Headache pain may range from an annoying pressure behind your eyes to the full-scale assault of a migraine. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that 90 percent of all headaches are primary headaches, meaning they do not stem from a medical disorder. While over-the-counter medications are available to treat a headache, you may also find relief in home remedies.
Step 1
Lie down. Rest quietly in a dark room when you feel a headache coming on. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing an ice bag behind your neck and using your fingertips to apply pressure to tender spots on your head. This is especially good for migraine headaches.
Step 2
Prepare a hot footbath to warm up your feet and place an ice pack on your forehead. According to Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, this method relieves tension headaches or cluster headaches.
Step 3
Massage your shoulders, neck and head to encourage muscle relaxation. Although having someone give you a massage may be the most enjoyable, the Mayo Clinic advises that self-massage is also beneficial.
Step 4
Pinch a pressure point in the web of skin between your thumb and your forefinger to ease a tension headache. Stretch out your fingers with your palm downward. With your other hand, firmly pinch the web of skin and tissue, just inside the large thumb knuckle. Hold the pressure for one minute before repeating the procedure with your other hand. Do this as often as needed throughout the day, according to Gale.
Step 5
Wear a tight headband if you suffer from migraine headaches. However, Gale reports that if you have a tension headache, this might make it worse.
Step 6
Take vitamins B2, B3 (niacin) and B12 and magnesium. These supplements may reduce your risk of chronic headaches. A deficiency of these nutrients may trigger frequent headaches, Gale advises.
Step 7
Visualize yourself in a calm and relaxing place if you have a tension headache. By replacing stress and negative thoughts with soothing thoughts and images, you may notice your headache slipping away.
Step 8
Sip hot peppermint tea or chamomile tea to soothe a tension headache. Alternatively, Gale suggests using peppermint essential oil mixed with massage oil to relax and alleviate the pain and pressure of a sinus headache.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a diary of your headaches, your diet and your activities to determine headache triggers.
- If you experience chronic, severe headaches, or a headache accompanied by a high fever and neck stiffness, contact your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Headband
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
- Peppermint tea
- Chamomile tea
- Peppermint essential oil
References
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Tension Headache
- Mayo Clinic: Migraine
