Natural & Alternative Health Remedies For Headaches
by Dr. Rita Louise
According to the National Headache Foundation, over 45 million Americans
suffer from recurring headaches. Not all headaches are alike, but they all
share one thing in common - pain. During a headache, nerves of the blood
vessels and head muscles are triggered, sending pain to the brain. Of the
over 50 different categories of headaches, they are broken down into two
major types: Primary Headaches and Secondary Headaches.
Secondary headaches are caused by contributing medical conditions such as a
sinus infection, neck injury, stroke, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint
Dysfunction), glaucoma, brain tumors, hypertension or a head injury.
Primary headaches, on the other hand, are the most frequent kind of
headache, with tension headaches accounting for about 90% of them.
Tension headaches are characterized by muscle contractions, which cause mild
to moderate pain that comes and goes over a prolonged period of time. In a
migraine headache, the pain can be moderate to severe and is often described
as having a throbbing or pounding sensation. They can last from four hours
to several days. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, noise or odors,
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach upset or abdominal pain. Sinus
headaches, on the other hand, are distinguished by a deep constant pain in
the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose and are usually associated
with other symptoms such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the
ears, fever or facial swelling.
Everyone's headache is different, with different triggers. For example,
some women experience an increase in headaches just before and during their
menstrual cycle. An accumulation of toxins in the body, constipation,
second hand smoke, household chemicals, perfumes, pollution, noise, weather
changes, food allergies or sleep disorders can also bring one on. Sometimes
eating ice cream or other cold foods can trigger a headache as well.
With such a variety of causes no one remedy will work for everyone.
However, with a little detective work, you can find the one that is right
for you.
Recommendations For Wellness
Reduce your stress. Exercise, meditate, do yoga or take a hot Epsom salt
bath to relax your body, mind and spirit.
Hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and energy work, including
hands-on-healing or therapeutic touch can also significantly reduce the
intensity and duration of your headache.
Apply an ice pack to the painful areas of your head or try placing it on
your forehead, temples or on the back of your neck.
Put a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil on your temples or nape of
your neck. Used topically they may be helpful in reducing tension
headaches.
Get a massage or have someone rub your back and neck to help reduce muscle
tension.
Go see your chiropractor - your headache may be caused by a structural issue
of the spine.
Avoid smoke, perfume, outdoor (and indoor) pollution that may trigger a
headache.
Drink plenty of water to keep the body flushed and hydrated.
Eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Eliminate preprocessed,
prepackaged foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and
chemicals.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, products that contain aspartame
(NutraSweet) and monosodium glutamate, all of which can trigger headaches.
Try an elimination diet to rule out any food sensitivities.
If constipation is a contributing factor, take steps to cleanse the colon
and eliminate toxins from the body.
Do a liver cleanse to detoxify the body. Use herbs such as milk thistle,
dandelion or burdock root or try a liver cleansing program such as Nature's
Sunshine's Tao He Cleanse.
Nature's first aspirin, white willow bark can be used to help ease the pain
associated with inflammatory conditions including headaches.
Supplementation with 5-HTP (L-5-hydroxytryptophan) has been shown to help
reduce the number of headaches experienced by increasing serotonin levels.
Capsicum, gingko biloba and gotu kola can improve circulation and help with
headaches.
Studies have shown that supplementation with Omega-3 or flax seed oil can
reduce symptoms of frequent headaches and help regulate the inflammatory
response.
Take magnesium daily. Research indicates that individuals who suffer from
headaches often have low levels of magnesium in the body. It has been shown
to reduce the frequency and intensity of a headache.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.
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