Headaches can be utterly debilitating. Even if they aren’t the migraine-type headache, which means you can do nothing but lie still in a darkened room until it passes, any kind of headache is going to cause you to be less productive than you would normally be.
Very often, headaches are the result of dehydration, stress, and generally overdoing things, although there could be a medical reason behind the pain as well, especially if it lasts for days at a time. Although you can use medication to help reduce the pain of a headache, there are some more natural remedies as well, and in some cases, these can work faster and are longer lasting.
Magnesium is a micronutrient that allows your body to function at optimal levels. And if the body doesn’t have enough magnesium, it can cause problems. Research suggests a link between magnesium deficiency and migraines, which can also cause muscle contractions, nausea, numbness, a loss of appetite, and fatigue. The good news is that something as simple as taking magnesium supplements can help you combat migraines and headaches.
Read on to find out more.
Massage Therapy
If you consider massage therapy to only be something that you’ll undergo as a treat on a spa day, you’re missing out on some of the greatest benefits of a massage, one of which is headache relief.
If your headache is the result of tension because you are stressed, because you worked out too hard (or without a proper warm-up and cool-down), or because you sit in one position for many hours at a time, then a massage can reduce that tension by loosening the muscles. The result is that your headache will disappear too.
Plus, it’s an enjoyable sensation, so you won’t mind getting it done.
Eye Test
Headaches can also occur because of poor vision and eyestrain.
If you are struggling to see or you’re straining to look at the screen or TV or even to read a book, then it’s wise to book an appointment with an optometrist. They will be able to determine whether corrective lenses would reduce that eyestrain and therefore reduce your headaches.
If you already wear eyeglasses, it might be that your current prescription is no longer strong enough since eyesight can deteriorate over time. Again, it’s a good idea to get this checked out by an expert. The optometrist will be able to talk you through all the different tests and explain exactly what the situation is, guiding you to your next steps, whatever they might be.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is all about how specific smells trigger the brain in certain ways. Some of those ways include healing, and many people have said that using aromatherapy has helped with their headaches, reducing or even relieving the pain altogether.
The most useful scents when it comes to headaches seem to be lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Aromatherapy comes in a variety of forms, and you can choose the type that works best for you. You might, for example, light aromatherapy candles to soothe you, or you might prefer to use aromatherapy oils in a relaxing bath. Some people will even put a few drops of oil into their pillows at night. It’s certainly worth trying to see if it can work for you.
Hydration
One of the main causes of frequent headaches is dehydration, and this is something that is so easy to avoid. If you are suffering from a headache, drinking a glass of water can offer some immediate relief.
If you ensure you always have some water with you and can sip it constantly throughout the day, you won’t become dehydrated again, and your headaches should decrease dramatically.
Water is the best thing you can drink, although drinks including electrolytes are a good alternative if need be. Try to avoid too much of anything that contains caffeine or alcohol, as these can cause you to be even more dehydrated.