According to the American Headache Society, over 23 million people in the United States suffer from migraine headaches, with females having a higher prevalence than males. Migraine-related disability costs in the U.S. are approximately $13 billion per year. Prescription medications and over-the-counter painkillers can cause undesirable side effects and possible dependency, which may lead you to seek natural and safe alternative treatments for headache pain relief. (ref. #1)
Acupressure
Acupressure is the application of pressure to specific points on the body to help relieve pain. It is a popular self-care method that has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Acupressure can help relieve headaches that are the result of emotional stress, stiff neck and shoulders, hangover, cold and flu, fatigue, menstruation and menopause. One popular acupressure point for headaches is located on your hand in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. You can pinch this area with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand creating a circular massaging technique as you squeeze. This point will feel tender as you apply pressure. Continue for one to two minutes, then switch hands.
Herbs
Herbs may help relieve or prevent headaches without the danger of the same harmful side effects of some prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. Feverfew herb is a natural pain reliever and fever reducer that also has anti-platelet activity. This herb can be taken daily as a preventative but you should use caution if you are taking blood thinners since it can thin your blood when taken regularly.
Chamomile, another herb that may help relieve headaches, is a natural relaxant that can also help calm your stomach and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with migraines. Ginger and peppermint can also help calm your stomach if you tend to experience nausea with headaches.
Another herb, passionflower, can act as a relaxant, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory and may be useful for migraines. White willow bark is similar to aspirin and is an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Do not use white willow bark for long periods and use caution if you are taking other medications. Always consult with your health care provider or a certified herbalist prior to taking herbs for headaches.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat headaches and other types of pain. Some acupuncturists specialize in treating headaches. Chinese medicine views headaches as the result of an underlying imbalance in your body. Acupuncture helps to restore balance to your system, thereby treating the root cause of your headaches and helping you to experience long-term relief. Acupuncture points for headaches are located all over your body and your acupuncturist will place tiny, hair-thin needles at these points to help relieve your pain and re-balance your body. One treatment lasts about 30 minutes and, although you may feel better after one treatment, if you are a chronic headache sufferer you may require multiple treatments to prevent further headaches.
Diet
Some foods may contribute to headaches in a way that is similar to an allergic reaction. Foods that contain tyramine, or tannins, are commonly associated with migraine headaches. If you regularly suffer from migraines, avoid tyramine and tannin containing foods like alcohol, cheese, flavorings like vanilla, caffeine, chocolate, aged and non-fresh meats like cold cuts, soy beans, nuts, MSG and yeast.
Certain foods may also help prevent headaches and migraines. Focus on a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Specific foods you may want to incorporate that may help prevent migraines include fish and fish oil, cayenne pepper, ginger, peppermint, calcium and magnesium-rich foods like spinach and broccoli, oatmeal and garlic.
Dehydration may also contribute to headaches. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help relieve and prevent dehydration headaches.
(ref: Relieve-Migraine-Headache: Find the Connection--Diet Headache Migraine. Simple and Easy Food Choices; http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/diet-headache-migraine.html)
Chiropractic Care
Dr. Lee Weiner, a chiropractor in New York who has had great success treating headaches and migraines, feels that spinal injuries and poor posture contribute greatly to headaches. Spinal injuries and poor posture can cause the spine to come out of alignment and irritate the surrounding nerves, which leads to muscle spasms. Chiropractic adjustments can help take pressure off irritated nerves and relax muscle spasms, thereby relieving your headache pain. (ref #2)
