HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
Ahhh, headaches and migraines. The ultimate buzzkill for any day. One minute, you’re feeling great, and the next, you’ve got a throbbing pain in your head that just won’t quit. Whether it be induced by a busy, stressful lifestyle, a house full of kids or a physical ailment, it's no wonder that so many people suffer from headaches and migraines on a regular basis. But fear not, my fellow headache sufferers! There are natural solutions that can help alleviate the pain and help prevent future episodes. So there's no need to be a bear with a sore head...read on!
Different Types of Headaches
First, let’s start with the basics. There are several different types of headaches, and they each have their own unique set of symptoms. The most common types include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, rebound headaches and hormonal headaches.
Now, let's dive into the world of headaches and explore the most common types that can leave us feeling like we've got a construction crew working inside our skull.
Tension Headaches
These little rascals are the most common type of headache, and gawwwd, do they know how to ruin a good day. They often feel like a tight band squeezing around your head and they can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, poor posture, or even eye strain. (Should have gone to spec savers??🤓) Jaw clenching is a common side effect of these headaches. It's like the universe's way of saying, "Hey, take a break and relax already!”
Migraines
The notorious migraines are a whole other beast. Bear with a sore head? Yep! They don't just stop at causing intense head pain; they like to bring their friends along for the ride. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, loss of vision—migraines are the ultimate party crashers. They can last for hours or even days, and and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors such as smells or changes in weather. Some of the more common food triggers include red wine, soft cheeses, MSG, citrus fruits, chocolate and coffee. Migraines often make you want to crawl into a dark cave and hibernate until they decide to pack up and leave.
Cluster Headaches
If you thought one headache was bad, imagine having a recurring series of headaches on one side of your head. Cluster headaches are like the annoying neighbour who knocks on your door at the worst possible times. They strike in cycles, with intense pain behind one eye or on one side of the head. These baddies can last anywhere from weeks to months, and then they disappear as mysteriously as they arrived.
Sinus Headaches
Oh, the joys of inflamed sinuses! Sinus headaches make you feel like there's a tiny troll hammering away at your face. They usually come with other delightful symptoms like congestion, facial pain, and the constant feeling of having a balloon inflated inside your head. Thanks, sinuses, for adding a little extra spice to our lives.
Rebound Headaches
No...we aren’t talking about relationships here! (although we have plenty to say on that one 😉 ) We are talking about the irony of medication: or too much of it for that matter. Rebound headaches occur when you overuse pain medications. So, in your desperate attempt to find relief, those very pills you turned to, start backfiring on you. It's like the universe playing a cruel joke, saying, "Here's some temporary relief, but you'll pay for it later!" Ouch. Hmmmm...if only there was a natural headache and migraine solution....keep reading!
Hormone Headaches
Ladies, you know the struggle. Hormone headaches love to make an appearance right when you're already dealing with your monthly visitor. They can strike before, during, or after your period, making you wonder if the universe has some twisted sense of humour. But fear not, it's just those pesky hormonal fluctuations wreaking havoc in your head.
What Can I Do To Help My Headache?
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some drug-free solutions. One of the most effective ways to relieve headaches and migraines is through acupressure. Acupressure is a technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and alleviate pain.
Acupressure Points
There are several acupressure points that can help relieve headaches and migraines. One of the most effective points is located between the thumb and index finger. To apply pressure to this point, use your opposite thumb and index finger to squeeze the fleshy webbing between the two digits. Apply pressure for a few seconds and then release. Repeat as needed.
Another effective acupressure point for headaches is located at the base of the skull, in the hollow area just behind the ear. To stimulate this point, place your thumbs on the hollows and apply gentle pressure. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat as needed.
Acupressure Hat For Headaches & Migraines
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, consider investing in a Dr Kez Chirolab® Acupressure Hat. This hat is designed (by Dr Kez herself who is a migraine sufferer needing a natural solution that actually helped ease her migraines) to stimulate multiple acupressure points on the head, neck, and shoulders, all at once. This helps to provide all-over relief for headaches and migraines. It works by applying gentle pressure to the points, massively increasing blood flow and promoting rapid relaxation.
A lack of blood flow is frequently the cause of most headaches and migraines, so increasing the blood flow to the head is critical in alleviating the pain. The Acupressure Hat also has acupressure pads for the cheeks to assist with alleviating jaw tension, another common trigger for headaches.
How Hydration Can Help Headaches
Another natural solution for headaches and migraines is making sure you’re well hydrated. Dehydration can often trigger headaches, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate the body.
Stretching for Headache Relief
Stretching is also a great way to alleviate headaches and migraines. When we sit or stand for long periods of time, our muscles can become tense and tight, leading to headaches. Stretching can help relieve that tension and promote relaxation. Focus on stretching the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles to target the areas that are most commonly affected by headaches. When these muscles are tight, they reduce the amount of blood flowing up into the head, leading to headaches.
