Headaches can be a real pain...literally.
They disrupt our day, sap our energy, and make it difficult to focus on anything else. While there are countless over-the-counter medications available, if you're like me, you're looking for a more natural, holistic remedy to manage and alleviate headache pain. While I don't take advil (or any other NSAID's) regularly or often, sometimes when I get a migraine, I get desperate for relief. Recently, I had one of those migraines where it feels like there is a knife in my eye (😖😵🥴), so I reached out to my community! Here are some tried and tested remedies shared with me by our amazing community that may help you find relief.
1. Warm Feet, Cool Head
One of the simplest yet surprisingly effective remedies involves filling a tub with very hot water and soaking your feet & keeping a cool pack on the back of your neck. This technique helps draw blood away from your head and can ease the throbbing pain of a headache. The warmth soothes your body, helping you to relax and unwind. The cool pack can provide immediate relief from a headache. The cold constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and numbing the pain.
2. Essential Oils
Applying essential oils like wintergreen, peppermint, and lavender can be incredibly soothing. Wintergreen acts similarly to aspirin, peppermint provides a cooling sensation, and lavender promotes relaxation.
Both wintergreen and peppermint have analgesic effects but because of different compounds found in the oils. Wintergreen leaf contains an aspirin-like chemical called methyl salicylate. It has effects that might reduce pain. The analgesic effect of peppermint can be due to its main compounds like Carvone, Limonene, and Menthol.
Dilute a few drops of these oils in a carrier oil and gently massage onto your temples & back of your neck. Personally, I have found great relief with peppermint essential oil.
3. Earthly Headache
Earthly Headache & Muscle Relief is an all-natural remedy designed to tackle headaches without synthetic ingredients. It's a blend of natural herbs and minerals known for their pain-relieving properties.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is often linked to headaches and migraines. Taking magnesium supplements can help alleviate headache symptoms by relaxing blood vessels and reducing muscle tension
5. Chiropractic Care
Visiting a chiropractor can be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic headaches. Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment, reduce tension, and improve overall nervous system function, which can, in turn, alleviate headache pain.
6. Rootly Organics Headache Tea
Rootly Organics offers a specialized headache tea that blends herbs known for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Sipping on this tea at the onset of a headache can help reduce symptoms and promote relaxation.
7. Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses low-level light to reduce inflammation and pain. Many users report significant relief from headache symptoms after using red light therapy devices.
8. Headache Relief Cap
The Headache Relief Cap is a wearable device that combines cold therapy and compression to alleviate headache pain. Simply place the cap in the freezer, then wear it during a headache for soothing relief.
9. Spinal Network Entrainments
I can't vouche for this...yet (my 1st appointment is soon!) But in tandem with chiropractic care, I will be seeing a chiropractor who also practices Network Spinal Entrainments.
Network Spinal is a gentle, non-invasive chiropractic technique that uses light pressure and manual contact along the spine to improve physical, mental, and emotional health and is based on the idea that the body's natural healing mechanisms can be stimulated, and it can help create new pathways for healing.
While NetworkSpinal does correct spinal misalignments, it also addresses other essential aspects of the whole person. It helps to resolve and release past emotional traumas, toxicities and spiritual blockages. This form of chiropractic is unique and goes beyond what most people experience and expect in healthcare.
10. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow, or Qi. It is believed that this balance helps to relieve pain and promote overall well-being. For headaches, acupuncture can help by:
Reducing muscle tension
Improving blood circulation
Triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers
Balancing neurotransmitters and hormones that can influence headache triggers
Many people find that regular acupuncture sessions can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of their headaches.
Exploring natural and holistic remedies for headaches can be a game-changer, especially for those who prefer to avoid conventional medications. Whether you opt for a warm foot bath, essential oils, or innovative solutions like red light therapy, there's a remedy out there that might just work for you. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before trying new treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Do you have any other headache remedies that have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below, shoot me a DM on socials or email me at kate@kateandcowellness.com
***THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT A HEALTCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE TRYING NEW TREATMENTS***
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