TikTok’s new way to treat migraines: soaking your feet in hot water may help with headaches – and doctors agree
- The condition can affect people of most ages and can last for up to a few days in severe cases
- Online content creator Becca Von Bereghy’s video with a new cure for the issue has been viewed over four million times last month
Over four billion people in the world are affected by migraines. Photo: ShutterstockMigraines affect over a billion people worldwide. About 39 million Americans live with migraines, a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. However, that number could be higher, as many people don’t seek medical attention or get a proper diagnosis, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Migraines can affect children and teenagers as well as adults. They can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days – and those who suffer from chronic migraines can experience an episode for up to a week.
Apart from over-the-counter medicines, there are plenty of remedies to help relieve migraine pain, according to health website WebMD. These include placing a cold pack behind the neck, moving to a quiet and dark space, taking a walk and doing yoga, among others.
Now, TikTok is popularising a new way to relieve migraine pain. TikTokkers say the trick is to soak your feet in hot water. TikTokker Becca Von Bereghy posted a video of her sitting at the edge of her bathtub and soaking her feet in hot water. According to Berghy – whose video has been viewed over four million times as of last month – her headache went away in a matter of minutes.
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Unlike some other health trends, experts are on board with this one. “Soaking your feet in hot water causes the blood vessels in your feet to dilate by pulling away the blood from your head. It eases the pressure and decreases your pain. It is as simple as this, and this hack actually works,” said Dr Kunal Sood, an interventional pain doctor in the US state of Maryland.
“We should remain open to new ideas,” Dr Kiran Rajneesh, a pain medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, added. “However, as physicians, we need to perform due diligence before endorsing new therapies and treatments.”
Be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any new home remedies.
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What causes a migraine?
It is a neurological condition that can cause extreme pain in your head. This pain can be so bad it makes you want to stay in bed for days.
A migraine happens when nerves in our blood vessels send pain signals to the brain. This, in turn, triggers the release of inflammatory substances into the head’s nerves and blood vessels, causing the throbbing pain.
Though migraine causes aren’t fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role. Some common triggers include emotional stress, skipping a meal, having too much or too little caffeine, changing sleep patterns, and exposure to flashing lights or even light from the TV or computer. Women are more likely to experience migraines during their menstrual periods.