Tension Headache Relief

Close to 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men experience tension headaches during their lifetimes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Tension headaches are commonly triggered by emotional factors, the most common of which is stress. Depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions can also trigger tension headaches. Fortunately, there are many natural options that can help to relieve tension headaches safely and effectively.

Take Action:

1. Keep to a regular exercise program. Aerobic exercise relieves stress, relaxes your muscles and also is known to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Further, exercise can sometimes help to relieve the pain of a headache that’s already there.

2. Manage your stress. Stress management is an essential component of headache relief.

3. Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can trigger headaches in some, so getting a good night’s sleep is essential.

4. Lead a healthy lifestyle. “Behaviors that promote general good health also may help prevent headache,” according to the Mayo Clinic. These include things like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding too much caffeine.

If you find you are having trouble sticking to a healthy lifestyle, try to release any underlying negative emotions standing in your way to stress-free and balanced life.

5. Relax your muscles. Muscle tension can trigger and worsen headaches, and there are a number of ways to relieve it. You can use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle or take a hot shower or bath if you find the warmth soothing. Alternatively, an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth can also be effective.

6. Try  Indian Head Massage - this is an excellent option is massaging your head, neck and shoulders (or having someone do it for you).

7. Watch your posture. Poor posture can lead to muscle strain and tension. Be careful to hold your shoulders back and your head high when standing and sit with your things parallel to the ground and your head upright (not slumped forward). 

8. Try essential oils. Ginger, peppermint and wintergreen essential oils may help relieve tension headaches when rubbed into your temples or inhaled via aromatherapy.

9. Detox your body. I suffered from very severe headaches years ago. After total cleanse things changed completely- my headaches just disappeared.

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