How to get rid of Headaches naturally

Headaches are one of the most common health problems but because they vary so much, it can be difficult to find the right cure. It is important to identify what triggers your headache.

Keep a headache diary

To identify what triggers your headaches, keep a detailed diary noting down your emotions during the day, the weather, your menstrual cycle, what you ate and when/how you slept. If the same situation or emotions appear before each headache you know what to try and avoid in the future. It is common knowledge that chocolate, cheese and red wine can trigger a migraine but it is better to note down all foods you have eaten in the 48 hours before an attack to see if the same foods are causing the problem.

Types of headaches

1. Cluster headaches – this type usually strikes with little warning. The pain usually affects just one side of the face, centring on the eye. It typically lasts for between 15 minutes and 3 hours and may return up to 10 times a day for 6 to 10 weeks (the cluster period) before disappearing for months or years.

The cause – doctors are not sure of the exact cause but it is thought that some sort of irritation to the facial nerves may be to blame. Cluster headaches are more common in men especially those who smoke or drink.

2. Tension headaches – this is the most common type and is characterized by a dull, steady pain on both sides of the head. The sufferer often feels as if a tight band, or heavy weight, were pressing down on them.

The cause – these headaches are usually a direct result of stress, which causes the muscles of the neck and scalp to knot up. It can also be brought on by bad posture, sitting in a draught, bright light, too much noise or sitting in an awkward position.

3. Migraines – these can be divided into two main categories. Classic migraines are usually preceded by a visual disturbance such as flashing light, zig-zag patterns and general blurring. With common migraines there is little or no warning. The pain develops slowly into a throbbing ache, often aggravated by movement or noise. Nausea and vomiting are common with both types.

The cause – the Migraine Association claim that migraines are the result of changes in neurotransmitters and blood vessels in the brain. What causes these changes however is unknown. Triggers include: stress; foods such as cheese, chocolate and alcohol; irregular meals or lack of food; fatigue or hormonal factors such as periods. 10% of female migraine sufferers suffer from menstrual migraines which are thought to relate to the drop in oestrogen at this time of the month.

4. Chronic daily headaches – for a headache to be termed “chronic”, the pain has to occur on more than 15 days every month.

The cause – this could be due to a neck or head injury such as whiplash or the over-use of painkillers. If you take painkillers every day a vicious circle can develop. As the painkillers wear off there is a rebound headache so you take more painkillers and the painkillers start to fuel the headache and so on and so on.

Feverfew

The City of London Migraine Clinic carried out a trial which showed that in 70% of cases the herb Feverfew either prevented or lessened the severity of the headaches of the people taking part. It also lessened the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. You can buy Feverfew tablets from health shops; take them as directed on the packet.


How complimentary therapies can help

Stress has been identified as a significant migraine trigger so any therapy that encourages relaxation can help. Manipulation therapies can encourage blood flow to the brain and help to relieve any postural or musculo-skeletal problems that could be at the root of the headache. Eastern therapies, based on the belief that blocked energy causes headaches aim to restore the smooth flow of energy in the body. Here are some therapies which can be particularly helpful for the relief of headaches and migraines.

Acupressure

Acupressure works on the principle that headaches are due to blocked energy in the invisible energy channels (known as meridians) that run through our body. To relieve pain, gentle pressure is applied to certain points, and this stimulates the body’s own healing powers. Acupuncture is based on the same concept but uses needles instead of finger massage.

Acupressure is particularly useful as it is something you can do yourself. Try the following when you next get a headache - find the acupoint in the web between your forefinger and thumb then press firmly on the point with the ball of your thumb or tips of your fingers for a couple of minutes, gradually increasing the pressure.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor can manipulate the spine to try and correct any displacement of the vertebrae, as this is believed to disturb the electrical impulses carried by the nerves, leading to headaches and migraines. This type of therapy is especially good if the migraine is related to spinal problems.

Cranial osteopathy

Cranial osteopaths say they can sense the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (this fluid protects and nourishes the membranes around the brain) by placing their hands around a patient’s head. Any imbalance in the flow is said to indicate pressure on the cranial bones, or tension/trauma elsewhere in the body caused by injury, illness or emotional stress. They believe these pressures or trauma can manifest as headaches which may be eased by gently manipulating the cranial /spinal bones to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Homeopathy

It is advisable to consult a practitioner who will prescribe remedies according to your symptoms and individual circumstances.

Indian head massage

Because this treatment concentrates on the upper part of the body, in particular the upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp it is very effective in treating people who suffer regularly with headaches. It is very relaxing and excellent for getting rid of tension.

Massage

Massage is good for releasing muscle tension and encouraging the blood to flow normally to the blood vessels in the head, face and scalp. You can either go to a fully qualified therapist or give yourself a massage. Massaging around your temples in circular movements using a blend containing lavender and peppermint essential oil is a good way to help relieve tension headaches (add 2 drops lavender and 1 drop peppermint to 5ml of carrier oil)

Reflexology

Reflexology works on the principle that every part of the body is reflected in points on the hands or feet. By pressing on these points, reflexologists say they can relieve tension in the corresponding parts of the body.
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