </p><h3>2. Vitamin B2</h3><p>A small <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623793/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a> found that 400 milligrams of vitamin B2 daily reduced the frequency and severity of migraines with minimal side effects compared to <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682412.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sodium valproate</a>. However, more research is needed to fully understand how vitamin B2 prevents migraines and whether it works for the general population, as current studies are limited and small. </p><h3>3. Caffeine </h3><p>Some studies have found that caffeine may <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655397/#:~:text=Caffeine%20combination%20products%20are%20useful,of%20caffeine%20may%20be%20beneficial." target="_blank" rel="noopener">help treat migraines</a>. However, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6901704/#B14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 review</a> found that chronic caffeine intake seemed to increase the chance of migraines — in particular, the <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/study-reveals-that-caffeine-can-actually-prevent-migraines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cleveland Clinic</a> recommends limiting yourself to 150 to 200 milligrams of caffeine daily. </p><p>Ultimately, more studies are needed to determine whether caffeine may help migraines, so it's important to speak with a physician about whether or not this treatment is right for you.</p><h3>4. Hot or cold remedies</h3><p>Applying heat or cold can help relieve migraines, according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>. When applied at the onset of a migraine, a frozen neck wrap significantly reduced pain, according to a small <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3727573/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2013 study</a>.</p><p>Placing a heating pad on your head or neck may also help to relax your muscles, which can relieve tension and the migraine itself. </p><h3>5. Yoga </h3><p>Adding yoga alongside several other natural remedies may work to reduce migraine frequency, duration, and severity, according to a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4746941/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a>.</p><h3>6. Avoid light</h3><p>Since migraines increase sensitivity to light and sound, the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a> recommends relaxing in a dark and quiet room. Try to sleep if you can. </p><h3>7. Regular exercise </h3><p>Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of migraines by reducing anxiety, depression, and obesity, according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>. Check with your doctor to see what types of exercises they recommend and how often. </p><h3>8. Sleep </h3><p>Sleeping well is essential if you suffer from migraines since a lack of sleep can trigger an attack. Good sleep quality comes with going to bed at the same time every night, waking up at the same time every morning, and having a quiet and comfortable sleep space. </p><h3>9. Peppermint oil</h3><p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20456191/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2010 study</a> found that the menthol in peppermint is a safe and effective treatment for migraines without aura. Apply to the forehead and temples at the first sign of a migraine. </p><h3>10. Melatonin</h3><p>Melatonin is a hormone that helps with your circadian rhythm, making you feel tired at night and more awake during the day. A <a href="https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2009.01547.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2010 study</a> found that migraine patients had abnormally low levels of melatonin. The research suggests that taking a melatonin supplement — up to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5432214/#:~:text=Recommend%20nightly%20melatonin%203%20mg,and%20causes%20fewer%20adverse%20effects." target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 mg per day</a> — could help with migraines.</p><h2>Migraine triggers</h2><p>Keep a migraine journal to determine what your triggers are so you can avoid them. When you get a migraine, jot down the date, time, what you were doing, your symptoms, anything you ate, and how you've been sleeping. </p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>, common migraine triggers include:</p><ul><li>menstruation</li><li>pregnancy</li><li>menopause</li><li>alcohol</li><li>too much caffeine</li><li>stress</li><li>bright lights</li><li>loud noises</li><li>strong smells</li><li>lack of sleep</li><li>jet lag</li><li>intense physical exertion</li><li>sexual activity</li><li>weather changes</li><li>certain medications such as oral contraceptives, nitroglycerin, and vasodilators</li><li>skipping meals</li><li>salty or processed foods</li><li>aged cheeses</li><li>food additives like MSG and aspartame</li></ul><h2>When to see a doctor for your migraine</h2><p>Pitts says you need to seek medical help if a migraine: </p><ul><li>Changes in intensity or quality.</li><li>Is accompanied by numbness.</li><li>Is accompanied by vertigo.</li><li>Causes cognitive problems. </li><li>Creates problems with arm or leg strength. </li><li>Worsens when you lie down or sit up, or is alleviated by changing position.</li></ul><p>These symptoms, along with migraines, could indicate something more severe, such as a stroke, which should be ruled out by a neurologist.</p><p>Some over the counter medications can help relieve mild to moderate migraines, like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen, according to <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/over-the-counter-medications-vs-prescription-medications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jessica Ailani</a>, a neurologist and director of the MedStar Georgetown Headache Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. A process of elimination can help determine which works best for you.</p><p>Home remedies for migraines aren't always enough. Pitts says some excellent migraine medications can help. According to the <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-medication/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Migraine Foundation</a>, migraine-specific prescriptions include <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/oral-triptan-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">triptans</a>, such as Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, and Rizatriptan. When these medications don't work, doctors turn to <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/headache-medicine-ergot-derivative-containing-oral-route-parenteral-route-rectal-route/description/drg-20070161" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ergot alkaloids</a>, such as Migrinal or Ergomar. </p><p>Other medical treatments include monthly and quarterly injections, nerve blockers, botox, and supplement infusions. See your doctor if natural remedies aren't working for you. Together you should be able to find a medication that works. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>You can often control or prevent migraines with home remedies. </p><p>According to Pitts, the top three natural remedies for migraines are good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and taking a daily magnesium and vitamin B2 supplement. </p><p>See your primary care provider once a year for a preventative screening to rule out other <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> problems, says Pitts. </p><h2>Related stories from the <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference Library</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/pressure-points-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pressure points for migraines: A guide to getting relief through acupressure</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 home remedies to relieve headaches naturally</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/natural-remedies-for-a-stomach-ache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best natural remedies for a stomach ache, according to a gastroenterologist</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-headache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to get rid of a headache: 4 ways to quickly relieve head pain</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-break-a-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to break a fever and help alleviate your symptoms</a></strong></li></ul>

