Headaches

By Marilyn Zink

We all get them, sometimes more frequently than other people do.
Headaches can make our lives miserable affecting how we live.
Before treating a headache, it's important to understand what is causing it.
Most headaches are primary headaches that are not caused by any underlying medical conditions. These are the tension, migraine and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by a medical condition such as infection or increased pressure in the skull due to a growing tumor.

Tension headaches
These headaches usually feel like a dull, yet persistent pain in the back of the neck extending to the base of the head. These headaches are often connected to sensitive points in the neck called trigger-points or in the neck muscles themselves. Those who experience tension headaches may also complain of pain, throbbing and a sensation of tightness in the head. They may also have irritability, insomnia and extreme fatigue.
Other some people experience an icepick headache, which is a short piercing pain like a flash of lightning lasting from seconds to minutes and usually involves one pain.

Cluster headaches
These are extremely painful headaches that occur in clusters of several intense headaches during a short period of time. The person may not experience headaches for several weeks after that. Clusters headaches can last more than a year or less than a few weeks. Cluster headaches that last a year are considered chronic and difficult to treatment.

Migraines
We've all heard about them and some of us have been unfortunate to experience these severe headaches that many times begin in one area of the head and then spread to other areas. Migraines may become more severe with exposure to light and also include symptoms such as depression, irritability, restlessness, loss of appetite and visual problems such as flashing lights or localized blindness. Migraines can also cause extreme nausea, vomiting and altered vision.

Causes of Headaches - Headaches are often caused by lifestyle factors such as too much stress, eating or drinking improperly, smoking, lack of sleep, sinus problems, eye strain or hormonal changes, particularly for women. Some causes can be linked to decayed or worn-down teeth.

Treatments
Fortunately, there are many good natural treatments for headaches, ranging from simple remedies you can try at home to herbal treatments, supplements, essential oils, acupressure, acupuncture and much more.

Diet
Start by looking at your diet. If you have a food allergy, giving up dairy products can solve headaches like migraines. Avoid foods with chemicals like nitrites and sulfites, which dilate capillaries in the brain, increasing blood flow and causing pain. Some trigger foods are processed meat products, red wine, caffeine and sometimes chocolate.
Some headache sufferers have relieved nausea by drinking peach juice or apricot nectar.

Supplements.
Nutritional supplements such as L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) may reduce frequency and severity of tension headaches. Melatonin may reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.
Magnesium, which calms tense muscles, is an important mineral that can help reduce the frequency of migraines along with Vitamin B2. A good multivitamin that contains folic acid, niacin, vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, calcium, tryptophan and the B vitamins, such as B6 and B12. Essential fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, a major source of gamma-linolenic acid, can also help with headache symptoms. You may also consider taking a greens product, as green foods such as algae help balance the acid levels in our bodies and clean out the toxins that can lead to headaches.

Herbs
Feverfew is a herb that is thought to work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemical substances in the brain responsible for contracting blood vessels. Expansion or dilation of the blood vessels can produce the feeling of pressure and pounding that most headaches sufferers experience.
Ginger is a herb that can help with nausea caused by headaches like migraines. You can take it in capsule form or drink it as a tea.

Oils
Peppermint oil is relaxing and relieves pains. Peppermint oil used in a base of sweet almond or other base oil can be rubbed on the sore area. Rosemary, lavender and chamomile oils may also ease headaches. Gently rub one drop of the oil (used in a base such as sweet almond oil) on the sore area.

Folk remedies
To divert blood flow from your head to your toes, try this hot and cold remedy. Place an ice pack under the back of your neck and a hot-water bottle on top of your feet. Cooling the blood flow through the neck while warming the feet can sometimes halt the pain that's causing the dilation in your head. A herbal footbath can soothe headaches as well. Mix one teaspoon of powder mustard or ginger with very warm water in a basin big enough for both feet. Place feet in the water and drape a thick towel across the top to hold in the heat. Lean back, close your eyes and breathe deeply. By the time the water has cooled, your headache may be forgotten.

Machines
TENS machines can help alleviate headaches. For chronic conditions, try a PAP-IMI machine, which sends pulsed magnetic fields of energy to balance the body