Headaches
There are many types of headaches that you can treat naturally. Here are some points to consider:
Dehydration is a HUGE cause of headaches. When you take aspirin or other OTC pain medication, notice that you are drinking water with it. If your headache begins to diminish within 15 minutes, it’s the water not the medication. It takes at least 20 minutes for the medication to begin working. Try INCREASING your water intake (approximately 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon per day) and DECREASING all things that dehydrate (caffeine and alcohol).
Tension headaches are perhaps the most common. This can come from improper posture (at computer, driving, on the phone, sleeping, reading, studying, etc.), so do what you can to keep your spine (yes, your neck is part of your spine) aligned. Use appropriate pillows and other ergonomic devices, take breaks, stretch (and drink water). You’ll feel much better.
One main cause of tension headaches is clenching and grinding your teeth. If you don’t already have a splint from your dentist, go get one. Alternatively (not as good, but better than nothing) is to get a mouth guard from a sporting goods store (the kind you boil and then it molds to your teeth) — sleep with it. If you find that you clench and/or grind during the day, then there’s more “de-stressing” you need to do.
Everyone knows about sinus headaches, but not everyone knows that regular saline irrigation to the nasal cavity can help PREVENT them. Sometimes that can help eliminate them, but you’re better off not getting them. If they are from weather changes, they can be trickier, but it’s not hopeless. Some self massage and acupuncture can help. Also, a REALLY good Cranio-Sacral therapist can do wonders for you. Check out http://www.upledger.com to find someone in your area.
Sleep deprivation can cause headaches, as can aspertame (watch for their attempt at renaming), altitude, and ear crystal problems (also with dizziness). So, get more sleep, avoid artificial sweeteners, and see a Physical Therapist (if you have ear crystal issues).
Migraines and cluster headaches are more serious, but can also sometimes be treated naturally. I will add more on this topic soon, as it needs a longer discussion. One quick trick is to put your hands or feet into ice water, and your body will send the blood to your extremities to warm them, thus relieving the pressure in your head. This works primarily for vascular migraines.
Please post questions or suggestions, and I’ll do what I can to respond quickly. Thanks!