10 home remedies for migraines and when to see a doctor

<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><em>The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B"></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>If you're looking for a massage tool, we recommend checking out this one.</p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B">Q-Flex Acupressure Massage Tool</a> is a uniquely designed device that's lightweight, portable and easy to use.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The tool has an curved shape that looks like a question mark. This allows for a more natural hand grip, and lets you keep your arms at a more comfortable, lower level.</span></p><p>The tool's pear-shaped tip and flexible core provide accurate pressure, comfort, and safety</p><p>"This is an ingenious device that actually works! Now it's possible to hit my trigger points all by myself - and the Q-Flex," <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B">one reviewer wrote</a>.</p><p>"I would highly recommend this product to someone who also enjoys a deep tissue or pressure point massage," <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B">another reviewer noted</a>.</p><h3><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B">Q-Flex Acupressure back and body massage tool: $24.99</a></h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMWWHUG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QMWWHUG&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipacupressureqflex-20&amp;linkId=PVXESRTFVP4OUH2B"></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p class="tagline">Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider's Insider Picks team. We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners, including Amazon. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, is an investor in Business Insider through his personal investment company Bezos Expeditions. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback.Have something you think we should know about? Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-sex-happy-couples-have-every-month-relationships-science-2015-3">Here's how much sex happy couples have every month</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="kzam9yczoRday4iMwxqmAYMJtrg2etNb" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

