Managing rainy season migraines

If you’re a migraine sufferer like I am, you’re probably not thrilled about the rainy season coming up. I find that the rain exacerbates my headaches and migraines, and science backs that up, too. The influence of barometric pressure on migraines has been studied quite extensively, and changes in the atmosphere are widely regarded as something that can trigger their onset.

After the better part of a decade in Japan now, I’ve had to work on strategies to help keep migraines at bay during the rainy season – or at least stop them effectively when they do decide to pop up. These are some tips that have helped immensely in managing my migraines during tsuyu time each year.

Diffuse or roll on peppermint oil

I find that uplifting scents really help a lot when I get migraines, and one of my top recommendations is peppermint oil. I have some in a roller ball bottle which I dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil is my go-to), and I roll it on my temples. Along with the pleasant scent, the oil has a really nice cooling, tingling feel, and I find it helps a lot. It can also be nice to diffuse peppermint oil if you have a diffuser, but just note that the oil is toxic to cats and can cause issues for dogs – so be sure to keep your furry friends away from it! Lavender oil is also said to be helpful for migraines, and it has such a lovely, relaxing smell.

Peppermint oil, either diffused or applied topically (diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil) is really helpful for my migraines!

Use cooling patches

You may have seen cooling patches before at your local drug store or even at 100 yen stores like Daiso and Can-Do. Basically, they’re stick-on gel sheets filled with cooling menthol, and they work wonders for headaches. I recommend keeping some on hand like these ones you can purchase on Amazon, but there are plenty of different varieties out there.

They’re also meant to be useful for things like tooth pain or fever, but I can only attest to them for headaches and I’d recommend them 100% based on my experience with them.

Remember to stay hydrated!

This is a year-round important thing for those who get headaches/migraines, but I think it’s pertinent to mention in relation to the rainy season. I find that when it’s rainy outside, I often forget to hydrate like I would on a summer day where the sun is blazing – even though the temperatures during rainy season can still be quite high! I try to keep a full water bottle beside my desk at all times when I’m working, so I can periodically sip throughout the day, and I make sure to have a large glass of water with each meal as well.

Do you notice a correlation between the rainy season and headaches or migraines? Do you have any additional tips to share or products you've found helpful in managing them?