Headaches can be one of the biggest distractions in a day and a potential problem too. The sudden pains felt in the head can be very irritating, and with strong headaches, it becomes impossible to concentrate into anything else.
However, it is advised not to leave the headache alone and take steps to get rid of it instead.
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How to Get Rid Of a Headache
Medications are the best form of getting relief from headaches. Usually, OTC or Over-the-counter pain relievers do a good job. Drugs with ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine, or their combinations are effective against headaches. Strong anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indomethacin are also very effective at times.
In case you do not have any medication, you can try out various pain-relieving techniques. For instance, taking rest with the eyes closed, or sleeping, if possible, is a good option. You can also rub your temples and neck. Applying heat pads or ice packs can also be effective. Keeping the stress away is essential. Therefore, try meditating or relaxing as much as possible. It is also advisable to avoid unhealthy foods and have full home-made meals instead.
Pressure Points for Headaches
Another effective method of getting relief from headaches is applying force on the various pressure points present in the body. The Acupuncture technique was invented by the Chinese people to heal the body by piercing fine needles in specific body places. This technique is well proven to help in the treatment of many diseases and pain, and also to make the body feel good. Similar to Acupuncture, the acupressure is also a technique for relieving the pain, especially of headaches.
In acupressure, the pressure is applied to the specific body parts by fingers instead of needles. It is incredibly useful in getting rid of almost all types of body and muscular pains. Using acupressure to get relief from the pain of headache has been the practice for a long time now.
How to Perform Acupressure
Just like Acupuncture, the main focus is to identify the specific parts of the body, which are otherwise known as the Pressure Points. In Acupuncture, the fine needles need to be penetrated to the skin in these pressure points up to a limit to get health benefits. In acupressure, the fingers are used to pressurize the Pressure Points of the body. The Pressure Points are also known as the acupoints, and the first basic step is the identification of these acupoints. These points are so chosen such that putting controlled pressure on these acupoints helps in the circulation of blood and relieves the built-in muscle stress. Acupressure can also be used for the treatment of pains from various other causes. The treatment of the side effects that are acquired from undergoing Chemotherapy is also possible with acupressure.
The acupressure can be simply done at home once you know which points to put pressure at and how to do it.
Pressure Point for Acupressure
The main Pressure Point for the relief of headaches is given below.
Hegu – Pressure Point LI-4
Hegu, or medically known as Pressure Point LI-4, is one of the main acupoints present in the body. The exact location of this particular Pressure Point is right between the index finger and the base of the thumb. When the correct amount of pressure is put in this point, it provides great relief from the constant pain of headaches.
To provide the correct amount of pressure in this area, you need to find this space between the index finger and the left thumb base and apply small but persistent pressure with your right index finger and thumb on that spot.
The exact Pressure Point is recommended to be pressurized and held for five to ten minutes. The pressure also should not be applied by merely holding down the spot. It is always advised to provide a massage or pressurize the area in a circular motion with the right thumb to get the best results. The pressure should be firm, but it should not be too intense. The point is to provide you with relief from an existing pain, and not to give you a new pain instead.
After five to ten minutes, you should switch hands and repeat the same process for a few times. If the headache feels too intense, you should keep on performing acupressure unless and until the intensity of the pain goes down.
Natural Remedies for Headaches
Apart from acupressure and medication, there are also various ways in which you can get rid of your headache naturally. These steps do not necessarily stop the headache altogether, but help in lowering the intensity of the headache. Following multiple of these steps can be very useful, especially when you are out of options.
Having Water
In many cases, a headache is caused by sudden dehydration. Drinking water in adequate amount rehydrates the body and often eases the pain. It is an indirect method, but it is effective.
Having Magnesium Supplements
For the proper functioning of the body, we need various minerals, among which Magnesium is a primary ingredient. Taking Magnesium supplements in the right amount can prove to be very effective against headaches.
Restricting Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the primary promoters of vasodilation, and it directly triggers the cause of migraines. Even though this is not a remedy, but it is more like a precautionary measure for headaches.
Having Enough Sleep
When a person is not getting enough sleep, the brain convolutions often become constricted, causing a headache. If it is possible to sleep during a headache, it is the best remedy for stopping it entirely.
Avoiding Histamine Containing Foods
The nervous system, digestive system, and the immunity of the body are maintained by a chemical called histamine present in the body. Too much intake of Histamine is a known cause of headaches. Hence, foods that contain Histamines such as smoked meat, cured fish oil, fermented wines and processed cheese should be avoided.
Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils are rich with therapeutic benefits and are composed of aromatic compounds. These oils, especially lavender and peppermint, are known to be greatly effective against headaches when applied on temples.
Taking Vitamin B-Complex
The Vitamin B-Complex contains folate, riboflavin, pyridoxine, B12, and so on. All of these are available in the form of supplements and can be taken to get relief from migraines and headache.
Using Cold Compress
It is recommended to use ice packs and cold compress on the temples, neck, and adjacent area. This can help in decreasing the inflammation, and reduce the overall headache intensity by a lot. It is a common method for treating headaches and pains.
Having Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that helps in reducing the intensity and the rate of headaches significantly. When taken in the correct dose, the Coenzyme Q10 supplements are one of the best headache treatment methods.
Regulate the Diet
Having a regulated diet is not only necessary for keeping the body healthy, but it also helps against headaches. Sometimes, certain foods trigger irritations that lead to headaches. Having a diet that consists of no intolerant foods make sure that headache is not triggered in any way.
Drinking Tea or Coffee
Caffeine is present in household beverages, which is a good drug against headaches. Caffeine is also a mood elevator, and it can also act as a stress reliever which is essential for preventing headaches.
Trying Acupuncture
Acupressure is already discussed in this article. Similar to it, Acupuncture will also pressurize the Pressure Points with needles. Even though this method cannot be done alone, it is a highly effective way to treat any pain and not just headaches.
Trying Yoga
Yoga is also a natural stress reliever. Hence, it is also effective against headaches to quite an extent.
Avoiding Smelly Substances and Environments
Strong smells can also trigger a headache quickly. Avoiding it may stop the irritation, which will ease the headache.
Using Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies such as butterbur and feverfew are effective herbal drugs against headache and migraines. However, their dose should be appropriately maintained.
Avoiding Nitrogenous Products
Foods containing Nitrites and Nitrates are vasodilators, which can directly trigger migraines and headaches. Avoiding such products means fewer chances of headaches.
Having Ginger
Ginger is highly medicinal and contains antioxidants that can help a great deal with the relief of headaches.
Getting Exercises
If possible, it is always advised to be involved in mild physical activity to loosen up the body. With improved blood circulation and releasing the tensions in the muscles, headaches often disappear.
Conclusion
Since headaches can be a nuisance, it is always advised to get rid of them as early as possible. When taken in the right amount, medications and supplements are good options to try out. Other than that, treatment methods such as acupressure and Acupuncture are also highly effective against headaches. However, they often require specialized knowledge and sometimes cannot be done alone. Lastly, herbal medicines and home remedies are not always direct treatment methods of headache. However, they can help a person to cope with the pain by lowering down the intensity and providing relief.
