Headache Relief: Natural Solutions if You Experience Headaches
Corinne Casazza
December 14, 2007
Most Americans experience tension headaches occasionally, and an estimated four to five percent experience them daily. In fact, close to 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men experience tension headaches during their lifetimes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While their exact cause is unknown, tension headaches are commonly triggered by emotional factors, the most common of which is stress. Depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions can also trigger tension headaches. Fortunately, there are many natural options that can help to relieve tension headaches safely and effectively.
1. Keep to a regular exercise program. Aerobic exercise relieves stress, relaxes your muscles and also is known to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Further, exercise can sometimes help relieve the pain if you already have a headache.
2. Manage your stress. The Sedona Method is a scientifically proven technique that you can use for stress management -- an essential component of headache relief. With The Sedona Method, when your level of stress rises, you simply ask yourself a series of easy-to-remember questions and you’ll feel the tightness leaving your stomach, shoulders, neck and chest. In its place, you’ll feel relaxation and confidence.
3. Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can trigger headaches so getting a good night’s sleep is essential.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle. “Behaviors that promote general good health also may help prevent headaches,” says the Mayo Clinic. These include things like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding too much caffeine. If you find you are having trouble sticking to a healthy lifestyle, The Sedona Method can help you release any underlying negative emotions standing in your way.
5. Relax your muscles. Muscle tension can trigger and worsen headaches, and there are a number of ways to relieve it. You can use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle or take a hot shower or bath if you find the warmth soothing. Alternatively, an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth can also be effective. Another excellent option is massaging your head, neck and shoulders (or having someone do it for you).
6. Control your posture. Poor posture can lead to muscle strain and tension. Be sure to hold your shoulders back and your head high when standing and sit with your legs parallel to the ground (uncrossed) and your head upright (not slumped forward).
7. Try essential oils. Ginger, peppermint and wintergreen essential oils may help relieve tension headaches when rubbed into your temples or inhaled via aromatherapy.
Finally, it’s also important to find a positive outlet for chronic pain. The Sedona Method can help you to release the emotional baggage that comes with chronic pain; it is an incredibly effective, non-drug, non-medical alternative for breaking free of the debilitating effects of pain in all its forms. For more information about the easy to learn Sedona Method, please visit our site at: http://www.sedona.com
Source: MayoClinic.com
While their exact cause is unknown, tension headaches are commonly triggered by emotional factors, the most common of which is stress. Depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions can also trigger tension headaches. Fortunately, there are many natural options that can help to relieve tension headaches safely and effectively.
1. Keep to a regular exercise program. Aerobic exercise relieves stress, relaxes your muscles and also is known to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Further, exercise can sometimes help relieve the pain if you already have a headache.
2. Manage your stress. The Sedona Method is a scientifically proven technique that you can use for stress management -- an essential component of headache relief. With The Sedona Method, when your level of stress rises, you simply ask yourself a series of easy-to-remember questions and you’ll feel the tightness leaving your stomach, shoulders, neck and chest. In its place, you’ll feel relaxation and confidence.
3. Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can trigger headaches so getting a good night’s sleep is essential.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle. “Behaviors that promote general good health also may help prevent headaches,” says the Mayo Clinic. These include things like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding too much caffeine. If you find you are having trouble sticking to a healthy lifestyle, The Sedona Method can help you release any underlying negative emotions standing in your way.
5. Relax your muscles. Muscle tension can trigger and worsen headaches, and there are a number of ways to relieve it. You can use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle or take a hot shower or bath if you find the warmth soothing. Alternatively, an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth can also be effective. Another excellent option is massaging your head, neck and shoulders (or having someone do it for you).
6. Control your posture. Poor posture can lead to muscle strain and tension. Be sure to hold your shoulders back and your head high when standing and sit with your legs parallel to the ground (uncrossed) and your head upright (not slumped forward).
7. Try essential oils. Ginger, peppermint and wintergreen essential oils may help relieve tension headaches when rubbed into your temples or inhaled via aromatherapy.
Finally, it’s also important to find a positive outlet for chronic pain. The Sedona Method can help you to release the emotional baggage that comes with chronic pain; it is an incredibly effective, non-drug, non-medical alternative for breaking free of the debilitating effects of pain in all its forms. For more information about the easy to learn Sedona Method, please visit our site at: http://www.sedona.com
Source: MayoClinic.com