Visiting a chiropractor can help to melt away the pain from a severe headache, but if this menace pops up during the evening, weekend or a time at which you can't make an appointment, you don't need to reach for a pain pill and crawl into bed. A number of simple, home-based remedies can reduce your discomfort and help you get on with your day, at least until you're able to visit your chiropractor.
Lavender Essential Oil: You might associate lavender with relaxation, and that's exactly why this scent can be a valuable ally in your battle against headaches. Keep a bottle of pure lavender essential oil on hand and crack it open when you've got a headache. Place a few drops of the liquid in your hands and rub it around your neck, temples or wherever the pain feels worst. You can also add a few drops to a couple cups of boiling water and inhale the steam.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is another type of essential oil that can significantly reduce tension headaches. Applied topically, this potent oil can improve your blood flow, and restrictions in your blood flow are a common cause of tension headaches. Rub a couple drops of peppermint oil around your temples or sinuses and get ready to feel better in a hurry.
Dietary Considerations: If you frequently eat certain unhealthy foods, it's possible for your headache to result from your diet. Nitrates, which are common in hot dogs and prepared meats, trigger headaches in many people, as does monosodium glutamate, or MSG. If you have a sensitivity to dairy products, fermented foods or even red wine, your diet might be the culprit for your headaches. Fight back by keeping a food diary -- when you experience a headache, write down what you ate leading up to the discomfort. Over time, you may begin to identify trends, which allows you to make the necessary dietary adjustments.
Head Massage: A massage is a great way to relax, but performing this practice on yourself can melt headache pain away. Gently rub your temples, scalp and around the base of your neck, roughly at your hairline. Be careful to use light pressure, as pushing too hard can exacerbate the discomfort. Best of all, this technique is convenient. Feeling a headache coming on right before that big meeting at work? Take a few minutes to massage yourself, and you could be feeling like a million bucks by the time the meeting begins.
Be sure to ask a chiropractor about these and any other methods for headache relief. A professional from a clinic such as West Omaha Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic can provide great advice for at-home headache remedies.
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