About 39 million Americans live with migraines. 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 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. There are plenty of remedies to help relieve migraine pain, from over-the-counter medicines and eye massage masks to Botox.
Now, TikTok is popularizing a new way to find relief from migraine pain. TikTokers say the trick to relieving migraines fast is to soak your feet in hot water. And unlike some other TikTok health trends, the experts are on board.
@doctorsood Have you tried this? #migraine #migrainerelief #migrainetiktok
♬ original sound - DoctorSood, M.D.
According to Dr. Kunal Sood, an interventional pain doctor in Maryland, “Soaking your feet in hot water causes the blood vessels in your feet to dilate by pulling away the blood from your head. It eases the pressure on the blood vessels, causing migraines and decreasing your pain. Yes, it is as simple as this, and this hack actually works.”
TikToker Becca Von Bereghy posted a video with her sitting at the edge of her bathtub and soaking her feet in hot water. According to Berghy — whose video has been viewed over 4 million times — her headache went away in a matter of minutes.
Here are a few other ways to help fight a migraine at home, according to WebMD:
- Use a cold pack, placing it behind your neck
- Drink some caffeine
- Utilize a quiet, dark space in your house
- Go for a walk or try yoga
- Eat dark leafy greens to up magnesium levels
“We should remain open to new ideas,” Kiran Rajneesh, MD, a neurologist and pain medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Health. “However, as physicians, we need to perform due diligence before endorsing new therapies and treatments, including lifestyle measures.”
