An annoying headache is something that we can experience at any time and that requires more or less immediate relief. Not all headaches are the same or arise from the same cause. Knowing what causes them is important, especially if they are repeated frequently. From a tension headache to a migraine, the different persistent headaches require medical consultation but, especially in cases of mild pain, it is not always necessary to resort to drugs to end them and feel better.
Apply cold compresses
When the headache is not concentrated in a certain area, but instead translates into a feeling of drowsiness and general discomfort, putting a small towel previously soaked in cool water (not ice cold) on your forehead and temples can provide a gentle and immediate relief.
Do relaxation exercises
Sometimes the trigger for a headache is a stressful situation that continues over time without you realizing it. A few minutes doing simple exercises inspired by basic yoga postures, such as the Lotus, and taking deep breaths can calm you down and the pain disappears .
In this link you can find various relaxation exercises to combat anxiety , stress and headache caused by tension in the area in these situations.
Get massages to get rid of headaches
Getting rid of headaches with massage is a simple and effective natural remedy. If you have someone who can give them to you, ask them to gently massage the area that goes from the base of the neck to the shoulders for a few minutes to relieve the tension accumulated in the trapezius muscle.
You can also perform a self-massage by lightly pressing your temples with your fingertips while making circular movements, keeping your thumbs just behind your ears.
Stretch your neck
If your head hurts and you also notice stiffness in your neck and back, try doing some simple exercises that consist of stretching the muscles in the area, relieving pressure at the base of the skull.
Relax as you tilt your head forward, trying to touch your chin to your chest. Do it slowly while breathing deeply and repeat at least three times. Next, do the opposite movement, that is, slowly bring your head back. To finish, also stretch the lateral muscles (sternocleidomastoid) bending the neck to the right and left.
get acupressure
Removing the headache by pressing with your hand is also possible. Acupressure is an ancient technique, based on traditional Chinese medicine , which is based on exerting pressure on certain body points to improve circulation, reduce inflammatory processes and relieve tension.
Do you want to know where to press to get rid of the headache? Indeed, there are acupressure points to relieve headaches. This is the so-called Hegu point, which is found on each hand, in the space between the base of the thumb and the index finger. Press right there with the thumb of your other hand for a few seconds or a few minutes and repeat on the opposite hand. You lose nothing by trying. In fact, there are numerous studies, compiled by journals such as the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management [1] that analyze the efficacy of acupressure against different ailments.
Drink enough water
Occasionally, headaches are a response of the body to deficiencies or adverse environmental situations. Headache can be one of the first symptoms of dehydration.
Sometimes, especially in winter, we don't feel the need to drink fluids but our body needs them. If you have a headache, think about whether you have drunk enough water during the day. If not, the remedy is simple. Drink liquids: water, juices, infusions, etc.
Take a short nap
Insomnia and other sleep disorders or simply accumulated tiredness can be behind an annoying headache. Try to rest and sleep between 20 and 30 minutes and this simple practice will make you feel better.
Practice controlled breathing
In fact, controlled breathing, focusing on the simple act of getting oxygen in and out of your lungs, is a relaxation technique that can also help reduce headache pain . Breathe in slowly and deeply and exhale slowly.
By reading these other articles you can learn more about How to Relax Through Breathing and Abdominal Breathing Exercises and thus achieve more relaxation and relieve headaches.
Take a bath with warm water
If after a hard day, the headache makes an appearance, a relaxing bath with warm water and abundant foam can be a simple and pleasant solution that leaves you as new.
Wake up with a walk
Clearing your mind for a few minutes is a remedy as old as it is effective against headaches. Simply unplugging, while you walk for a few minutes and enjoy the fresh air, may be able to reduce the persistent headache.
Avoid light stimuli
Dimming the lights around you or even staying dark and away from noise is a good option, especially if the goal is to get rid of a migraine headache.
Ventilate the room
Ventilating the rooms of the house daily and for a few minutes (also in winter) is a basic measure that contributes to good health in general .
Perhaps the reason for your migraine is the ‘charged' air that has not been sufficiently renewed. Rest for a few minutes and take the opportunity to open windows and ventilate the room.
Avoid prolonged fasting
Sometimes the solution to a feeling of discomfort is very simple. Fatigue and headaches can be caused by a lack of energy that prevents our body from performing its basic functions correctly. If you go many hours without eating, the result can be a migraine, which will go away with the necessary intake of healthy foods.
Natural remedies to get rid of headache
We cannot forget about natural medicine to improve our health. For this reason, the use of some medicinal plants for headaches is also recommended , whether in infusion, essential oil or other forms.
Ginger tea
The root of the ginger plant has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties , making an infusion of its zest a great home remedy for severe headaches and a good alternative to drugs. Here you can learn how ginger is prepared for headaches .
Lime infusion
Linden is another medicinal plant that is an excellent ally when it comes to fighting headaches. Its calming properties against nervousness are known, but as in the previous case, it is an effective natural analgesic against mild pain. Learn more about the benefits of alpine linden.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary plant oil improves circulation and relieves pain, making rosemary essential oil a good natural alternative to migraines. Dilute a few drops in olive or almond oil and moisten two cotton balls in the mixture. Put them where you notice that the pain is concentrated, for example, in the temples, and let the analgesic properties of rosemary take effect. In this other post you can learn more about what rosemary oil is for.
Lavender
Lavender is also a plant whose essential oil is good for fighting headaches. Putting some aromatic sachets with lavender in your work area and also in the rest area will help reduce the pain. Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil in another vegetable oil (for example olive) and spread the mixture on your fingers. Gently massage the base of the skull, behind the ears, and on the temples with your hands to reduce tension and pain. Here you will learn how to make homemade lavender oil.
You can discover more medicinal plants for headaches.
Foods to get rid of headache
Apart from medicinal plants, there are also certain foods that help relieve headaches, such as the following:
Nuts
Tiredness and exhaustion can occur together with the headache and in this case, taking a small amount of nuts can help speed up recovery. The best are almonds and peanuts for their high content of magnesium, a mineral whose lack is associated with frequent headaches.
Spinach and Swiss chard
The lack of certain nutrients can be the origin of the pain and, as we have said, an adequate intake of magnesium helps to prevent and alleviate headaches. Spinach and Swiss chard are a natural source of this micronutrient and taking them at times when the headache is with you and doesn't seem to want to go away, may be the solution.
Honey and lemon
Especially if it is a headache from a cold , try mixing the juice of a lemon with a tablespoon of honey. The antiseptic and soothing properties of honey together with the vitamin C of lemon will provide you with the improvement you need.
