We’ve all dealt with head ache at some point or another – whether we’ve had one too many drinks, are stressed out, or suddenly hit like a ton of bricks. Most times it’s perfectly manageable. Some people sleep it off, while others simply ignore it and go through their day.
But regardless of the pain level, which varies from mild to severe, head aches can be such a nuisance, and ruin an otherwise perfectly nice day. Even if it’s unavoidable, head ache can be relieved with just a few tricks.
Here’s what you need to know about head ache, and how you can get rid of it fast and naturally at home.
What is a headache?
A headache is pain on your head or face often described as throbbing or constant. There are different types of head ache. Learning to identify the kind of headache you’re having is key to curing it. Once you feel the ache coming on, ask yourself:
- Is it a dull, aching head pain, causing a tightness on your forehead? If yes, then you’ve got a tension headache. Common causes are physical or emotional stress, alcohol use, or eye strain.
- Is it an intense throbbing in one part of the head? That’s a migraine. Common migraine triggers are stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness, poor quality sleep, and for women, hormonal changes.
- Is it an intense pain behind the eyes, the intensity of which is similar to a migraine? That’s a cluster headache.Triggers of cluster headache are similar to a migraine.
- Do you feel a pressure around your forehead, cheeks, and eyes? This symptom is commonly associated with a nasal or sinus congestion.
When mild, and not a symptom of a more serious disease, a headache can usually disappear with just a few hours of sleep and rest. But on those days when you need to be at your hundred percent, here are some natural methods you can do to relieve headache fast.
1. Use a hot or cold compress
Never underestimate the power of a simple cold or hot compress. Have one always ready at home for easy access and use.
When you have a tension headache, use hot compress and apply heat on the pain. Tension headaches, according to this article on Insider, are typically caused by stress, and can be eased by relaxing the tension on your neck and shoulders. Keep it on for 15 minutes. If the ache persists, reheat the pad, then repeat for another 15 minutes.
Can you also use warm compress if you have a migraine, instead of tension headache? It turns out cold compress works better with migraine.
A cold pack applied on the neck or head area decreases inflammation, and constricts the blood vessels, to help reduce the pain.
2. Practice relaxation techniques.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga or breathing exercises can soothe any kind of headache. But it is especially effective for cluster headache, which is the kind of head ache that is felt in the eyes.
Try the 4-7-8 method technique, known as “relaxing breath.” Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds.
A lot of people use yoga or breathing exercises to relieve headaches and reduce stress. With regular practice, they have experienced a reduced intensity and frequency of headaches, according to this study.
3. Drink lots of water.
Water is the most important drink in the world. It’s a cheap and easy way to relieve your headaches too, and is especially effective for nasal or sinus headaches.
Once you notice a headache coming on, drink 8 to 16 ounces of water every two to three hours. Most migraine headaches ease up with this approach.
Besides preventing dehydration, upping your fluid intake helps prevent you from contracting viruses. Water keeps the throat and nasal passages moist through mucus production. When germs enter the throat or nose, the sticky mucus can trap germs, and expel them when we cough or sneeze.
Do not try to replace water with other beverages like juice or iced tea. Those are full of sugar, and will cause you to be thirstier.
In addition, your coffee and alcohol intake might be the culprits. Coffee is tricky. If you have a caffeine withdrawal, it will cause you to have a headache. However, drinking too much of it can cause dehydration and a headache as well. The best way to approach is to limit your coffee intake to only 2 cups per day.
Love your aperitifs? Drinking an alcoholic drink is great for some rest and relaxation. But be warned, alcohol can also be a trigger for a headache, as well as other health risks. Practice moderate drinking.
4. Try acupuncture or acupressure treatment.
Acupuncture is an alternative and traditional Chinese treatment involving insertion of very thin needles on your body. On the other hand, acupressure is also a technique from China, but uses pressure or reflexology on different parts of the body to address pain and other concerns.
Both techniques are recommended to easing tension headaches, especially when it’s already chronic. Don’t have the budget and time to go to a specialist? No worries, you can do it yourself.
Try this simple acupressure technique: press the area between bases of your thumb and index finger. Do it for both hands, press up to 5 minutes. Stop, rest, and repeat.
5. Fix your diet.
So you’ve drank plenty of water, yet the headache still persists? Chances are, your diet’s the culprit.
Avoid these foods that trigger headache:
- Artificial sweeteners
- MSG and nitrate-containing foods such as processed meats, and yes, your favorite Chinese takeout
- Smoked or fermented foods
- Strong or aged cheeses.
Instead, replace these migraine-causing foods with these headache-busting eats:
- Potatoes
- Cucumber
- Cherries
- Fortified whole grain cereal
- Pumpkin seeds
- Brown Rice
- Hot tea
6. Sip some ginger tea
Speaking of tea, the best tea to take is ginger. Ginger root contains many beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances.
Drinking ginger tea is not only a natural way to soothe headache, it can also reduce nausea, vomiting, and stomach aches.
The best way is to take it fresh. Pound some ginger root and steep in hot water.
7. Try aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is an alternative treatment using natural plant extracts. These plant extracts are called essential oils, and are typically inhaled or used topically, though some can be ingested.
The two most popular essential oils to ward off migraines are peppermint and lavender.
Alternatively, you can use aromatherapy candles, which are perfect accessories when you’re doing yoga or meditation.
8. Dim the lights & take a day off.
If all else fails, turn off the lights, call your boss, and take a day off. Sleep deprivation is one of the top causes of headache. Sometimes, your body just needs to recharge. A headache is its way of telling you your mind and body need a break.
And the best thing you can do is to listen, and start taking good care of yourself.
Tags
0 Comments