If you suffer from headaches, you know that they can be annoying, exhausting, and even debilitating. The most common types of headaches are tension and migraine. Though they have different root causes, they often respond well to similar treatment.
Read on to learn the top 5 alternative methods for headache relief. Many of these methods will prevent headaches as well as help to stop headaches that are already in progress.
Stress Management
Both tension headaches and migraines can be triggered by stress. Stress management activities can help you to get relief and prevent future problems. Activities such as tai chi and yoga can promote relaxation and relieve stress.
You may also benefit from looking at your schedule and working to get rid of as many stressors as possible. Sometimes just saying no is the best way to manage stress.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is another powerful tool for headache treatment. Biofeedback is a process of learning to increase relaxation using a simple machine for feedback. There are different types of machines, but one of the simplest versions emits a high pitched sound.
As you relax and slow your breathing and pulse, the sound gets lower in pitch. This gives you the feedback to know that you’re getting into a state of relaxation. You can train your body to become more relaxed and get headache relief.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice of improving energy flow throughout the body. This is done by inserting thin needles just below the skin in specific points. This is a great treatment for headache pain and can also prevent headaches. But it’s important that it be done by a trained and licensed professional.
Massage
Massage can be beneficial for both migraines and tension headaches. Massage helps to relieve tension in muscles and reduce the physical effects of stress on the body. You leave a massage in a state of relaxation that helps to both prevent and relieve headaches.
Massage also helps to improve circulation which is particularly important for vascular headaches like migraines. If you can get a monthly massage, you’ll find that it works wonders.
Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is another way to stimulate relaxation and reduce pain related to headaches. Ginger, lavender, peppermint and chamomile essential oils are particularly helpful when it comes to stress reduction and headache relief.
You can diffuse the oils or add them to a warm bath for the benefit. You may also try adding a drop of the oil to the area of your head that is causing the most pain.