This 'ingenious' massage tool will get all those hard-to-reach pressure points

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Kamalaya is a resort built on the site of a sacred hermit retreat on the island of Samui in <keyword id="3739" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Thailand">Thailand</keyword>.</li><li>I'm a <keyword id="6374697" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wellness">wellness</keyword> newbie who's waved away words like "holistic" and "self care" for their crunchy-granola vagueness.</li><li>But in December, partially as a response to COVID-era stress, I decided to give the resort a try.</li></ul><p>As soon as I walked into my color therapy session, I was sure I'd made a mistake. </p><p>It was the first day of a week-long stay I'd booked at Kamalaya, a wellness retreat located on an idyllic stretch of beach on Thailand's Samui Island. The resort is sought after for its programs that claim to enhance body and spirit. It's where a certain <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international">international</keyword> set flies in on private jets to drop thousands of dollars a day on treatments, and here I was being asked to pick a pair of colors that would give me new perspective into my personality.</p><p>My fellow participants did not share my cynicism. The colors they picked reflected the importance of one of the seven chakras. For my part, once I figured out what chakra was, I struggled to make the connection between radiating energy, parts of the body, and picking a vial from a board that wouldn't have been out of place on a cosmetics counter.</p><p>I was, to put it bluntly, not feeling it.</p><p>When it was my turn, the therapist clucked with concern. He said I'd made an unusual choice - powder blue over midnight blue - as his partner scrambled to project a slide about the shades I'd chosen.</p><p>I asked a few polite questions, said good-bye to a woman who was visiting Kamalaya with her mother and brother, and took my leave. I comforted myself with thoughts of the sea views from my private villa and briefly wondered if I could rebook my return flight.</p><p>I'd decided to visit Kamalaya in December during what would have been, in an ordinary year, the beginning of the resort's busy season. I've been reading more and more that especially in these uncertain times, people don't know where to look for support, or realize that they could use a helping hand. Even here in Thailand, where life goes on much as it did before despite the pandemic, we are coping with altered routines, worrying about finances and job security, and coming to terms with being separated from loved ones.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/jun05/helping">American Psychological Association</a> points to dozens of studies that say men are on average less in tune with their needs and less likely to seek help. And urban professionals with their fast-lane lives come with their own baggage. I checked a lot of these boxes.</p><p>Before my stay, I'd always waved away words like "holistic" and "self care" for their crunchy-granola vagueness. And while that may attitude may have been tinged with a whiff of masculine pride, I also accept that I am a wellness newbie and that I'm coming to terms with change.</p><p>I was curious. What did I have to lose?</p><div type="image" title="1waterfront" height="1875" width="2500" msid="82177581" hostid="261"></div><h2>Spoiled for choice</h2><p>Things started to look up later in the day after a physical exam called "bioelectrical impedance analysis" and my consultation with a naturopath who crafted my program for the week. I began to understand that I had a lot of choices, and didn't need to embrace them all.</p><p>Spread across 4.1 hectares, Kamalaya has 76 rooms, suites, and villas, many with their own pools. The resort is certified by the Thai Safety and Health Administration that enforces COVID-19 prevention protocols, but given the sheer amount of space and the fact that many public areas are in the open air, social distancing was never an issue during my stay. More than once, I soaked in one of the hot tubs scattered around the wellness sanctuary, with nothing but the vast expanse of sea in front of me.</p><div type="image" title="1view" height="1875" width="2500" msid="82177582" hostid="261"></div><p>When you're ready to socialize, every day at Kamalaya includes group activities from meditation to aqua gym, from tea tastings to Muay Thai. You can take a healthy cooking class or tour the shrines scattered across the property. </p><p>On top of that, you can pick treatments and sessions tailored to your personal needs. Options range from sessions inspired by Ayurvedic to traditional Chinese medicine, from Reiki to one-on-one counseling and, yes, to in-depth color therapy.</p><p>I left the consultation with a full schedule, a suggestion to visit the steam room and icy plunge pool, and a reminder that the restaurant menus include balanced, detox, and vegetarian options.