If your busy life keeps you occupied throughout the day and even interrupts your sleep-cycle, chances are you experience headaches more often than the others. Millions of Americans have common complaints of headaches and migraines. While most of them suffer occasional headaches, others describe the condition being chronic. One way to deal with chronic and acute headaches is to pop a pill and forget about the heaviness in the head for a few hours. Alternatively, you can go for other ways to get relief from regular and chronic headaches.
- A good stretch
Stretching isn’t only beneficial for the body but also for relieving pain, and especially for headaches. When you stretch, the flow of oxygen increases, which helps the body to relieve stress and muscle soreness. Try stretching your neck up and down, and side to side. Stretch your arms overhead but remember to maintain a distance between your shoulders and ears. While it may not instantly give you relief from a headache, but you will feel a little better than before. You can also try aerobic exercises.
- Meditate
You probably already know that meditation helps you clear your mind and thoughts. But do you know meditation also relieves you from pain and discomfort? When you meditate, you focus on the part of the body and move the pain out with deep breathing and relaxation. Pick a quiet place where you can lie down, play some soothing music, and concentrate on mind while relaxing your body at the same time.
- Hydrate
You will be surprised to know that water and fluids help you keep headaches at bay. Make sure that you drink enough water throughout the day. As sugary drinks are not counted as fluids, avoid taking them. You can set reminders on your smartphone, which will remind you to stay hydrated all day long.
- Massage
Massage therapy is effective for migraine-sufferers. Relaxation techniques used by practitioners not only relieve sore muscles and joint aches but also rejuvenate your mind. The therapy also aids in healing a stiff neck and increases the range of motion, which eventually reflects on your mind.
- Aromatherapy
Essential oils are a great topical remedy to ease migraine headaches. When you sniff aromas, and lavender, in particular, for fifteen minutes, you notice a significant reduction in the severity of pain. You can also try edible essential oils to ease headaches. Drop two or three drops on your upper lip whenever you experience an acute migraine attack.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment for headaches is an ideal way to get relief from chronic discomfort. It involves the insertion of thin needles at acupuncture points on the body. To increase the blood flow and improve circulation, the needles are manually or electrically stimulated after insertion. When you opt for acupuncture treatment five times a week for three to four weeks, you experience fewer migraines and headaches.
These were a few ways that help you treat headaches without taking medications. If you are a chronic-sufferer, acupuncture for headache is an ideal solution for you.