Understanding Headaches: Natural Migraine and Headache Relief at Home

Headaches are one of the most common — yet most misunderstood — health complaints in the world. Many people view headaches as a random inconvenience, masking symptoms with painkillers rather than addressing the deeper causes.

Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is the perfect time to recognise that headaches are not just normal "wear and tear" on the body. They are signals from within — a request for change, attention and healing.

At Dr Kez Chirolab, we believe that healing should be accessible at home. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge, tools and confidence to reduce or even eliminate headaches naturally — by addressing root causes like stress, toxicity, poor blood flow, dehydration, muscular tension and posture imbalances.

This blog will help you:

Understand the different types of headaches,

Recognise common triggers,

Discover natural, practical solutions you can apply at home.

Let’s dive in.

What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches feel like a constant, dull, aching pressure across the forehead, sides or back of the head — often described as a tight band squeezing the skull. They are the most common form of headache, affecting up to 80% of adults at some point.

Causes

• Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or scalp
• Chronic emotional stress
• Eye strain from prolonged screen use
• Dehydration or skipping meals
• Poor posture (especially while working at a desk)

Symptoms

• Steady, non-throbbing pain across the head
• Tenderness around the scalp and shoulders
• Tightness or pressure without nausea or visual disturbance
• Pain that can last from 30 minutes to several days

Quick Natural Solutions for Tension Headaches

• Use the Acupressure Mat and Pillow daily
• Apply Cupping Therapy to the neck and shoulders
• Stay well hydrated
• Improve posture at workstations
• Practice stress-relief techniques such as breathing exercises

Learn how these therapies work and how to use them safely in our section below: "Natural Therapies for Headache Relief at Home."

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are a complex neurological condition, often causing intense, pulsing headaches usually on one side of the head. They are typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound and smells.

Causes

• Neurological dysfunction affecting blood vessels
• Hormonal fluctuations (especially in women)
• Genetic predisposition
• Gut health and liver detox issues
• Chronic stress

Symptoms

• Severe, throbbing head pain, usually on one side
• Visual auras (flashing lights, zigzag patterns)
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea which can sometimes result in vomiting if left untreated
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Headache hang over the day after

Quick Natural Solutions for Migraines

• Use the Acupressure Mat and Acupressure Hat at the first sign of symptoms
• Support liver detoxification through hydration and consuming PlantEm CleanEm Detox Daily
• Avoid common food triggers (like aged cheese, alcohol, chocolate, wine)
• Manage stress and prioritise consistent sleep

Full explanations of some of these therapies are found below in "Natural Therapies for Headache Relief at Home."

What Are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches are incredibly painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns, often awakening sufferers in the middle of the night with intense pain around one eye.

Causes

• Hypothalamic dysfunction affecting the body’s internal clock
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Smoking or alcohol triggers
• Seasonal changes

Symptoms

• Piercing, burning pain focused around one eye
• Red, teary eyes and nasal congestion
• Attacks lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours
• Occurring multiple times per day during a "cluster" period

Quick Natural Solutions for Cluster Headaches

• Use the Acupressure Mat and Pillow daily to support endorphin release and circadian balance
• Use the Acupressure Hat for helping to normalise neurological and vascular responses
• Prioritise consistent sleep hygiene (check out our blog here on tips to enhance sleep) 
• Reduce inflammatory triggers like alcohol and processed foods

Discover more about some of these therapies below under "Natural Therapies for Headache Relief at Home."

What Are Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches arise when inflammation or infection causes blockage in the sinus cavities, leading to painful pressure in the cheeks, forehead, and eyes.

