A
headache, one of the body’s most powerful alarm signals, is often a
sign of physical or psychological overload. There are several types of
headaches, and they differ according to how and where the pain occurs.
These include tension, cluster, simple and combination headaches and
migraines-an especially intense form that is often accompanied by
nausea and impaired vision. The pain can be triggered by many things. A
common cause of headache is tense muscles in the head or neck.
Headaches may also be a symptom of stress, caffeine withdrawal,
allergies, certain infectious diseases or the result of too much
alcohol. Constricted or expanded blood vessels, as well as altered
pressure in the head can also produce headaches. Natural methods
including relaxation exercises, massage and homeopathic remedies can
often be as effective as standard medications in preventing or
relieving the pain caused by the different forms of headache.
Run
yourself this warm bath to alleviate tension and relax blood vessels.
Combine the following essential oils with an emulsifier (cream or
honey): 3 drops of chamomile, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of
rosemary. Add the mixture to the bathwater.
Headaches
can be alleviated by cold compresses, baths, and acupressure and
relaxation techniques. You should minimize your exposure to external
stimuli, exercise in fresh air and abstain from smoking and alcohol.
Create a
soothing environment, free of such external stimuli as light and noise.
Ventilate the room; a fan will help circulate the air. Close the
windows and draw the blinds. Turn off the radio and TV and unplug the
phone. If the area is still noisy, put cotton balls or ear plugs in
your ears. Consciously try to relax, preferably with the aid of a
relaxation technique, such as yoga.
Use your
thumb and index finger to press against the bridge of your nose at the
corners of your eyes. Or, rub the center of the fleshy webbing between
your index and thumb.
A
footbath diverts the blood supply from your head to your feet. Bathe
your feet in a basin of 95° F water. Add hot water at 5 minute
intervals until 115° F is reached. After soaking your feet for 5
minutes, pour in cold water until the temperature is lukewarm. Put on
wool socks and lie down for about 20 minutes.
Speak
with a nutritionist or doctor about taking herbal supplements to
prevent headaches. It is thought that kava kava can relieve tension headaches, and feverfew and gingo biloba are often recommended to prevent migraines.
Types of headaches:
1. Simple headache: Hammering, buzzing, pulsing
in the head. Causes: Stress, sensitivity to weather or changes in
atmospheric pressure, high blood pressure, fever or lack of oxygen.
2. Tension headache:
Dull, oppressive pain occurring in the temples. Begins at the back of
the head and neck or in the forehead and spreads throughout the head.
Causes: muscular tension or bad posture.
3. Cluster headache: Piercing, burning pain, this occurs on one side of the head and always in the same place. Cause: unknown.
4. Migraine:
Pain is usually on one side of the head only. Often accompanied by
nausea, vomiting and vision problems. Causes: hereditary factors or
circulatory disturbances in the brain.
5. Combination headache: Dull oppressive pain that usually begins in the morning and reoccurs between migraine attacks. Cause: unknown.
Note: While every care is taken to provide medically accurate and up
to date information in this web site, it is to be noted that this
advice is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. Before
undertaking the advice contained in this web site, you should consult a
medical professional.
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