Tension & Migraine HeadachesNatures Solution
Tension Headaches ~ Ailments & Remedies
Concern: Tension & Aching Head I'm sure we've all had one at some point in our lives. Sometimes it can be just a mild ache and then at other times the pain can be downright debilitating. Most people don't realize it, but natural remedies and cures are the best way to go about treating headaches quickly and safely. Aromatherapy is quickly becoming one of the most well known remedies around because it actually works. Sandalwood, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and a wide assortment of other natural oils can be used to reduce, if not completely eliminate the pain.
These scents can be found in oils, candles, and even soaps. Here's my favorite and why. Remedy: Lavender Oil Why it works: Lavender is an all-purpose remedy as it disinfects, reduces inflammation and has anti-microbial properties.  It also smells great, and has long been used as a folk or home remedy to soothe frayed nerves and treat stress-related conditions. How to use it: I'd suggest investing in a good quality bottle of lavender oil. Sources could include your local farmers market, a reputable health food store or a good bath and body shop. If you're suffering from frequent headaches sprinkle a few drops on a cotton ball, washcloth or handkerchief, then inhale. We like to sprinkle a few drops on our pillows and linen before bed. What to watch out for: The essential oil of lavender is potent. If you don't want the smell to linger, don't use it on your pillows. The fragrance keeps your bedroom smelling wonderful for days. Here are some additional remedies to consider: A large glass of water. This works more often than not. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches, so a glass of cool, clear water might be all you need to start relieving pain. How about a deep massage? You probably already know about massages and how they help to relieve stress & tension. A firm massage on the temples, forehead, face, and neck can quickly get rid of the pain. Taking a Hot Shower. Stand in the shower and allow the hot water to cascade down your neck and back. This should loosen your muscles and allow for better blood flow. Also, this would be a good time to use the aromatherapy "soap" that I mentioned above. Ice Packs. You can use an ice pack, a cold towel, a bag of frozen vegetables, or anything else that's really cold. Apply this cold item to the back of your neck (or wherever the pain is located) and allow it to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This technique should help reduce any inflammation, not to mention help numb the pain a bit. Using Pressure Points. One of the most underrated of all the cures & remedies is using pressure points. It may sound far-fetched, but it can provide great results if done correctly. Try It Out: Apply pressure to the fleshy area of your hand between the forefinger and the thumb for about 2 minutes. Relaxing & Resting. Sometimes a headache is just your body telling you that you're overworked and way too stressed. Lie down in a dark room, shut your eyes, and just relax for awhile. Once the pain goes away, you should try to reduce your stress a bit and look for ways to relax and enjoy life just a bit more. (This is another one of those headache remedies that is much too often overlooked) Diet. Do certain foods you eat seem to be a trigger? Perhaps it's time to eliminate these items from your daily diet. Everyone reacts differently to foods (and the ingredients they contain ie; MSG) so it's important to take a close look at what you're eating and when these "attacks" occur. A Calcium Supplement. This can help to relax your muscles and increase blood-flow, which should help to alleviate pain somewhat. A large glass of milk should do fine if you're without supplements. Many experts recommend taking a supplement which has both magnesium & calcium for maximum headache relief. Exercise. Depending on the severity of the attack, this is one of those headache cures which might not be that easy to do. But regardless, you should definitely consider doing this before and after the headache. Exercise will increase circulation & blood-flow throughout the body, allowing more blood & more oxygen to reach your brain. Concern: Migraines
Why it works: Studies have shown that people who are prone to these types of headaches are also deficient in magnesium. In addition, calcium and magnesium both work as general boosters of healthy blood vessels and a healthy nervous system. How to use them: Calcium and magnesium need to be taken in a 2:1 ratio for maximum effectiveness. Look for a supplement that offers 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 500 to 600 milligrams of magnesium. Other remedies to consider: Remedy: Riboflavin (also known as vitamin-B2). Why it works: A European study showed that adults who experienced two to eight of these per month experienced 37 percent fewer splitting headaches when they took 400 milligrams of riboflavin a day. It's believed that riboflavin works by increasing the stores of energy in the brain. How to use it: The B-vitamins work best as a group, so add a comprehensive B supplement to your regimen. What to watch out for: It is possible to overdose on B-vitamins. If you experience any numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, immediately reduce your dosage. 
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Remedy: Calcium and magnesium
