NATURAL WAYS TO GET RID OF HEADACHES
Headaches are caused by numerous things like stress, poor posture, hormones, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, low blood sugar, allergies, alcohol and drugs. Most often headache sufferers will readily reach for a painkiller to numb the throbbing and relieve the pressure. The frequent use of painkillers for chronic headaches can mask a potentially dangerous health issue. Headaches are your body’s way of communicating with you that you are in need of water, a specific nutrient, or that you simply need a reminder to take a deep breath.
Learn to recognize your headaches as notification that your body is not functioning optimally. These 10 natural ways to get rid of headaches will have you leaving the painkillers behind.
Chiropractic
Evidence shows chiropractic care improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches. One review of twenty one different studies found migraine sufferers receiving one or two adjustments a week saw reductions in number of migraines after only eight weeks.
Essential Oils
Lavender and peppermint are great headache relievers. A few drops rubbed on back of neck, temples and forehead can soothe even my highest stress day headaches. If you are sensitive to the scents, mix with a little carrier oil like coconut oil.
Healing Herbs
Long known healing properties of feverfew and butterbur can help prevent or reduce migraine frequency.
Magnesium
Magnesium is popular supplement recommended for headache relief and is much safer than other medicines that just mask the pain. Magnesium is an essential mineral and plays a big part in brain wave signals. Magnesium is safe, widely available and inexpensive. One note of caution though, magnesium can cause diarrhea in large doses so play it safe, start out small and build up.
B-Vitamins
I’m going to clump all the B vitamins in one general category. Americans as a whole are not getting enough of these necessary B vitamins in their diets. B-vitamins are essential in formation of serotonin and other brain neurotransmitters. Deficiency can cause slower reactions, brain fog, anxiety, mood swings, and yes…headaches and migraines. A study shows that after 90 day taking a B complex vitamin all these symptoms reduced. A B complex vitamin is composed of eight water soluble sources: riboflavin, niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), pantothenic acid, thiamine, biotin, and folate. This complex can improve not only brain cell function but cardiovascular and immune systems as well.
Proper Hydration
Many headaches are triggered by dehydration. Dehydration is avoidable and often increased when you consume sugary beverages, alcohol, and coffee instead of plain water. One study shows a large dose of water greatly reduced headache symptoms. So next time you feel a little pressure building up, quickly grab your water bottle.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is easy, can be done anywhere, and positively changes your headache response. Deep breathing calms heart rate, reduces stress hormones and relieves muscle tension. Participants in this migraine study continue to use the relaxation breathing techniques due to the positive benefits.
Stretching and Strengthening
Sitting in one place for an extended time causes tension and exacerbates headaches. Modern ailment of “Tech Neck” causes a head bent forward position placing extra pressure on the neck. Taking a break from your computer at least every hour to rotate neck and stretch upper back and shoulder area. This can help alleviate some built up tension that can cause headaches while you work. Performing Yoga, Qigong, Pilates or Tai Chi are all excellent ways to help loosen muscles and stimulates deep breathing, circulation and improves muscle strength of the entire upper body. The combination of stretching, muscle strengthening and physical endurance have proven to reduce headache occurrences.
Detox Bath
A detoxifying bath can help flush out headache causing toxins. Just fill a hot bath that cools as you remain in it drawing out toxins thru the skins surface. You can use baking soda or Epsom salts to aid in the detox. Adding essential oils like lemon grass has a calming effect. Adding apple cider vinegar can also help soothe achy joints.
Elimination Diet
Headaches can also be caused by a chemical or inflammatory response to a food eaten. Common culprits are lactose in milk, shell fish, MSG, and artificial sweeteners. Food sensitivities can trigger symptoms in a few minutes to days. Elimination diet is inexpensive and easy to determine what your body likes or dislikes. It takes some patience and little determination. Check out this article for additional ways start an elimination diet and eliminate those nasty culprits of headaches.
