In this modern and fast growing world we come across many people complaining of headache. Due to psychological overload or heavy physical work, without any proper rest, one of the body’s most powerful alarm signals, headache may peep out. There is no age limit to this problem. Either a child or an adult may suffer from this problem.

Headache comes in unlimited forms and due to  variety of causes. According to how and in which part the pain occurs, the type of headache may differ from person to person. Tense muscles in the head or neck are the common cause for the headache. Headache may also be a symptom of stress, caffeine withdrawal, allergies, certain infectious diseases or the result of taking in too much alcohol. Contracted or expanded blood vessels or altered pressure in the head due to the change of weather can also produce headache.

Types of headache:

·        Simple headache

Hammering, buzzing, pulsing in the head is caused by stress, sensitivity to weather or changes in the atmospheric pressure, high blood pressure, fever or lack of oxygen

·        Tension headache

It is caused due to tight contracted muscles in your shoulders neck, scalp, and jaw.The pain begins at the back of the head and neck or in the forehead and spreads throughout the head. It is often related to stress, depression, anxiety, overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and drinking too much alcohol. This can also bi triggered by chocolate, cheese and mono sodium.

·        Cluster headache

In this case piercing, burning pain occurs on one side of the head, always in the same place for several times per day for months.

·        Migraine

In this case pain is severe recurrent on the one side of head only. Nausea, vomiting, throbbing, pounding, and pulsating and vision problem accompany it. The circulatory disturbances in the brain or hereditary factor may also be cause of migraine pain.

·        Sinus headache

The pain is felt in front of head and face. Due to inflammation in the sinus passages that lye behind the cheeks, nose and eyes. The pain becomes severe if bent forward and also early in the morning after waking up. Sore throat and nasal discharge may also occur in this .If you have cold, flu, fever or premenstrual syndrome, this type of headache may occur.

·        Combination headache

It’s cause is unknown and usually begin in the morning and reoccurs between migraine attacks.

Helpful Remedies:

·        Relaxation Techniques-

Relax by practicing YOGA in a soothing environment free of light and noise . Turn off the radio , TV and unplug the phone.

·        Acupressure

Use thumb and index finger to press against the bridge of your nose at the corners of your eyes. Or, rub the center of the fleshy webbing between index and thumb.

·        A soothing footbath

A footbath diverts the blood supply from head to feet. Bathe  feet in the basin of  hot water and after every five minutes add a mug of hot water for four to five times. After soaking the feet for fifteen minutes pour in cold water until the temperature is lukewarm . Then put on woolen socks and lie down for twenty minutes.

Home and Herbal Remedy:

• Kava kava can relieve tension headache.

• Gingo biloba may prevent migraine.

• Mix three drops of chamomile oil, three drops of lavender oil and three drops of rosemary oil with honey. Add this mixture to lukewarm water and have warm bath with it.

• Cold compress: Moisten a cloth with cold water, put 2 drops of peppermint oil on it and apply it to the painful area for about 15 minutes.

• Potato poultice : Boil 2 unpeeled potatoes cut into quarters   until tender Mash them and after removing the excess moisture wrap the mixture in a cloth and place it on the back of the neck for about 15 minutes.

• Put a few drops of lemon juice in a cup of black coffee and drink it in small sips.(This is not for people with sensitive stomachs.)

Tags: migraine, stress, tension

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm and is filed under Diseases. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.