Headaches are one of the unpleasant things we all have experienced at some point in our lives. For some people, the headaches cause mild comfort but that’s not the case with everyone. For many others, headaches can be very troubling.
Also Read: Top signs which tell me there is a need to consult a neurologist for the headache
Headaches Types and Causes
Surprisingly not all headaches are the same! There are at least 10 different types of headaches including hypertension headache, migraine, cluster headache, sinus headache, etc. Talking about headaches. It is important to know the causes of headaches. Some of these causes include;
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Nitrates containing foods
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Caffeine
- Weather
Natural Remedies for Headache Relief
The headaches can be quite bothersome to an extent that I went to many best general physicians in Karachi for chronic headaches. From taking painkillers to having herbal teas, I took and tried all the advice on this. Here are some of the natural remedies that I found quite effective in treating headaches.
1- Stay Hydrated
This is one of the major causes of headaches that is undermined. Drinking water has been found effective while talking about headache relief. Drink more water to get relief from headaches alongside improving concentration. You can also work on your hydration levels by adding water-rich foods to your diet (i.e. watermelon, cucumber, yogurt, etc.) and by avoiding water-draining foods (i.e. fried foods and foods with high sugar content).
2- Heat and Cold Therapy
The role of heating and cooling therapy in pain management and relief is not new. Headaches are no exception to this. You can alternatively apply heat and cold therapy to your neck and forehead. For heat, therapy uses heating pads and for cold therapy, ice cubes can do the work for you.
3- Acupuncture
Acupuncture therapy uses the needle insertion technique for pain relief is a proven cure for pain management. Acupuncture therapy is equally effective against headaches and can stimulate the production of pain-relieving components. Going for acupuncture can effectively reduce the severity and duration of headaches.
4- Don’t skip your meals
Skipping your meals is another reason for frequent headaches so try not to skip your meals. Your morning is probably most important in this regard as your body needs food to function immediately after waking up from a deep sleep. When you force it to work without providing sufficient nutrition, it may result in a headache. So, try to skip your meals to help with headaches.
5- Head massaging
A head massage can be the perfect solution for your headache problems. It doesn’t only seem soothing but offers many benefits. Head massage releases the tension and relaxes your head. Further, head massage also improves scalp health and boosts blood circulation that helps to relieve headaches.
6- Aromatherapy
You might have heard about this before or even tried getting one. It is quite relatable how comforting aromatherapy can be. Using essential oils in a diffuser or simply smelling these. There are science-backed pieces of evidence of essential oils providing relief against headaches. Some of the essential oils that are proven to be effective against headaches include peppermint oil, lavender oil, etc.
7- Eat magnesium-rich foods
Our eating habits are an important determinant of our overall health. The kind of food we eat can affect your headache frequency and severity. Try to include magnesium in your diet if you are suffering from headaches frequently. Eat magnesium-rich foods or simply take magnesium supplements. Consult your doctor before taking magnesium supplements and preferably start with smaller doses.
8- Breathing therapy
Practicing mindful breathing is another way to effectively treat headaches. You can practice it in a quiet place and practice slow rhythmic breathing from time to time. Breathing exercises can help to release muscle tightness and can improve your focus ultimately reducing your headaches.
9- Get enough sleep
You might have already heard about many ways in which not getting enough sleep can negatively affect your health. Try sleeping for a minimum of 6 hours to help your mind and body to relax. Sleeping also helps your body with the healing mechanism and can also help with headaches.
Bottom Line!
Headaches can be quite troubling and many of our routine habits can be causing headaches unknowingly. But headaches can also be an indicator of underlying medical conditions so try to consult your physician on this if you are getting relief from these natural remedies.
