Natural Headache Relief

Headaches are a common occurrence in many people's lives. Whether induced by stress, fatigue, illness, weather changes or diet, more than 45 million Americans suffer from headaches every year. According to health officials, this pain is also the number one reason that people seek medical treatment. Fortunately, the common causes of headaches, which include allergies, eye strain, nutritional deficiencies and the presence of toxins in the body, can be easily corrected. Simple lifestyle changes often help to resolve headache pain and reduce the number of future occurrences.

Food Allergies, Herbs and Headaches

Physicians state that allergies are often the unsuspected cause of headaches. These are largely the result of common foods that include the following:

• Milk and dairy products
• Chocolate
• Liver and chicken
• Alcohol
• Strong cheeses

Thus, one natural and simple way to cure such headaches is with daily diet. Physicians recommend that persons maintain a journal to record headache occurrences and meals. A corresponding effect may be identified, whereby an individual can alter his or her food intake appropriately. Lemon, apple, cinnamon and rosemary are examples of fruits, herbs and spices that can relieve headache pain. Fresh lemon juice should be squeezed into warm water or tea and enjoyed as a beverage throughout the day. Apples without the rind and seeds make smart breakfast choices and have proven to deter headaches. When made into a paste with water, cinnamon can be applied to the forehead and temples for pain relief. Rosemary can also be added to tea as a natural remedy.

Progressive Relaxation Therapy

Tension is another primary cause of headaches. This can be related to a number of different factors, including mental stress and lack of sleep. Pacing is but one type of therapy included with progressive relaxation, and it is designed to relax the mind and promote positive thoughts. Some ways to incorporate pacing into daily life are as follows:

• Record all activities in a diary for two weeks. Include feelings such as fatigue, pleasure or annoyance to learn what activities trigger specific emotions. Review the diary periodically to pinpoint certain events or situations that caused tension and spurred a headache.
• If fatigue is experienced in the middle of a task, stop and relax. Pacing is about learning to manage what can be handled, rather than overloading the brain and body with too much.
• Set time aside everyday for enjoyable activities so that life does not feel like all work.
• Pay attention to aching muscles, especially in the back of the head and neck, where tension headaches commonly begin. When such aches occur, rest with a warm washcloth across the head.

Learning to perform quick relaxation techniques throughout the course of a hectic day can also prevent tension from growing problematic. Small activities that take only a couple of minutes provide a rest from work and also recharge the mind. Experts recommend that people breathe deeply a minimum of twenty times twice a day. While inhaling, persons should quietly say I am, and on the exhale finish with relaxed. Deep breathing is a great way to feel tension leaving the body. Imagery is another tried and true method of relaxation. Persons are advised to close their eyes and create an image of their ideal relaxation or vacation spot. This can be a real or imagined spot. The key is to distinctly imagine all of the aspects that can be seen, smelled and heard with this place. For example, if one selects a forest as his or her spot, the smell of pine, brushes of cool air and sights of green and brown should compose the whole picture.

Acupuncture and Massage for Headache Relief

Researchers agree that acupuncture is a safe and usually effective means of treatment for headaches. Tension headaches are diagnosed by acupuncturists by assessing the kidney and its energy pathways in the body, as well as those of the liver and gallbladder. In addition to needles being strategically placed in acupuncture points, acupuncturists often suggest herbal remedies and massage as well. According to studies, regular massage may be a useful treatment of both stress and pain in persons with recurring tension headaches. Learning stretches for the head and neck may also help. In addition, proper posture and regular exercise are essential in reducing the frequency of headaches.

Sources:

http://www.yourfamilyshealth.com/articles/headaches.html

http://www.learnwell.org/relax.htm

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Headaches.html

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/tension-headache-000074.htm

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