Hints from Ted

These are treatments I have used that can, but not always, abort an attack or lessen the intensity. Like medications I’ve taken, some of these have stopped working for me but at one point have helped.

* Cooling Down the Body *
1) Ice Packs
- Let one rest on top of head.
- Keep in hand against the palm and fingertips.

2) Sit in front of fan or A/C.

3) If you have access to a walk-in freezer, it’s a good place to hang out.

* Tea *
Equal parts (1/3 of a handful each) of dried sage and rosemary per 3 quarts of water. Bring water to boil and put sage and rosemary in and remove from heat.
Let steep for at least an hour. Filter out S&R and refrigerate till needed.
Drink 16-20 ounces at onset of attack or when first noticing shadows.

* Pressure Points *
1) Usually a node appears on my neck corresponding to the side of the attack during an attack. Firmly press it . This may spike the pain level for a few minutes at first (but not necessarily).

2) Cactus Spine
I use a cactus spine which is oblong and has the width a little wider than a normal pepper mill. The ends are straight, as if cut off with a saw. This part is important because I use that part for the pressure point in the head (below) as well.

I place the cactus spine in an area between the two shoulder blades, vertically and kitty cornered against the side of the one on the affected side and the back. As hard as I can I press it into my back by using a hard surface to sandwich it. Sometimes using the corner of a door on the side is a good substitute.

3) There’s a spot in the top quadrant of the back of the affected side of the head that can be pushed on hard with something semi-sharp. I use the top corner of the cactus spine, but the edge of a door is a good substitute.

* Rocking Chair *
Usually it hurts more when I pace or move at all. But sometimes not releasing the energy building up in me is too much to handle as well, so sitting in a rocking chair let’s me rock back and forth by pushing-off with the toes of the unaffected side.

Last modified: 2001