Holistic Headache Remedies

Many things can trigger a headache, including stress, allergies or sinus infections. Tension headaches are often related to a muscle strain or pinched nerve. Migraines, on the other hand, are caused by an acute dilation of blood vessels in the head and are more problematic to treat. Regardless of type or cause, various holistic headache remedies may help.

Bodywork

Bodywork encompasses several hands-on types of therapies, such as massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and yoga. While tension headaches and migraines are of different origin, they do share some common characteristics that bodywork can address. Specifically, these treatments focus on stretching the muscles of the neck, improving blood circulation, adjusting the alignment of the spine and other objectives that can benefit both types of headache. In addition, the therapist can help the patient learn to recognize and correct conditions that are likely to trigger an episode, such as prolonged muscle tension or improper posture.

Botanical Therapies

Herbalists often recommend feverfew and ginger to counter headache, either singularly or in combination. These herbs appear to benefit migraine sufferers as well as those who experience tension headaches. The National Library of Medicine reported on a study involving 30 migraine patients that investigated the efficacy of feverfew and ginger together. Within two hours of treatment, 34 percent experienced a significant reduction in pain, while another 48 percent were symptom-free.

Nutritional Supplements

According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, certain nutritional supplements may help to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine and tension headaches. Vitamin B6, for instance, may address headaches caused by food allergies by inhibiting histamine release. Other supplements recommended include magnesium and 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that sinus headaches may respond to bromelain and quercetin, due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine activity. However, it should be noted that bromelain might not be suitable for people who take blood-thinning medications, since the combination may produce an unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Homeopathy

"Easy Homeopathy" reports that holistic practitioners such as Edward Shalts, M.D., D.Ht., employ a variety of homeopathic medicines to treat headaches. Some of the most commonly used formulas include Cimicifuga, Belladona and Cocculus indicus, while Gelsemium, Arnica, Nux vomica and Ignatia amara are frequently used to address headaches stemming from stress and environmental factors. Since specific medicines and dosages vary with each individual, a visit to a qualified homeopathic practitioner is advised to obtain the best results.