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Whatever medications or alternative therapies we use to manage our headaches, complementary techniques can come in handy to augment our regular therapies or perhaps to replace them in the case of a mild headache. Here are 4 complementary techniques that you can accomplish simply for yourself. There are, of course many more such techniques, and these techniques are often successfully used in combination as well. The goal here is to offer you an introduction to a few.
I've know some people to immediately dismiss these techniques. That makes little sense to me. Why dismiss any technique in which we can find at least a kernel of sense or logic? Dr. David Marks, when asked about complementary and alternative therapies on a migraine special on The Health Network, commented, "If it works, do it." Granted, there are some products and techniques being promoted these days in which I can see absolutely no value. There have always been people coming up with such things in an attempt to make money from people looking for help — there probably always will be — but those aren't what we're exploring here.
- Aromatherapy
- Acupressure
- Visualization
- Massage
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is ancient in its origins, and can make a great deal of sense.
It's proven medical fact that odors can be headache triggers. It logically
follows then that the right aromas should be able to offer at least partial
relief for some headache sufferers. Care does need to be exercised to find the
right aromas. With aromatherapy's resurgence in popularity, finding
instructional information and aromatherapy supplies is an easy matter. The
essential oil most frequently recommended for headache relief is peppermint.
There are many forms in which it is recommended: candles, essential oil used in
diffusers, essential oils applied to the temples, and other forms. If sinus
problems lead to headaches, eucalyptus oil used to relieve those problems may
help your headaches as well.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient therapy as well. It is traditional Chinese medicine
based on the theory of Qi, life energy flowing through body channels known as
meridians. It predates acupuncture, and is sometimes described as
"acupuncture without the needles." It is gaining acceptance in western
medicine as a complementary therapy in the treatment of pain, nausea, and
stroke-related weakness. Acupressure can be self administered, but for it to be
effective, you should learn from a practitioner or take a class.
Visualization
Visualization is used as a therapy for many disorders. This is one that is very
adaptive to you and what works best for you. In a quiet darkened room, assume
the position in which you are most comfortable. Then relax, breathe deeply and
regularly, and begin to visualize a scene. Some people imagine themselves in
pleasant, relaxing surroundings and concentrate on the details. Others imagine
the demise of their pain. I read of a person who takes their headache medication
then visualizes their headache as a big, ugly blob and the headache medication
as a beautiful tropical fish nibbling away at it until it's gone. I combine
those two methods and imagine myself on a beautiful beach. My headache pain is a
rock on that beach, and the waves are wearing it away.
Massage
Although massage is generally thought of as something done for or by others,
there are some excellent massage techniques you can do for yourself. Massaging
the scalp is excellent for tension headaches. Many types of headaches are helped
by massaging the forehead and temples , making small circles with your
fingertips. The back of the neck is another effective area for self massage.
Care should be taken not to tense your shoulders or hands when applying massage.
Being aware of your breathing and concentrating on breathing deeply and
rhythmically during massage is also beneficial.
Headache sufferers will generally try most any reasonable and safe treatment that could help our headaches. These four may not work as primary relief techniques, but they can be great complementary techniques to add to your arsenal. With safe techniques such as these, I agree with Dr. Marks — If it works, do it!
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