10 Natural Remedies for Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common types of headaches that tend to moderate pain on both sides of the head. They are often characterized by a feeling of tightness in the neck muscles or pressure behind the eyes. As a matter of fact, most of the headaches that we think are tension-type. Normally, it won’t be severe enough to hinder someone from doing their daily activities. That notwithstanding, they are undeniably a bother and pain to your wellbeing and routine.

The good thing is there are some natural remedies you could try if you are suffering from this type of headache. Let us delve into this deeper and look into some of them.

Get enough sleep

Research has shown a clear link between the problem and a lack of sleep. The thing is, the body’s pain threshold reduces with a lack of sleep. That’s why most people experience this when they do not get enough sleep. You might experience heaviness, dull ache, or some pressure sensation in the forehead. It is therefore important to develop good sleep hygiene. You can improve your sleep by avoiding stimulating substances like caffeine a few hours before bedtime, making your bedroom optimal for sleeping, having a bedtime routine or regular exercise. These practices are very beneficial in ensuring that you are well rested to avoid the ripple effects.

Cold compress

One simple and readily accessible solution is a cold compress. You might know that cold therapy is often used to treat inflammation and pain. Applying an ice pack on the head can constrict the blood vessels. This helps to reduce the transmission of pain to the brain. The next time you have one, then a frozen neck wrap could be exactly what you need to ease off the pain.

Warm compress

Ice packs can dull the sensation of pain because they have a numbing effect. In case of tension headaches where the muscles are too tight, heating pads can help to relax these muscles and give relief. Having a warm bath or shower gives the same effect. It could even be something as simple as a heated towel to help tame the pain.

Stay off alcohol

Alcohol has been linked to the issues. For some people, the type of alcohol tends to be the problem. Many people find red wine to be more likely to cause when compared to other types of alcohol. If alcohol consumption seems to be a potential trigger, then, by all means, try to stay off it or practice moderation with it.

Mindful meditation

Mindful meditation can be used to take an inventory of your current state of mind and body while focusing on feeling rather than thinking. Stress is another common trigger for headaches and it could be the reason you are getting them often. Now, mindful meditation works well as a form of stress reduction. During meditation, the part of the nervous system that is responsible for stress is inhibited. A few minutes of meditation every day could be the key to managing and avoiding them.

Essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated liquids that have aromatic compounds extracted from various plants. They have several therapeutic benefits that can help your situation. They are often used topically, although others can be ingested. For example, peppermint and lavender oils are very helpful. The intensity can be reduced by applying peppermint essential oil to the temples. Lavender oil is also very effective in treating the pain when inhaled. Stocking up on essential oils comes a long way in keeping the issue at bay.

Try out yoga

Poor posture and a lack of oxygen are other potential triggers you should look out for. Several people spend a large chunk of their day seated or standing with rounded shoulders. This poor posture affects the respiratory system and could hamper blood circulation to the brain. This eventually causes muscle tension that has been associated with the condition. Yoga happens to be one good solution for common aches.

Yoga sessions will relax muscles in the head, neck, and back. This, in turn, boosts circulation to the upper body and brain. In other words, slotting in a few minutes each day for yoga will be a natural remedy for the problem.

Have some tea

Making yourself a cup of tea can help soothe that pounding headaches resulting from dehydration, tension, or allergies. Tea has hydrating properties, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that are key in reducing the pain. That said, caffeinated tea provides pain relief to some people but may also trigger to other people. You can go for herbal teas such as ginger tea, chamomile tea, or peppermint tea.

Stay hydrated

Again, dehydration is one of the key triggers. The good news is that if the pain was caused by dehydration, then it can go away within a few hours of drinking water. In many cases, a glass or two is enough, so you do not need to over hydrate. It is best to go slow with your intake during the day as long as you take the daily recommended water intake. It will go a long way in preventing frequent aches.

Check your diet

Some aches occur after indulging in certain foods. Some people experience them after eating sweets or carbs. Allergic reactions to foods are assumed to only present themselves with symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing. Wrong!

Food allergies can also be a trigger. If you notice that you experience symptoms after eating a certain type of food, you may be having an allergic reaction to that food. Be keen and avoid these kinds of triggers.

Wrapping up

Don’t let frequent tension headaches affect your wellbeing, work, and playtime. Go for natural remedies including finding the triggers and avoiding them. You should also try ways to ease the pain, but if it persists, you should seek professional help. Talk to a specialist for treatment and management of your situation.