Hi, I read this today and thought it may be of interest to those who suffer from the sorts of headache mentioned.May be worth a try.

[kiwi1964]

stuff.co.nz/science/8851924...

[Juliapester3]

interesting! it also mentions exercise as stress buster and my head is always better when i exercise regularly

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Both heat and exercise cause me to have migraines!

[Pattipan]

Mmm, maybe people in New Zealand have instant access to saunas, but I don't know anyone in the UK who has one at home - or who would be able to get to any kind of public/private facility when in the throes of a migraine - or even a stress headache, which is what this seems to be concentrating on. Maybe inhaling steam, as you might when suffering from a cold or putting a warm flannel over your face might be a more feasible alternative. I often find a shower can help delay the development of a headache, when I feel one coming on, but I usually get one anyway and have to take a triptan to get rid of it.

A GP told me some 30 years ago that I should go for a walk or a run when I get a migraine. As I could barely stand up with a migraine at the time I disregarded his advice and never went to see him again!

[kiwi1964 in reply to Pattipan]

Hi, He means it as a preventative to avoid the headaches,not actually when one has them.We do not have great access either though many gyms and public pools have saunas.I have been told by 2 Doctors to exercise to prevent migraines and headaches as it will release the stress hormone that builds up,I think the theory is the same behind the sauna.I make sure I do a cardio workout at least 3x a week to release endorphins.If I do not I have noticed an increase in headaches.Of course I cannot move if I have a migraine and try almost anything to prevent them(have tried preventative meds but hated side effects so no longer take anything)I have not tried the sauna theory but I can imagine for some people it would work.I wonder if people in Sweden with so much access to saunas have less migraines!

[teadrinker]

I find exercise makes me feel better anyway, and is very good for managing my chronic facial pain, which, if left unchecked triggers migraine. Think it must be the endorphins that help it.

But exercising with a migraine is a nightmare - I have tried it. (Stupid!).

For me, heat is a great pain reliver - ie a heat pack applied to the sore bit. But I find saunas and getting too hot makes me feel ill and migrainey. Today has been very warm and I feel rubbish.