How Vacuum Cupping Helps Headache Relief
Finally, consider trying Cupping therapy to help relieve muscular tension. Cupping is an ancient Chinese technique that involves placing glass, plastic or silicone cups on the skin to create suction. This suction promotes blood flow and can help alleviate pain and tension. Cupping can be done by a trained professional or with a Dr Kez Chirolab® Premium Vacuum Cupping set at home. To use the Premium Vacuum Cupping Set, apply the Restore massage oil (that comes with the set) to the skin and then apply the appropriate sized cup to the muscle you are wanting to relieve tension in. Then use the pump handle to extract air from the cup, which applies a suction force to the area under the cup, resulting in the skin and superficial layer of muscle being drawn up into the cup. This increases blood flow to the muscle, as well as breaking the adhesion this muscle has with the underlying muscles, creating relaxation, reducing pain and increasing the blood flow. Leave the cups on the affected area, such as the neck or shoulders, for ten minutes to promote blood flow and relieve tension. The release felt by using this technique is undeniably amazing. A great was to ease tension.
Any Other Suggestions for kicking Headaches to the curb?
In addition to natural remedies, there are also a variety of preventative measures that can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines. These include:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding trigger foods
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
- Avoiding exposure to environmental triggers such as bright lights or loud noises
- Taking breaks throughout the day to stretch and move around, particularly if you work at a desk job
In clinical practice we have a variety of other techniques up our sleeves to get the jump on headaches and migraines, including:
Chiropractic Treatments
Alright, folks, let's talk about chiropractic adjustments and how they can give those pesky cervicogenic headaches a swift kick in the neck. Say goodbye to those joints that are stuck in a state of rebellion and get ready to kick those headaches to the curb and say 'adios' to the pain!
Now, at Life Balance Adjustments, Dr. Kez knows how to handle your delicate neck with care. None of the traditional manual twist-and-crack stuff takes place as we're all about the low force adjustments that will leave your neck feeling like it just had a soothing day spa. We bring out the mysterious looking tool, the Activator, to get the job done. It keeps your neck in a neutral position, so you won't feel like your head is about to do a full 360-degree rotation like something out of a horror movie. We're all about keeping it classy and comfortable. It's important to note that not all Chiro's treat the same so if you're after a Low Force adjustment rather than a 'twist and crunch' its important to ask when making your appointment.
So, if those pesky cervicogenic headaches are ruining your day, it's time to put them in their place. Make an appointment at Life Balance Adjustments, where Dr. Kez will show those stubborn joints who's boss or see your local practitioner. Say goodbye to the neck rebellion and hello to a life without those headache-induced nuisances. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Cranial Adjustment
Alright, my fabulous friends, let's talk about Cranial Adjustments and how they can do wonders for your head. We're talking about normalising that pressure inside your skull, and guess what? It can give those pesky pressure headaches and sinus-related headaches a run for their money. Say goodbye to feeling like your head is about to explode and hello to sweet relief. Having your Cranials done is a little like a magic hand using light touch on parts of your head to get the flow happening again. Just close your eyes and enjoy!
And here's a bonus for you: having your cranial system functioning at its best isn't just about saying goodbye to headaches. Nope, it's a package deal. Get ready for improved memory recall, boosted energy levels, and a rock-solid immune system. That's right, folks, we're taking care of it all.
Dry Needling
But wait, there's more! We're not just stopping at Cranial adjustments. Oh no, we're bringing out the big ones with modalities like Dry Needling. Yep, we're getting those tight muscles that are causing the tension headaches and showing them the exit door. Say ta-ta to the lactic acid buildup and hello to relaxation and relief. When the muscles in your neck, shoulders or scalp are tight, there isn’t enough blood flow reaching your head and this is felt as, yep you guessed it, a headache! Sometimes a few needles in the shoulders and neck is all that is required, but sometimes needles in the jaw and scalp can be just what the doctor ordered. If you have never experienced Dry Needling it sounds a little scary but it's most likely you won't even feel most of them, sometimes it's a slight twitch. The needles are extremely fine so the discomfort is minimal but the muscle relaxation is great!
So, if you're tired of those headaches ruling your life and you're ready to take charge, it's time to give a Chiro neck adjustment, Cranial adjustment, some Dry Needling and even some Vacuum Cupping a whirl. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the pressure, tension and all those headaches that have been holding you back, and embrace a life of clarity, energy, and strength, we highly recommend you try some of these tips.
In conclusion, headaches and migraines can be a real pain in the neck (and head). But with natural remedies such as Acupressure, hydration, stretching and Vacuum Cupping, as well as preventative measures, you can help find relief and reduce the frequency of these pesky headaches. If you feel that your headaches are not improving with these at home measures, consider booking an appointment to get everything realigned and flowing optimally today. If your headaches have suddenly become worse, or you’re experiencing a new type of headache, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Now go forth and conquer your headaches, so that you can live your best life!
It’s important to note that while natural solutions can be effective for relieving headaches and migraines, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you experience unrelenting, debilitating or unusual headaches, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.