It’s Christmas Gift time again! Many people, especially those of us with migraine find Christmas shopping overwhelming and stressful, but how can we do it without the stress, or how do we buy for a fellow migraineur?
Thankfully, shopping online for gifts and having a list of gift ideas are two ways to make the whole thing easier and relatively stress-free. Especially this year!
First of all, here are a few ideas of what not to get, because you don’t want to buy something that will trigger an attack.
Gifts to avoid:
- Perfume
- Aftershave/Cologne
- Smelly Candles/Pot Pourri
- Smelly cosmetic products
- Chocolate gifts (if chocolate is a trigger)
- Red Wine – Although you might get away with organic wines
The above list is of course only a guide, and not every migraineur is triggered by these things so they may in fact appreciate the gifts above. But what else can you put on your Christmas list, or get for a fellow migraineur?
Essential Oils?
Traditionally essential oils like peppermint and lavender have been used for migraine and nausea, however, because of smell being a trigger factor you need to be careful when dabbling with essential oils. Luckily, Aoife Armstrong of ‘Me-Time Aromatherapy’ has some solutions.
”Aromatherapy and essential oils can help in the management of migraine. There are many oils that can be used to help combat stress, help us to relax and unwind, or can also be used for menstrual related migraine.” She says. “As there are so many essential oils to choose from, it may not be easy to know what oil or blend is right for you and some can even be a trigger for your migraine.”
If you’re buying for another, you can buy gift sets or bespoke blends from Aoife coming up to Christmas. If however, you decide to buy an early pressie for yourself, Aoife can do a phone consultation and provide a bespoke Aroma-Roller, nasal-inhaler, or bottled oil blend specific to you and your needs.
Whatever you decide, Aoife advises “Remember to take time out for you and indulge yourself in some me-time.” Excellent advice, especially for the sparkly season!
To find out more about Aromatherapy as a complimentary treatment for migraine contact Aoife on 086 373 8260. The Bowen Technique has also been used as a complementary therapy for migraine. You can speak to Aoife about this too.
Visit her Facebook page: Aoife Armstrong: The Bowen Technique & Aroma-Massage or instagram: Bowen & ‘Me-Time Aromatherapy’
So what else can I get for Christmas?
Well luckily our little migraine elves have been working their tiny fingers to the bone googling things for you and we’ve come up with a selection of gifts and ideas for Christmas we hope you like. Many of these gifts will also be lovely for non-migraineurs.
We’ve done our best to find Irish companies or at least the Irish sites of international companies to support Irish businesses as much as possible. EmergencyServices.ie, the online portal for those in the Irish emergency services, also has a great article on 100 Irish Retailer that sell toys, clothes, books, tech, etc. Click here to read it.
Gift List
Pampering/Comforting Gifts:
- Assemble A Gift Basket for A Loved One with Migraine – Ask your local pharmacy to make up a basket with things like migra-stick, cooling eye masks/pads; also with pampering products that anyone would love.
- Electric Blanket or throw/Hot water Bottle Set – https://www.boots.ie/electrical/electrical-health-diagnostics/electric-blankets
- Gravity Blanket – https://deepsleep.ie/
- Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Capability – https://www.did.ie/homedics-travel-eye-mask-with-built-in-headphones-black-ta-mskv100bk-ta-mskv100bk-prd
- Reflex Pillow – recommended by a migraineur – https://www.reflexpillow.com/
- Shiatsu Massage chair or pillow https://powercity.ie/product/CBS2016 / https://www.boots.ie/brands/homedics-brand-1
Migraine-Specific Gifts:
- Migra Cap or Migraine Ice Hat – http://www.migracap.com/
- Migraine/Blue Light Glasses – https://ambreyewear.com/ https://www.theraspecs.com/ https://www.axonoptics.com/
- Migraine Pillow http://www.apexheadacheclinic.co.uk/apex-sleepwell-pillow/
- Migraine cookbook – The Dizzy Cookbook https://thedizzycook.com/the-makings-of-a-migraine-free-cookbook/
Other Thoughtful Gifts:
- Jade, Amethyst or Rose Quartz Face Roller and gift set – https://beautyshop.ie/products/original-jade-roller-and-gua-sha-set-jade-face-roller-face-roller-100-natural-rose-
- Audible and Kindle Subscription – audible.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-store
- The Wand Wine Filter by PureWine https://molloys.ie/products/purewine-the-wand-disposable-pack-of-5
- Himalayan salt lamp https://saltlamps.ie/
- Crystal jewellery/spheres/angels for migraine – https://crystalearth.ie/ / https://www.yellowbrickroad.ie/
- Crystals that are traditionally used for migraine include;
- Amethyst
- Rose Quartz
- Lapis Lazuli
- Selenite
- Clear Quartz
- Turquoise
- Amber
- Moonstone
- Green Aventurine
- Crystals that are traditionally used for migraine include;
AmethystIf you don’t believe that crystals have an effect on health, they still make beautiful jewellery and gifts. They are also cool against the skin which can bring relief.
Happy Christmas!
Click here for last year’s tips and hints for Celebrating Christmas
Goodbye 2020
This year has been a more difficult year than most for all of us and we’d like to thank you all for your continued support and attendance at our events. I know it hasn’t been easy but it’s very much appreciated by all of us here at MAI. Let’s all hope 2021 can banish the horror of 2020 quickly.
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Migraine-free Christmas and New Year.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhlian faoi Mhaise dhaoibh go léir!
