ACUPRESSURE
Locate the pressure points that are associated with the relief of headaches by using the illustrations on the far left. The methods are used often in combo with an aromatherapy oil listed below.
AROMATHERAPY
There are many herbal oils that are helpful in relaxing and alleviating the discomfort of a tension or migraine headache. Apply one to two drops of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) essential oil mixed with a carrier oil like sunflower oil to your fingertips, then gently massage your temples, hollows at the sides of your eyes, behind your ears, and over your neck with a circular motion. To relieve a sinus headache, the same technique can be used with eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globu-lus) or wintergreen (Caultheria procumbens).
A really effective remedy for any headache is to inhale lavender, rosemary and peppermint, combined at once. Pain can be reduced by relaxing muscles through the application of compresses to affected areas with these oils.
CHIROPRACTIC/OSTEOPATHY
Posture creates some tension headaches by placing a strain that is unnecessary upon the muscles. Using either cervical manipulation or realignment techniques, a chiropractor might be able to alleviate the muscle strain. Some studies have shown that spinal manipulation produces fewer side effects and have longer lasting results than conventional drug use.
HERBAL THERAPIES
The most widely used natural substance, the herb feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is very effective, and believed to work through blockage of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Feverfew may prevent blood vessel constriction in the early stages of a migraine, thereby preventing serotonin release. Chewing one or two leaves daily can help with prevention, but may cause mouth ulcers; 125-mg capsules can be used as a replacement for the leaves. You should not take more than 12 capsules in one day, but to offset an attack, take 3 or 4 capsules immediately, then continue this dosage every few hours. Migraine headaches triggered by stressful situations may be relieved by using a combination of the same amount of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), linden (Tilia spp.), wood betony (Stachys officinalis), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflo-ra), and cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), given three separate times each day as tea or tincture. Migraines that are paired with nausea, vomiting, and an aura can be treated at onset of warning stage with 500 mg of dried ginger (Zingiber offici-nale); repeat every two hours as needed. Three doses daily of Hydrasti’s canadensis (goldenseal) in tincture, tea, or powder can reduce pain from sinus headaches.
HOMEOPATHY
Numerous and varied homeopathic remedies exist for treating headaches. Belladonna can help for headaches that throb continuously and worsen on the right side while lying. Give Bryonia a try for severe, ‘splitting’ headaches which feel more intense with light, motion, touch, or light. Try Kali bichromicum if you have sinus pain and a thick, green nasal discharge. See a practitioner of homeopathy for migraines and other types of chronic headaches.