Camilla Jessen
Almost nobody knows this migraine trick — but it’s going viral for a reason.
Migraines are more than intense headaches. They are a neurological condition that affects roughly 15 percent of people worldwide, with women experiencing them far more often than men.
Triggers can vary widely, from stress and sleep disruption to hormonal shifts or weather changes. Once an attack begins, many people scramble for anything that might reduce the pain.
That urgency has helped fuel interest in a surprisingly basic method.
A viral idea
The technique being shared online is straightforward: warm feet and a cool head.
People demonstrate soaking their feet in warm water while placing a cold compress or cloth on their forehead or temples. Many claim the pain eases within minutes.
At first glance, the idea sounds too simple. But there are physiological reasons it may help.
Why it may work
Heat applied to the feet causes blood vessels in the lower body to widen. This draws blood away from the head, which may reduce the pressure sensation often linked to migraine pain.
Cold applied to the head does the opposite. It constricts blood vessels, a response that has long been used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Together, the contrast may act like a “vessel reset,” easing throbbing and pressure.
People who try the method often describe feeling a “clear head” afterward or experiencing a “gentle shutdown of the attack.”
While large clinical trials have not specifically tested this combination, the effects of heat and cold on blood vessels are well established in medical research.
Because the approach is low-risk, many see it as worth trying.
How to try it
- Place your feet in comfortably warm water.
- Apply a cold cloth or ice pack to your forehead or temples.
- Stay relaxed for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat if you have circulation issues.
The technique may be most useful at the first signs of a migraine or while waiting for medication to take effect.
Sources: Medical research on thermotherapy and cryotherapy, Freundin
