5 Tips For Headache Relief

5 Tips For Headache Relief : Headaches happen. They are particularly common in people living busy lifestyles. Sometimes a headache is caused by a medical condition, but it is more often associated with stress, exhaustion, dehydration, or excessive caffeine consumption.

While there are many over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, it also pays to learn other pain management ideas. Additionally, it is unhealthy to constantly depend on pain relievers.

Here 5 easy habits that can relieve a headache without taking another tablet:

Rehydrate

Electrolytes in water are vital for nerve and muscle function and many other biological processes. Therefore, if much of these are lost without an immediate replacement, the body will be put in a lot of stress.

If you’re feeling lightheaded, drink a glass of water, or any electrolyte-containing beverage, such as Gatorade. Eating fluid-rich fruits throughout the day can also prevent dehydration.

It is important to know that not all fluids can relieve headaches; some of them can actually trigger them. These include alcohol and caffeine-filled or high-sugar drinks.

Set an alarm to remind you to drink at least one glass of water every hour to prevent dehydration.
Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are different from voluntary breathing. Tension-related headaches can be relieved by breathing exercises because it increases oxygen levels to the brain, relaxes the nerves, and encourages the release of “happy hormones”. This is how to do it:
- Find a quiet place and sit properly.
- Close your eyes (this is advised to avoid distraction) and focus on how your body feels.
- Breathe in for 5 seconds and then breathe out for another 5. Take these rhythmic breaths until you feel relaxed.
- Focus on a part of your body for progressive relaxation.Make breathing exercises a part of your habit and you might be surprised how it can increase your productivity. You might also want to consider complementing them with yoga.
Get a Massage

Numerous studies support the claim that massage is therapeutic. A Natural Med Doc revealed that massage can alleviate headaches, anxiety, joint pain, and many other conditions.

Muscle strain due to heavy exertion or poor posture can also cause a headache. So it’s better to get a whole body massaged to cover all bases. Consult a trained practitioner on pain management Phoenix who can address the pain points.

Furthermore, because massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues, it is interpreted by the brain as a form of care or comfort. As a consequence, relaxing hormones are released.
Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the application of certain scents that can trigger positive responses in the brain. Usually, these scents are from essential oils.

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark, and fruit of a plant. Some scents that have been reported to relieve headaches are eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint extract.
- Eucalyptus
  Congested sinuses result in tension buildup in your head. Eucalyptus scents can clear the nasal passages and soothe related pain.
- Lavender
  A study conducted in 2013 showed that the respondents experienced significant pain reduction within only 15 minutes of being exposed to lavender essential oil. Breathing this scent can also reduce stress and promote muscle relaxation.
- Rosemary
  A 2013 research discovered that rosemary oil can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms when used with other medications. In folk medicine, it is used to treat insomnia and improve blood circulation.The potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary oil make it unsurprisingly effective in relieving headaches.
- Peppermint
  The menthol content of peppermint makes it effective in easing pain and relaxing muscles. Peppermint essential oil can also be used to reduce migraine attacks, stress, and sinus congestion.
Avoid Headache Triggering Foods

Certain foods are believed to trigger headaches. So no matter delicious they are, you have to avoid them to maintain quality of life. Here are the possible causes of your headaches.
- Caffeinated foods and beverages.
  These include coffee, cola, chocolate, and tea. Caffeine is a stimulant and actually has health benefits as well. However, it can also cause headaches when consumed in excessive amounts. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine, causing them to experience undesirable effects even with minimal dosages.
- MSG (monosodium glutamate-containing) foods.
  Although MSG is classified as “generally safe” by the Food and Drug Administration, there are anecdotal reports that consumers experienced headaches after eating MSG-containing foods.
- High-sugar food and beverages.
  Similar to caffeine, sugar can increase heart rate, resulting in increased blood flow and a more alert state. However, if consumed in high amounts, it can cause a headache because the pressure is stronger.
- Tyramine-containing products.
  There are reports claiming that tyramine, a by-product of tyrosine breakdown, can trigger headaches. Tyrosine, an amino acid, can found in aged cheeses.

Keep in mind that these are simply for pain management. If your headache persists, consult a health care professional to get a comprehensive evaluation and to determine the best treatment.

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