Curing Tension Headache Naturally
July 29, 2009
Often people experience a mild to moderate headache, like a band fitting tightly on the head. This type of headache is known as tension headache.
The exact reasons for tension headache are not known. It is believed that perhaps contraction of a muscle in the scalp, face or neck is responsible for such a headache. The muscle contraction is perhaps the result of changes in brain chemicals due to emotional stress or tension.
Sudden changes in brain chemicals, which help in the communication of the nerves, opens up the pain pathways of the brain. Moreover, for some unknown reason the brain becomes unable to reduce the pain naturally. Risk of tension headache is highest among women and people between 40 and 50 years of age.
Tension headache symptoms
Tension headache is characterized by mild to moderate pain that might last for half an hour to up to seven days. There is tightness on the forehead and on the side and back of the head. Sometimes tension headache is accompanied by loss of appetite. However, frequent tension headaches might lead to chronic headaches. Chronic headaches could disrupt your normal daily activities.
Tension headache Natural remedies
Stress reduction is essential for preventing recurrent tension headaches. If you have a strained neck or face muscle, apply a cold or hot compress. Whether a person could find relief from an ice pack or from hot compress is a personal choice.
The same type of compress will not work for all individuals. Acupuncture can sometimes provide relief from the recurrent headaches. Inhaling lavender essential oil can help to reduce the pain. You can inhale as well as massage your head with sandalwood, eucalyptus, rosemary, and jasmine and peppermint essential oils.
You can reduce the pain by stretching your neck and shoulder muscles. Turn your head gently from the left to rights, for about ten times to relax your muscles. You can release the muscle tension through deep breathing exercises. If you are prone to frequent tension headaches, practice meditation to relax your mind. To relax your muscles always keep your body hydrated by increasing your fluid intake.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.