</p><p>I was concerned that I might find a wellness menu a little boring. I didn't. It's healthy, tasty, and generously served. Pro tip No. 1: If you are a savory breakfast person, look for the heady kedgeree and the millet congee. I'd order a half portion of each. Pro tip No. 2: If you need a cheat day, there is an off-menu chocolate lava cake that can be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance (but you didn't hear it from me). </p><div type="image" title="1food" height="1500" width="2000" msid="82177583" hostid="261"></div><h2>Finding shelter</h2><p>With my schedule set, I started to explore the grounds.</p><p>Kamalaya is built on a steep slope. An infinity pool sits near the top of the hill, above the hall used for meditation and a second open-air one used for yoga. At the base of the hill is the beach and the expanse of the Gulf of Thailand.</p><p>There's a sense of calm here that some people attribute to the spiritual roots of the site: For hundreds of years, Buddhist hermits came to meditate in a cave halfway up the hill in what was then hard-to-access jungle.</p><p>Kamalaya cofounder John Stewart's <a href="https://www.kamalaya.com/spa-resort-thailand/">story</a> is well-known in the resort: He traveled alone to India as a teen and became a monk for 16 years before falling in love with his wife and cofounder Karina and eventually becoming a hotelier with a mission. While I knew the backstory, making my own pilgrimage to the cave wasn't high on my list. The universe was about to decide otherwise.</p><p>On my second morning at Kamalaya, I visited the beach. I was walking back up the hill in the sunshine after taking a few seascape pictures. Within minutes the wind was whipping, the sky had clouded over, and I found myself caught in a tropical storm. That's when I looked up and saw the path to the hermits' cave. </p><p>Some people might read something into a skeptic being forced to take shelter from a storm in a spiritual shrine. I wouldn't call it an epiphany, but I did find myself alone at the mouth of the cave, contemplating the outside world, candles flickering beside me. I jabbed at my phone but deep in the rock there was no signal. And so the busy urbanite was forced to commune with nature and his surroundings.</p><p>And he liked it.</p><div type="image" title="1cave" height="1500" width="2000" msid="82177584" hostid="261"></div><h2>Embracing a little change</h2><p>After that, letting go was easier.</p><p>I tried meditation and breathing exercises and finally understood why I disliked meditating with someone who instructs you to "let go of your problems," calling to mind exactly the things you are trying to forget. At Kamalaya, I learned a better way: Slowing my breathing to concentrate on nothing but the steady flow of air was enough to make my worldly cares fade into the background.</p><div type="image" title="1temple" height="1875" width="2500" msid="82177586" hostid="261"></div><p>I had picked a potluck of treatments, many of which I'd never even heard of. Myofascial release turned out to be a stretchy, pressure-packed workout pretending to be a massage. Kati vasti involves hot aromatic oil being directed onto one part of the body (in my case the lower back) and held in place by a ring of raw dough. My marma point massage, which like kati vasti comes from ancient Ayurvedic traditions, was a whole body acupressure session. And in a mentoring session, I touched on personal subjects from betrayal and anger to a classic look into childhood.</p><p>I also found myself more open to others during my stay than I ordinarily would be. I ended up chatting every day with the woman from color therapy. She was concerned that the mentoring session she'd booked would be too upsetting and wanted to cancel it. I assured her she wouldn't be forced to share anything she was uncomfortable with. She went, got emotional anyway, and was grateful that she did. Her brother, who had the very pragmatic goal of losing five kilos, did just that.</p><p>Out of the blue while I was at Kamalaya, an acquaintance messaged me asking for some business advice. Within minutes this man - who I'd only ever met in person twice - was telling me about the end of an unhealthy relationship he'd been in. I'd just come from a meditation session that echoed some of the things he already knew but needed to hear. Was that coincidence? Maybe. But in that moment he sensed he could open up to me.</p><div type="image" title="2view" height="1080" width="1440" msid="82177589" hostid="261"></div><p>On the day that I left Kamalaya, I received a print-out of some basic Pranayama breathing exercises that I worked on in a couple of sessions during my stay. They are said to give you energy in the morning, concentration for your work day, and relaxation for bed. I was surprised to see how easy it was to make the exercises part of my daily routine.</p><p>I see why people who have stayed at Kamalaya get a twinkle in their eye when they talk about it. There is something special about the place. Whether you call it some mystical, intangible quality or see it as a benefit of digital detox and fresh air, well, that is entirely up to you.</p><p><em>Editor's note: The reporter's stay at Kamalaya was comped by the resort.</em></p><p><em>Consult the World Health Organization's <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice">travel advisory website</a> and regional guidelines or restrictions before undertaking any <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> during the COVID-19 pandemic.</em></p>

