Homeopathy & Headaches

By Dr. Christine Branchi
DD, DIHom, FBIH

Headaches - we have all had them at least once in our life and they can be very unpleasant and come on at the least appropriate moment.

Numerous situations can trigger a headache for example; muscle tension, an illness, infection, or a disturbance in the blood vessels in the head. Disturbances in the blood vessels can cause a migraine headache. Migraine headaches return periodically and can have many different characteristics which can include; blurred vision, coloured spots, or blind spots, migraine headaches are usually aggravated by light, severe pain which can be on one side of the head, as well as nausea and vomiting.

Headaches can sometimes be an early warning signal that may warrant further investigation and if you have any concerns or suspicions you should consult your physician.

Headaches can also be caused by fever, allergies, epilepsy, brain tumors, high blood pressure, severe cavities, oral infections, some prescription drugs, a head injury and TMJ.

However, most headaches are related to stress and tension. A tension headache often feels like a tight band around the head but it can also be concentrated in one specific local area. The pain can be sharp and severe, or a mild dull ache. Tension headaches are usually worse from sudden movements and they can come on gradually or suddenly appear. Tension headaches are usually worse during the day and can be eased somewhat with rest, relaxation and sleep.

A migraine attack however can be triggered by tension, stress, food allergies, head injury, oral contraceptives, hormonal changes and can last for days. Sleep may or may not help depending on the person, just as vomiting may or may not provide relief. Migraine headaches also tend to run in families.

Learning how to relax and by becoming aware of what can trigger your headache or migraine is a very important part of treatment and depending upon your situation the homeopathic medicine chest is full of many useful, safe and effective remedies.

For headaches and migraines remedies include:

Bryonia. The person is irritable and generally aggravated from any kind of motion. Headache is left-sided, over left eye or forehead, and worse when coughing.

Ferrum. Has a great sensitivity to noise, a long continued headache lasting two to three days. Headache can be in one spot on the left temple or a general frontal headache.

Gelsemium. A headache that begins at the neck and gradually moves to the forehead. One can hardly lift the head off the pillow, as it feels so heavy.

Natrum Mur. Headache is worse from light, worse from the sun may feel sad or depressed. Pain feels like hammers thumping on the head.

Sanguinaria. Feels better after vomiting. Migraine headache is on the right side that starts at the back of the head or neck and extends to the forehead and eye.

There are many more remedies available and a totality of symptoms is a must before taking any homeopathic remedy. The above is just a small example of homeopathic remedies that are available and this list should not be used for self-administration. There are many constitutional remedies available for headaches and for children that tend to suffer from headaches a constitutional remedy could be the ticket.

If you suffer from stress and tension and you are interested in finding out more about Homeopathy in general you might be interested in joining me at the Ladysmith Parks & Recreation Centre in February 2002. I will be leading a four-week basic introductory course in Homeopathy and Stress Management. You will learn the basics of Homeopathy and how to treat acute conditions for you and your family using safe and effective homeopathic remedies. You will also learn how to create change, balance and harmony, and various stress management techniques with guided visualizations creating a sanctuary in your mind. For information and registration call direct 245-6424.

Dr. Christine Branchi, DD, DIHom, FBIH has a Doctor of Divinity, is a registered Homeopath, provides counselling, teaches relaxation, visualization, stress management techniques and music therapy. Call 245-7533 for appointment.