subject: Headaches | Natural Treatments For Tension Headaches
[print this page] Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are triggered by a number of physical and emotional stressors in day-to-day life. Some of the reasons for tension headaches can include lack of sleep, poor eating habits, anxiety, and being inactive.
Tension headaches are painful, so when they strike, your first instinct may be to reach for the nearest bottle of over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to nix the pain. But even though pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are widely used and sold over-the-counter, they are not 100-percent risk free.
Dangerous side effects of OTC pain relievers can include stomach bleeding, liver damage, and ulcers. Overuse of OTC pain relievers can cause headaches to become more frequent. And though popping pain pills may be the quickest way to relieve headache pain, it's not the only way. Here are some natural ways to treat common tension headaches.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine where needles are inserted into the skin to treat a number of conditions, including headaches. The needles are believed to calm the sympathetic nervous system, unblock nerve pathways, and trigger the release of natural pain killers in the body.
Common side effects of acupuncture include bleeding, bruising, and soreness. If you're considering acupuncture to manage your tension headaches, find a qualified acupuncturist to administer the treatment.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a widely used method to treat a number of conditions, including tension headaches. Getting a massage releases natural pain killers in the body, and relives the pressure that commonly accompanies headaches. Getting a regular massage can relieve stress, help you sleep better, and reduce the frequency of tension-related headaches.
If you have health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, or osteoporosis, consult your doctor before getting a massage.
Cold or Warm Compress
Cold and warm compresses can effectively relieve the pain, and pressure associated with tension headaches. To use a cold or warm compress, dip a small towel in hot or cold water, and squeeze the excess liquid out. Lie back, and place the compress on your forehead or the nape of your neck (use two towels to target both areas at once).
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is believed to be an effective way to treat tension headaches. You can choose from a variety of soothing essential oils such as peppermint, basil, lavender, sandalwood, and eucalyptus.
To use essential oils for headaches, mix a few drops of the soothing scents together. You can use an aromatherapy burner to fill your room with the essential oil scents, massage the oils on your temples, or put a few drops in a warm bath.
Rare conditions such as tumors in the head and neck, bleeding in the brain, nerve inflammation, and meningitis can cause headaches. So contact a doctor if your headaches are accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, and vision or speech problems.
Drugs aren't the only way to treat tension headaches. Natural treatments such as massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and cold and warm compresses can all be used to rid you of the pain and pressure headaches bring.
by: Chris Tomshack
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