I spent a week at a wellness retreat in Thailand this winter to see if it would help me cope with stress and come to terms with change in the middle of the pandemic

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There is no universal food or beverage that triggers migraines but common culprits include caffeine, alcohol, MSG, chocolate, and more.</li><li>In order to avoid migraines in the future try eating healthy foods like whole fruits and vegetables and eat on a consistent schedule to avoid drops in blood sugar, which has been known to trigger headaches.</li><li>Keep a diary of your diet over a few months, and if you identify a certain food, beverage, or additive as a possible trigger, avoid it for a month to see if you experience fewer migraines.</li><li>This article was <strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medically reviewed</a></strong> by <a href="https://www.memorialcare.org/providers/medhat-f-mikhael" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Medhat Mikhael, MD</a><strong>, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.</strong></li></ul><p>Have you ever wondered if that glass of red wine with dinner might have triggered the pounding <keyword id="6361884" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="headache">headache</keyword> you felt later that night? The answer might be yes.</p><p>"Several <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27699780/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies</a> show a link between food and beverages and migraines," says <a href="https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1871886259/thomas-berk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thomas Berk, MD</a>, neurologist and headache specialist at NYU Langone Health and Assistant Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.</p><p><keyword id="30945" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Migraine">Migraine</keyword> affects over <a href="https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one billion people</a> worldwide, and 39 million in the US alone. Learn more about the disease, including the most common foods that can trigger a migraine. </p><h2>Headache vs. migraine</h2><p>The difference between headaches and migraines is largely to do with the severity of the pain.</p><p>A headache can be uncomfortable and last for hours to days. Whereas a migraine is considered to be a neurological disease and the most debilitating type of headache, with <a href="https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 90% of sufferers</a> incapable of working or doing normal activities during a migraine attack. </p><p>"A <a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headache</a> is any kind of pain in the head or face, and there are <a href="https://ichd-3.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/The-International-Classification-of-Headache-Disorders-3rd-Edition-2018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over 120 different kinds of headaches</a>, which include migraines," says Berk. </p><p>A migraine generally includes severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, and it can last from four to 72 hours. Additional <a href="https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">symptoms</a> may include sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, nausea, vomiting, and a visual disturbance known as an <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-to-have-migraine-with-aura-2019-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aura</a>.</p><h2><strong>Migraine triggers</strong></h2><p>"There is no universal food or beverage that triggers migraines," says Berk. Everyone predisposed to migraines has different triggers, some of which may be food or drink-related. Whatever the trigger may be, all migraine triggers affect the brain in the same way — by lowering the threshold to migraines.</p><p>Here's an example of what could happen. You drink a glass of wine, which is a migraine trigger for you. That drink leads to the creation of inflammatory neurotransmitters that are produced in the brain. Those neurotransmitters make the blood vessels around the brain dilate, and the nerve endings send signals back to the brain to feel symptoms such as pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and more.</p><p>Based on Berk's research and discussions with patients, here is his list of the eight most common foods, drinks, and food-related triggers for migraine headaches:</p><ol><li><strong>Caffeine.</strong> Caffeine is present in many foods, including your daily cup of Joe. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27699780/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 review</a> showed that caffeine withdrawal, as well as excessive caffeine consumption (<a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-and-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 200 milligrams per day</a>), can cause migraines in some people.</li><li><strong>Alcohol.</strong> Some of Berk's migraine patients refrain from drinking alcohol due to a fear that alcohol can cause migraines. Turns out there's truth to that theory. A <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ene.13861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> showed alcohol to be a trigger for over 35% of study participants with migraines. Red wine was the most common alcoholic beverage trigger. "The studies haven't determined if sulfites, tannins, or any other naturally-occurring chemicals in wine are the cause of migraine triggers," he says.</li><li><strong>MSG.</strong> Most of us think of <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-msg-bad-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MSG</a> as a flavor enhancer in Asian cooking, but it's used in <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-msg-bad-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many types of processed foods</a>, including snacks, frozen foods, soups, ketchup, and other condiments. And <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27699780/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research has found</a> that MSG is a top migraine trigger. </li><li><strong>Chocolate.</strong> If you suffer from migraines, you don't have to swear off chocolate just yet. This trigger is a bit controversial because sometimes chocolate (possibly due to the caffeine in it) helps lessen migraine pain, says Berk. It's also a common craving in the beginning stage of migraines. But, according to a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146545/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 review</a>, chocolate was found to be a migraine trigger in a small percentage of participants.</li><li><strong>Cold cuts.</strong> If you're prone to migraines, consider what's inside of your lunch sandwich. "One common migraine trigger is food preservatives, including <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5080405/#B1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nitrates and nitrites</a>," says Berk. These are used to preserve color and flavor in lunch meats as well as bacon and hotdogs. </li><li><strong>Aspartame. </strong>As the world's most common artificial sweetener, aspartame is used in over <a href="https://aspartame.org/aspartame-products/#.VNO3MFXF_w4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6,000 food and beverage items</a>. Many <a href="https://usrtk.org/sweeteners/aspartame_health_risks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies</a> have shown that aspartame can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and, yes, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27699780/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraine</a>.</li><li><strong>Aged cheese.