Causes

• Sinus infections
• Seasonal allergies
• Environmental pollutants
• Weather changes

Symptoms

• Deep, throbbing facial pain
• Nasal congestion or postnasal drip
• Facial tenderness and swelling
• Pain worsens with bending forward

Quick Natural Solutions for Sinus Headaches

• Perform steam inhalation or have a steamy shower and stay well hydrated
• Strengthen your immune system with whole foods and time in the sun
• Perform a sinus release technique using an aromatherapy sinus roll on (click here to watch a video)
• Use the therapeutic ultrasound over the sinuses to reduce viscosity and allow the built-up mucous to be drained

Read how these therapies help sinus headaches in "Natural Therapies for Headache Relief at Home."

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that actually originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck), such as joint dysfunction, disc injuries, or chronic muscle strain.

Causes

• Forward head posture
• Whiplash or previous neck injuries
• Cervical disc degeneration
• Facet joint dysfunction

Symptoms

• Pain starting in the neck and radiating to the forehead or eyes
• Neck stiffness and restricted range of motion
• Increased pain with certain neck movements
• One-sided headache patterns

Quick Natural Solutions for Cervicogenic Headaches

• Seek a chiropractic assessment and correction.
• Use Therapeutic Ultrasound at home for neck healing.
• Apply Trio of Anti-Inflammatory Creams to affected muscles.
• Incorporate Acupressure Mat to relax supporting muscles.

See "Natural Therapies for Headache Relief at Home" below to learn more about these methods.

Lying on an acupressure mat stimulates thousands of nerve endings, releasing endorphins and reducing muscle tension naturally. It helps oxygenate the brain and promotes relaxation, balancing the nervous system over time. Our acupressure mats are therapeutic grade, designed for deep relaxation and blood flow enhancement — no practitioner needed.

Spend up to 10 minutes on the mat if you are wanting to create energy and give yourself an endorphin boost, or between 20-40 minutes if you are wanting complete relaxation and to ease headaches.  Having the D shaped pillow accurately supporting your neck enhances blood flow to the neck and inadvertently the head and scalp too, allowing deeper relaxation and headache relief.

The Acupressure Hat provides targeted stimulation to the scalp, forehead, jawline, base of the skull, neck and temples — precisely where many headaches originate.
It enhances blood flow to critical areas while calming sensory nerves at the same time.
Our community have reported dramatic and rapid relief from migraines within minutes when used early during an attack.  Such an effective tool that specifically targets headaches and migraines by getting to the root cause and addressing the lack of blood flow that causes them in the first place. 

Cupping therapy lifts tissue layers, allowing fresh blood and lymphatic flow into tight muscles.  Tight muscles often become adhered to the underlying layers of muscles due to the sticky nature of lactic acid that tends to accumulate in areas of stress like the shoulders and neck in headache patients.  The suction nature of the vacuum cupping set, draws the top layer of muscle up and into the cup giving it the opportunity to break free from the underlying muscles, bringing back independent muscle movement and dramatically enhancing blood flow. 

At Dr Kez ChiroLab, our cupping sets are safe, easy-to-use, and designed for intuitive home application — bringing the healing power of cupping straight to your living room.
No need for expensive appointments every time muscles tighten!  Our set even has an extension tube which allows you to place the cups on your own neck and shoulders so that you don’t need to wait for someone to be home to get your treatment started. 

Our at-home ultrasound device promotes deep tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery from cervical injuries that often trigger cervicogenic headaches. It's simple to operate and far more cost-effective than attending ongoing clinical sessions.

For use on the neck area, to assist in alleviating headaches, the treatment would require about 8 minutes on the pulsed setting.  Always use the gel between the skin and treatment head.  The ultrasound can be used daily if you are suffering from severe headaches, or even more frequently if required.  The ultrasound provides energy for the body to heal the area faster, so there really is no overdoing it!

For maximum benefits combine the therapeutic ultrasound with the trio of creams, mentioned below.  This will provide the building blocks that the body requires directly where it requires it.  The ultrasound will then drive these building blocks deep below the surface, as well as enhancing the energy within the cells for maximum healing benefits.

