Suffer? Why? We don’t need to suffer, right? Just problem solve – There’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen and aspirin and … yes…chemicals do work. Problem solved. But.
So just sharing what works for me as far as headaches…
As learned in the advanced Restorative yoga teacher training, There’s a crepe-gauze like cloth with some give, you can wrap your head that gives slight pressure that is pleasant when you have a migraine…the slight pressure is soothing. It’s like a hug… I sometimes give and get the facial/scalp touch/assist and that can promote better prana flow by squeezing the blood vessels around your 3rd eye and temples… Massage and touch is one thing that is better done by another person than you doing it for yourself – it’s amazing when someone combs your hair but when you do it yourself- it’s just ordinary…nothing special – BUT the sensation, the feel is completely different when someone does it for you. Did your mom rub your back and comb through your tousled hair when you were little? That feeling of security and a pleasant lull is … hard to come by when you are all grown up. And still, we all need nourishing words and soothing touch – and that sense of security of unconditional love …even when we are all grown up.
But…If and when there’s no touch that you can count on (sad?) – there’s flower power:) As far as aroma goes – try peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender. I personally love grapefruit – this citrus aroma is very economical vis-a-vis other more expensive scents, and while the scent do not specifically address that headache, it can indirectly have an influence – Here’s an excerpt quoted from Young Living Essential Oils on my favorite, “grapefruit”:
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What are the Documented Uses and Benefits of Grapefruit? Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression, cellulite, digestion, dyspepsia, hair, liver disorders, lymphatic decongestant, cleansing (kidneys and lymph), obesity and water retention.
What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? Its fresh and citrus aroma is very uplifting to the body and mind.
What is the Spiritual Influence? The benefits of grapefruit include the spiritual realm as well. Grapefruit is cleansing to the aura and mental body which helps you work through fear, release depression, confusion and mental chatter. Once this is cleared we can be more receptive to our inner voice and intuitive powers. So ultimately grapefruit helps us restore our own power and claim our own spiritual purpose.
What Chakra is Affected? The solar plexus chakra is energized which affects the other chakras in the body. Expands the heart and third eye chakras.
******************which all leads to relieving that splitting headache in my opinion…
Returning to the topic of headaches and how to deal with it at home:
It is interesting to note that a tincture of lavender called “Palsy Drops”, recognized by the British Pharmacopoeia for centuries was used by doctors to relieve headaches, anxieties, and muscle tensions and spasms. With the tide of pharmaceutical companies taking over the medical care business around 80 years ago, old fashioned herbs and aroma preparations became “obsolete” and less popular. However, recent studies have shown that the essential oils of peppermint and eucalyptus relaxed both the mind and muscles of headache sufferers when the oils were diluted in alcohol and rubbed on their foreheads. Essential oils can be also used to make a compress to place on your forehead whenever a headache hits.(but always use carrier oil and do a patch-test before, in order to check for possible skin irritations. Check with a dermatologist before applying pure oil directly on face – can cause discoloration in sun – use with care).
Most headaches respond best to a cold compress, but during cold months, warm or hot compress — or alternate the two — works well. These compresses can be also placed behind the neck and at the base as well as between the shoulder blades. Unfortunately, many of us simply do not have the time to relax with compresses… so another quick alternative would be to dab a small drop of (diluted on carrier oil for safety…if you have sensitive skin) lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil on each temple. A hot bath only makes their head pound more (due to dehydration) for some, while for others, it can do the trick…. if bathing does ease your pain, add a few drops of relaxing lavender or chamomile to your bath water. Do not control your breath.
Migraine headaches can be splitting to the point of causing vertigo or nausea… Raising the temperature of the foot and/or hands 15°F by soaking them in warm water can relieve some vascular headache such as a migraine by improving the circulation. Hot stones can also be helpful… by promoting the flow within. Migraines is best alleviated with a blend of ginger and lavender. Drinking of some herbal tea can also help and more on that later… as I am going to a workshop put on by my aromatherapy teacher, Mari Kato sensei next month:)
Cluster headaches can become debilitating and there is a cream called capsaicin, I have yet to try as I have been able to nip in the bud most of my aches with yoga poses and breath and mind-work. I understand that the active compound is cayenne peppers and it is spread on the forehead, temples – It is believed that Capsaicin blocks a neurotransmitters going havoc causing the pain … Again, anything suggested here does not replace medical advice but only a sharing of what’s worked for me and what I have heard and yet to have tried information. The cream cannot work if you have sensitive skin or any cuts/rashes so… that may preclude many with delicate complexion. Do consult medical advice first and used best as a preventative, to keep the headache from forming in the first place.
Essential oils for headaches: chamomile, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, patchouli, peppermint.
I would also try Asian alternative medicine and that would be Reiki, Shiatsu, Meridian points acupressure, acupuncture… But none of these cures are immediate and so if you really need to get rid of that splitting headache before your next meeting or presentation… I will not judge you should you have to pop that acetaminophen or ibuprofen… it’s just that, when you have the time to indulge, try some natural methods, again, upon consulting your doctor. In my case, I had the CAT scan and the blood test…to rule out anything serious… and so I am left to my own devices to see what works. Yoga, especially certain styles have definitely helped me with pain management and anxieties associated with it (will this trigger it, when will I get it and how will I manage it, what if I can’t afford to get it because I’m in the middle of … etc. etc. worry worry fret)
Relax, Repair and Renew… then Rejuvenated, I can be the ME that I truly am – I am kind; I am giving; I am an “Empath” to borrow Bo Forbes term for someone who cares to care.
* Please always consult with your doctor…as these musings are sharing are not meant to replace any doctor’s orders. I personally tried these methods after I consulted Western doctor, had a blood exam, CAT-scan, EKG, whole cohorts of tests including vision and hearing… so… the findings is that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with me – a clean bill of health… so it’s a relief, yes, but then, why am I still in pain and miserable then? There’s now no reason why I should be having a headache – a virus? an allergy? plain stress? I think it’s more that headache is a pre-cursor of the body signalling what’s to come if I do not take care of myself. Let us all stay well, okay?