</strong> If you like cheese and are prone to migraines, consider switching away from Parmesan, Brie, Swiss, cheddar, and blue cheese. These aged cheeses are high in <a href="https://headaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/TyramineDiet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tyramine</a>, which occurs naturally in foods that are aged or fermented when the amino acid tyrosine breaks down. Tyramine has been shown to <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2015/november/foods-that-can-trigger-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause headaches</a> by constricting and dilating blood vessels. </li><li><strong>Salty foods. </strong>If you're trying to <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-dash-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">limit your salt intake to lower your blood pressure</a>, you might also end up with fewer headaches, according to a <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/12/e006671" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2014 study</a>. Even fake salt, or chemicals created to taste like salt, in snacks and processed foods such as potato chips, contains preservatives that can trigger migraines, says Berk.</li></ol><h2><strong>How to avoid food-related migraines</strong></h2><p>"Migraine disease is complex and affected by many factors," says <a href="https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/nursing/degrees-programs/graduate-certificates/headache-diagnosis-management.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simy Parikh, MD</a>, program director of Thomas Jefferson University's Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Advanced Headache Diagnosis and Management and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University.</p><p>Here Parikh offers some steps you can take to potentially reduce migraine triggers:</p><p><strong>Eat healthily and consistently. </strong>You may have noticed that the migraine trigger list was lacking a few major food groups —  "healthy" foods such as fruits, vegetables, and protein, in particular. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32449944/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 review</a> showed that most "migraine-friendly" healthy eating plans, such as low-fat diets, provided a decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks.  </p><p>In addition to eating healthy foods, it's important to keep a consistent eating schedule to avoid migraines.</p><p>"<a href="https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/trigger-factors/hypoglycaemia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Low blood glucose</a> can trigger headaches," says Parikh. To keep your blood sugar steady, eat at roughly the same time every day without an extended amount of time between meals, she says. Parikh also suggests to all of her patients to maintain a healthy diet and weight.</p><p><strong>Track food triggers and eliminate them from your diet. </strong>Since multiple factors contribute to migraines, many sufferers keep a <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/headache/keeping-a-headache-diary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headache diary</a>. This is where they can list the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines, as well as possible triggers, including food and drink.</p><p>If a food, beverage, or additive is identified as a possible trigger, Parikh suggests avoiding it for a month to see what happens. It's important to eliminate only one potential exposure each month, otherwise, you won't be certain what is triggering an attack.</p><p>Tracking the impact of a dietary change can help distinguish actual food triggers from migraine-associated food cravings. It's also important to work with a doctor when making any diet changes, says Parikh.</p><p><strong>Get your sleep. </strong>Sleep and migraine are closely linked. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7590682/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 review</a> showed the two-way relationship between sleep disorders and migraines. In other words, poor sleep quality is a trigger for migraines, and migraine sufferers are also at an increased risk of sleep disorders. To reduce the risk of sleep as a trigger for migraines, Parikh recommends that her patients stick to a specific sleep schedule. </p><p><strong>Reduce stress. </strong>Stress can also trigger migraines. In fact, in one <a href="https://americanheadachesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Behavioral-Infographic_V3_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>, four out of every five people with migraines reported stress as a trigger. Here are some ways to reduce stress:</p><ul><li><strong>Exercise.</strong> Exercise has many benefits, including <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-relieve-stress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stress relief</a>. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6134860/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 review</a> showed that regular exercise, including aerobic or strength training, may lessen the number of migraines. On the flip side, that same review showed that exercise can sometimes trigger migraines.</li><li><strong>Yoga.</strong> In addition to helping you feel more <a href="https://www.insider.com/i-tried-yoga-every-day-for-a-month-pros-cons-2019-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relaxed</a>, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843960/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> showed that yoga relieves stress. A <a href="https://n.neurology.org/content/94/21/e2203" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> concluded that yoga helps reduce migraine frequency, especially when combined with medication.   </li><li><strong>Meditation.</strong> Clearing your mind is bound to make you less stressed, and the <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness-meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> on meditation and stress relief confirms the mindfulness practice is helpful for migraine relief. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25041058/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2014 study</a> showed that people who practiced <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-meditate#meditation-for-beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meditation</a> had fewer migraines per month.  </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Certain foods, drinks, and additives may trigger migraines, and tracking them in a headache diary with one elimination per month may be helpful. Getting good quality sleep, exercise, and reducing stress can also reduce migraine attacks.</p><p>Migraines can be brutally painful and life-altering. The causes of migraines are complex and not always known. However, research has shown that there are ways to potentially lessen the frequency, duration, and intensity of attacks.</p><p>Parikh emphasizes that it's important to support migraine sufferers and not blame them for trigger exposures that may provoke migraine attacks. "There are many factors that come together to cause migraines, and you can do everything 'right' and still get them," she says.</p><h2>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/pressure-points-for-migraines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pressure points for migraines: A guide to getting relief through acupressure</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 home remedies to relieve headaches naturally</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/natural-remedies-for-a-stomach-ache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best natural remedies for a stomach ache, according to a gastroenterologist</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-headache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to get rid of a headache: 4 ways to quickly relieve head pain</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-break-a-fever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to break a fever and help alleviate your symptoms</a></strong></li></ul>