Our inflammation-targeted trio — Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion, Bone Aid Relief Cream, and Heativate® Relief Cream — are formulated with powerful natural ingredients to:

• Soothe muscle tension
• Reduce inflammation
• Support joint and disc healing
• Assist soft tissue healing (muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae, cartilage etc.)

Apply topically for fast, localised relief, especially before and after using ultrasound therapy. 

Applying the trio of creams 3 times daily will maintain a constant supply of these building blocks for the body to use in the repair and regeneration process.

Even slight dehydration can provoke headaches.  We need to consume plenty of water to ensure that the blood doesn’t become too thick.  We need the blood to flow freely through the muscles to ensure oxygen and nutrient exchange and to assist with venous and lymphatic return.  This will help nurture and repair the muscles and prevent build-up of the waster product lactic acid that can also lead to tight muscles and headaches.   Aim for 2–2.5 litres of water daily and incorporate electrolyte support when needed.

Whole food nutrition (rich in greens, berries, healthy fats) helps reduce systemic inflammation and supports natural detoxification.

This whole food powdered product has been specially formulated to support your liver, so that your liver can support you.  The liver is the primary organ of detoxification, and it needs to remain healthy to be able to filter out toxins and waste products from our blood, so that we can remain healthy and balanced.  If the liver struggles, we struggle.  CleanEm Detox is purely whole foods, no fillers.  Add water and, just like nature intended it, we have a variety of nutrients that are easily broken down and utilised in the body for targeting whole liver health.  Removing toxins from the blood stream helps to prevent an accumulation of toxins within our body that can lead to headaches. 

Poor posture, particularly rounded shoulders, which are the result of an imbalance between the strength and tightness of the muscles in the chest compared to the muscles in the back of the shoulder blade area.  Many everyday activities strengthen our chest muscles, like working at a computer, doing housework, lifting shopping into the car, using tools (the list goes on and on).  On the other hand, very little daily activities strengthen the muscles in the back that are responsible for pulling our shoulders back for optimal posture.  This imbalance results in rounded shoulders that causes our head to protrude out in front, requiring the muscles at the back of the neck to work excessively hard to stop your head from falling off your shoulders.  Tight neck muscles, leads to decreased blood flow, decreased blood flow leads to headaches. 

(Stay tuned: we’ll publish a blog on Posture Correction very soon!)

Can stress really cause migraines?

Yes! Stress alters blood vessels, sensitises the brain’s pain receptors, and tightens muscles — a perfect storm for migraines.  Migraines are often triggered by certain foods too, which our body may tolerate better when in a non-stressed state.

Is cupping safe at home?

Absolutely. With correct technique (easy to learn with our sets and online videos), cupping is very safe and highly effective for loosening tension, increasing blood flow and even assisting detoxification.

How quickly does the acupressure mat help with headaches?

Many people feel tension release and mental clarity within 10–15 minutes of lying on the mat.  For deeper relaxation lay on the mat for 20-40 minutes.  The key is to completely relax the neck, face and jaw while being supported by the D shaped pillow.  Relief will shortly follow as the blood makes its way up and into the head.

Can chiropractic help cervicogenic headaches?

Yes — chiropractors can address spinal dysfunction, muscle imbalances, and nerve irritation that commonly cause cervicogenic headaches.  When the neck is subluxated it frequently results in dysfunctional movement which can lead to neck pain, inflammation and headaches. Removing these subluxations with a Chiropractic adjustment can be the end to neck pain, inflammation and headaches of cervicogenic cause.

Headaches may be common, but they don't have to rule your life. With the right understanding, consistent natural therapies, and a commitment to listening to your body, you can successfully heal them at home, reduce your dependency on medications, and reclaim a vibrant, pain-free life.

At Dr Kez Chirolab, we’re here to support you every step of the way — whether you need tools like the Acupressure Mat, Acupressure Hat, Cupping Set, or Therapeutic Ultrasound, or simply the encouragement to believe in your body's ability to heal.