Tulsa World: Breathing in steam from hot water may be a remedy for migraines

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Breathing in steam from hot water may be a remedy for migraines

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 9/14/2009 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 9/14/2009 6:25 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I had migraines for many years. They would be more intense during my menstrual cycles, when I would suffer with nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and my allergies would become worse.

During one of these migraines, I ended up in the emergency room because I had fainted at work. I will never forget the doctor who came in and grabbed my hand. He looked at me and asked whether I had ever tried breathing in steam from hot water. I told him I hadn't, so he advised me to place a towel over my head and breathe in the steam. He said it would take a little while, but in about a month, I should start to see a difference. I thanked him and was discharged.

The next day, I began my regimen of steaming. I did it about three or four times a day and took about 12 deep breaths each. I didn't notice anything different initially, but the next month, I found I didn't have as massive a migraine with my menstrual cycle as I normally did.

I now steam before and after work. My symptoms have subsided. If I feel a migraine coming, I steam. It usually subsides within an hour. This treatment saved my quality of life, and I hope you pass it on to your readers.

Dear Reader: Thank you for sharing this unusual treatment for migraines. Other sufferers who try this should inform me of their results so I can print a follow-up on its effectiveness.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Headaches." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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	Report Comment Beth42, Monkey Island (9/14/2009 7:50:42 PM) For many years I've found that wetting a towel in water as hot as I can stand and holding it over my face, breathing in the dampness, helps my headaches. I also find relief in standing in a hot shower. Everything I read said to use ice for releif, but cold always made my headaches worse.
	Report Comment Mela, (9/16/2009 10:27:39 AM) For years my family always knew when I had a migraine brewing because I'd be sitting at the kitchen table with a towel over my head, breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water. In my case, the steam would ease the severe congestion I always got with a migraine and the deep breathing helped me relax through the pain and nausea. Rarely, though, did it resolve my migraine completely. Now, my migraines are under much better control, but I still retreat to a hot shower or bath while waiting for meds to kick in.
	Report Comment Marlene, Normal (9/17/2009 4:32:52 AM) If this involves only inhaling steam then I would not be able to answer that. I do know that a migraine usually follows if I have been in a steamy bathroom or it is a steamy hot day. I could never take a steam bath for that reason either. I don't even think I would give it a try. I would be too paranoid.

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