8 foods and drinks that are common migraine triggers, according to a neurologist

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Insider's Caroline Aghajanian picks her favorite <keyword id="6354629" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="beauty">beauty</keyword> treatments she's tried in <keyword id="6354803" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Los-Angeles">Los Angeles</keyword>. </strong></li><li><strong>The best body treatment is the shiatsu massage from <a href="https://www.insider.com/we-tried-3-detox-treatments-at-a-korean-spa-hugh-spa-los-angeles-2019-3">Hugh Spa</a>, a Korean bathhouse located between Pico-Union and Koreatown.</strong></li><li><strong>The best <keyword id="23927" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hair">hair</keyword> treatment is a <keyword id="55648" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Scalp">scalp</keyword> therapy treatment from <a href="https://www.insider.com/scalp-steamer-2018-3">Blow Me Away</a>, an organic <keyword id="768636" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hair-salon">hair salon</keyword> and head spa located in Beverly Grove. </strong></li><li><strong>The best <keyword id="31791" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="facial">facial</keyword> is a customizable facial with <a href="https://www.insider.com/contouring-facial-for-celebrities-2019-12">Biba de Sousa</a> in <keyword id="2395" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="beverly-hills">Beverly Hills</keyword>, facialist to celebrities like <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/miley-cyrus">Miley Cyrus</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/emily-blunt">Emily Blunt</a>. </strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</strong></li></ul><em>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.</em><br /><br /><strong>Caroline Aghajanian:</strong> Hello, it's Caroline. I hope everyone is distancing as best as they can and staying safe. I've been lucky enough to be able to work from home during this pandemic, and I've been going through some of my older videos trying to think of new ideas, and I'd figure I'd share some of my favorite treatments that I've tried in LA. I'm looking forward to when these businesses reopen and I get to book a treatment, and I hope you can too. Until then, stay safe and take care. I've tried a lot of treatments on the job, like a chemical face peel, a giant loofah body scrub, a face and body enzyme treatment, a four-handed synchronized massage, a three hour-facial. I even got wrapped in seaweed. The list goes on. Everyone always asks me, "Which one is your favorite, if you had to pick one?" And although I haven't tried every treatment in LA, I have picked my favorite hair, body, and facial treatment. I'm gonna talk about why I love these more than some of the other ones and share some thoughts about the treatment that might not have made it in the original videos. So, let's roll the clips. The best hair treatment I've tried is actually a scalp treatment from Blow Me Away, which is an organic salon and head spa that's in Beverly Grove. The Japanese scalp treatment has a scalp analysis to see the health and condition of the scalp, a micromist to really remove that scalp buildup like oil or hair products that are clogging up the follicle, and a head massage. It was such a strange feeling looking at my scalp at such a close angle. Ew. I honestly was worried about what was in there that I didn't know was there. The second girl in the video, Holly, was an LA Clippers dancer, and she said she used a lot of products in her hair, like hair spray and dry shampoo, so her hair had a lot of buildup around the follicle. That buildup can impact hair growth. In my case, I didn't have a lot of buildup, but I found out that my scalp had a lot of redness and was almost really veiny, and the spa technician told me that that indicates stress and lack of sleep, which wasn't a shocker, but that is what can cause hair loss and unhealthy hair growth, so that really got me listening. The best part of this was the acupressure head massage you get on your scalp to stimulate blood circulation.<br /><br /><strong>Sakaya Lee:</strong> The scalp has pressure points, same as a foot massage, so it connect to the whole body, same as a shoulder when you type. It's not enough blood circulation. Caroline: How do I fix it? Sakaya: You can massage every day.<br /><br /><strong>Caroline Aghajanian:</strong> OK.<br /><br /><strong>Sakaya:</strong> Massage is a really key point.