Sleep and staying hydrated may help ease headaches. Also try limiting caffeine use just before bedtime as stimulants may exacerbate symptoms.
Applying a cold compress or forehead wrap may help ease pain, while avoiding triggers like bright lights and strong scents can be very effective. While herbal and homeopathic treatments have been touted to ease headaches, research on their efficacy remains limited.
Acupressure
Many patients suffering from chronic headaches and migraines find relief through combining alternative treatments like acupressure with medical care from their physician. Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body in order to relieve pain by stimulating optimal circulation and relieving discomfort.
Professional acupuncturists and massage therapists can assist those interested in trying acupressure in finding their preferred points, with assistance available through licensed practitioners, books or videos from reliable sources, or self-learning techniques from reputable books or videos. It’s always wise to check with healthcare providers beforehand to make sure it’s safe.
Acuppressure can be used to alleviate tension and stress, both of which are commonly known causes of headaches. Furthermore, it can address myofascial trigger points – tight areas in muscles that lead to pain and headache symptoms – one such point being Union Valley (also referred to as LI-4 or Hegu). You’ll find it near where your thumb and index finger meet on either hand.
Heat therapy
Heat therapy may help relieve migraine-induced discomfort by loosening tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, improving blood circulation, and relaxing an individual. Heating pads must not remain directly on skin for too long though as this could cause burns.
Cold therapy works the other way around from warm therapy in that it causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces neurotransmission of pain to the brain and inflammation.
If you suffer from migraine headaches, switching up cold and warm therapy treatments could offer relief. Try alternating between using Sacksy Thyme cold therapy packs that can be frozen and microwaved or THERAdegPEARL face masks which can also be frozen or heated, or create your own homemade packs provided they are wrapped properly to prevent frostbite or burning of the skin.
Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to increase health and fitness. Exercise can reduce the risk of many diseases, reduce stress levels and enhance sleep patterns; additionally it may help alleviate headache pain when combined with pressure point therapy.
Tight muscles in your neck and shoulders can contribute to tension-type headaches, so applying heat to this area may relieve this tension and ease migraine attacks after exercise. A hot bath or shower, heating pad set on low heat or warm compress can all be useful solutions – you could also try massaging temples, scalp or neck to alleviate any associated discomfort.
If you experience headaches after working out, consult a physician to rule out serious health conditions and receive an accurate diagnosis. Once this has occurred, start gradually building back your workout regime while being sure to hydrate thoroughly both prior to and post exercise sessions. Furthermore, keep an eye out for foods which could trigger headaches in your diet.
Sleep
Sleep can help ease headaches. Studies show that lack of quality rest can increase pain sensitivity, while improving sleeping habits may even help prevent migraines altogether.
Recent research on chronic headache sufferers revealed that in addition to traditional migraine triggers, sleep issues were the second-most frequently reported source.1
It should come as no surprise that regions in the brain responsible for mood, sleep and headache control overlap significantly with those responsible for headaches.
Make sure you’re getting enough rest by setting a regular bedtime and turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Also try to limit alcohol and smoking consumption as much as possible, and avoid doing either when trying to sleep. If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, speak to your physician about melatonin supplements; studies show it helps promote sleepiness while shortening time needed to drift off; these can either be taken orally (in pill form) until sleep time comes around again.
