Cold on face & neck; hot on feet

Has anyone tried the combination of cold packs on the face and neck with heat on the feet? Supposedly the heat on the feet helps because it draws blood away from the head.

I came across this hot & cold remedy here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68717889/rice-bag-migraine-headache-relief-set?ref=sr_gallery_4&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=migraine&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Interesting - may have a go at this when the next one happens - Have you tried it?

YES! This is what my mom did for me as a kid! I grew up in a religious household that did not allow medication for such "mild conditions" as migraines, so it was ice packs and hot foot baths for me.
While I will say that it worked for me, I won't go back to doing it. It generally took between 3-8 hours and vomiting at least once for the migraine to go away with this treatment, though I did suffer slightly less pain if I used the ice/heat than if not.
I would only do it again if I was desperate and couldn't take medications at all, to be honest. Maybe it works better for others?

If you can recognise a prodrome phase to your migraines, try the hot/cold treatment at then. I think by the time the pain begins it's too late.

For myself, if I recognise the the early stages of a migraine I can often reduce the severity and duration of a migraine and occasionally abort it altogether. I have a modified version of what you describe that I find helpful. Although I couldn't stand ice, I find a cold location, and if I can stand something on my head, a cold wet flannel on my forehead. I have a pair of fur lined boots which I can't normally wear because my feet overheat, so these are put on. I also warm my hands by either wearing gloves or tucking them into my clothing. For me it seldom works in summer, but does work in winter.

As I mentioned, this only works for me if I do this before any aura starts. Unfortunately, one of the first things that goes in my case is self awareness, so I have to rely on others to pick up the early warning signs.

Starting it in the predrome is a great idea! I may try that the next time I am able to tell that a migraine is coming - better than just waiting for the pain to start and popping pills!

I don't have a full blown migraine every day but I have pain every day. I'm not sure when the prodrome begins.

That's interesting, because I find that I naturally want heat on my feet and cold on my head. Having said that, something that has been in the freezer is too cold and makes my head pound worse. I might have to try a modified version, although trying to keep the stuff on your head cold when it has only been in the fridge won't be easy when I'm in bed...

I bought a Chillow pillow, but it didn't really work out for me.

Oh I never thought about that - I have a Medifollow pillow - its filled with water, so keeps your head cool and moves with you when you turn........

Regarding something to cool the head without being too cold. I've always used a cold damp flannel in the past, but they do reach body temperature too quickly. I've just discovered some gel pads in the freezer that we use for keeping food and drink cold on trips or picnics. When frozen they stay cold for over 24 hours in a chilly bin box. These are soft and pliable at fridge temperature and will be worth experimenting with.

Might have to look into finding some of those, thanks!

The reason I didn't like the Chillow pillow was partly because, although it was lovely and cold for my poor head, I didn't like the feeling of cold on the rest of my face, eg. my jaw. And then the bloomin' thing leaked everywhere, leaving a permanent water stain on my bed that looked like someone had had an accident!