Monday, June 2, 2008

Relief from Headache Pain

A friend of mine suffers from frequent migraines due to a severe softball accident many years ago. Its awful to see her go through such pain; popping pills in an attempt to alleviate the pain. So I decided to do some research that my help her and other migraine sufferers to get through the pain in their head.

Consider the possibilities:
Seemingly unrelated problems sometimes bring headaches on. Dental disorders like cavities or abscesses, eyestrain or infections are common culprits. When your head hurts, consider whether the ache could have started somewhere else.

De-Stress your life:
95% of headaches are brought on by tension, research shows. In most cases, its not a tense situation, but how you respond to it. Attempt to manage your stress to keep those pesky headaches at bay.

Go with the flow:
One technique found to be particularly useful in dealing with headaches is visualization exercises in which you "go with the flow" of pain. Most people by fighting it. This may make the pain worse. If you flow with the pain, instead of fighting it, you give it the opportunity to flow right out of your body. Try this easy method: In a quiet room, lie on a carpeted floor or a bed. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself standing at the top of a stairway looking down into a beautiful, peaceful place. Slowly count backward from 10 to one. On each count, take a deep breath and imagine yourself descending one step. Go ahead and notice the pain, but continue walking down the steps.
As you take the last step down, notice that you have entered a beautiful garden filled with fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and a sparkling stream. Continue to breathe deeply, walk slowly toward the stream. Stand or sit by its side while you watch and listen to the gently rippling waters. Now imagine your headache pain connecting to and flowing into those waters. This may hurt, but just try to casually notice the hurt.
As the pain begins to flow, notice how the river gently washes it away.

Don't drink too much:
Alcohol constricts the blood vessels in your brain. More than a drink or two can constrict them to the point of pain. And excessive drinking, of course, often leads to the mother of all headaches, the hangover.

Don't smoke:
Smoking constricts your blood vessels and fills your lungs with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. If that doesn't give you a headache, some of the numerous other poisonous ingredients may do the job. Smoking injures your air channels, which can make you prone to sinus headaches.

Brush it away:
A simple scalp brushing can help treat and even prevent headaches. Use a brush with firm bristles. Start at the front of your head. Instead of long brush strokes, move the brush in little circles in one spot, then move it down to the next spot and repeat until you've brushed your entire scalp.

Sleep just enough:
No two people are exactly the same. For some, too much sleep can sometimes cause headaches. In fact, midday naps are notorious for bringing migraines. On the other hand, for some people sleep is the best antidote for a headache.

Stand up straight:
Poor posture, especially in your shoulders and neck, can scrunch up muscles and give you a headache. Practice good posture. Throughout the day, pay attention to how you're sitting or standing and correct yourself if necessary.

Stretch your face:
A little muscle action can counteract tension in your head. Act like a kid: make weird faces to stretch your mouth, cheeks and forehead.

Take herb and homeopathic medications:
A nice, warm cup of rosemary tea can relieve a headache. For something more medicinal yet altogether natural, a homeopathic pharmacist or physician can prepare you a special concoction. Natrum muriaticum is said to relieve throbbing. China officinalis is used to treat light-or odor-induced headaches.