<br /><br /><strong>Caroline Aghajanian:</strong> Ooh. I feel the breeze in my scalp. [laughs] It feels good. And then, afterwards, I got probably the best blowout I've ever had in my life. Like, look how bouncy my hair looks here. I had bleached hair then, and there was no way it was gonna look that healthy if I did it myself. The best thing I've learned from this video is that healthy hair starts from a healthy scalp, and we should really be taking care of our scalps by massaging them, not overwashing, and really being careful with the types of products we're putting in our hair. If you're in LA, you have to visit Hugh Spa. It's between Pico-Union and Koreatown, and it's a Korean bathhouse that has a bunch of spa amenities, like a wet room, a Himalayan salt room, an ice room, an oxygen room, and a mud clay room. The little pebbles in the mud clay room are like a warm massage in itself. Definitely my favorite room. [pebbles rattling] During my first visit to Hugh Spa, we filmed their Korean scrub, which is about $40, but the second time I went, I was able to try out a few more treatments, like the gorgeous gold body wrap and facial and the shiatsu massage. I have to say the shiatsu massage at Hugh Spa is probably one of the best, if not the best massage I've ever had. It cost $85 for 60 minutes, and the massage therapist used her hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure on my body. She really stretched out my limbs and joints, my body was stretched and cracked in all the right areas, and afterwards I wasn't even sore, even though it felt really intense. What I love is that when you go to other spas, the massage therapists are usually very timid when it comes to really digging into your skin and getting those knots, but not here. [laughs] OK, you all love facials, and you know so much about them, which is why I love trying so many of them. And I've learned a lot along the way, and I think I've gotten pretty good at determining what's beneficial for my skin and what really doesn't work. That is why I have to pick my facial with Biba de Sousa in Beverly Hills as the best facial in LA. Biba works on so many celebrities, like Miley Cyrus and Emily Blunt. The celebrity affiliation is what first attracted me to Biba's spa, but while I was there, I noticed that, like similar customizable facials, Biba changes the facial for every skin type and doesn't rely on a certain mask or have a standard routine. While my skin is typically oily, that day it was super dehydrated, and Biba noticed that right away. She spent a lot of time explaining to me what I needed and what I didn't need for my skin for that day. As you can see, Biba used a lot of high-frequency tools on my face, especially for the microcurrent portion of the facial. In previous facials when I've tried some of these tools, I actually felt uncomfortable electric zaps on my face or tasted a lot of metal in my mouth. I did feel a little light-headed for a bit after, but this facial was way more gentle on my skin than ones I've tried before. But the best part of this facial was an old-school deep pressure massage on the face.<br /><br /><strong>Biba de Sousa:</strong> So, we have to make this both sides of face are symmetric. This one is a little bit higher than the other. So, note the massage is always upwards and outwards.<br /><br /><strong>Caroline Aghajanian:</strong> That feels good. [laughs] Biba: Mm-hmm. Caroline: At the end of the facial, my face felt lifted and more contoured, and generally I was just super relaxed with Biba, as if I've known her for a while. I've filmed at fancy spas where you're treated differently if you aren't a celebrity, and with Biba there was none of that pretentiousness, so I really think that adds to the experience of the entire facial. So, there you have it. My picks for the best facial, hair, and body treatment in LA, so far. I have so much more to try here in LA and in other parts of the world, hopefully soon. Again, I wanna stress that these videos were all previously filmed, and a lot of these businesses might be closed given the pandemic, so by no means should you be traveling to LA or anywhere to try these treatments until we're all 100% safe to do so. But thanks for watching this video, and I'm sending you all my best wishes.<br /><br />Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-facial-hair-body-treatments-to-try-in-los-angeles-2020-3">Insider</a>

You Searched For "acupressure" and got 11 results

How to get in touch with your body by giving your vagina a yoni massage

Madeline Kennedy,Sara Rosen

Namaste: Indian way of greeting people grabs the whole world’s attention during coronavirus

BI India Bureau

5 anti-aging face yoga exercises that will reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin

Sarah Fielding,Debra Jaliman

Botox is one of the most effective treatments for chronic migraines — here's how to know if it's right for you

Sarah Fielding,Medhat Mikhael

Migraine auras are a series of symptoms that precede a migraine and may help you stop a migraine before it starts

Kelly Burch,Ilan Danan

I'm a San Diego-based travel writer and I think these 13 hotels offer everything you've been dreaming about in a vacation

Lois Alter Mark

10 home remedies for migraines and when to see a doctor

Nicky LaMarco,Ilan Danan

This 'ingenious' massage tool will get all those hard-to-reach pressure points

Insider Picks

I spent a week at a wellness retreat in Thailand this winter to see if it would help me cope with stress and come to terms with change in the middle of the pandemic

Vincent Vichit-Vadakan

8 foods and drinks that are common migraine triggers, according to a neurologist

Margie Zable Fisher

Best facial, hair, and body treatment in Los Angeles

Caroline Mishelle Aghajanian,…