Don’t lose your head over it!

Learn how to fight headaches without over-the-counter pills

 

You’re not alone when your head feels like a tonne of bricks just landed on you or a numbing pain as though you were gripped like a vice. The result of a headache can be caused by many factors such as stress at work, panic attacks, onset of stroke, hangover due to high alcohol consumption, influenza, to name a few. A scientific study from the World Health Organization revealed that half the general population has experienced headaches during some point in any given year, and more than 90 per cent report a headache at some point in their life.

For most people, dealing with a headache is just popping easy-to-access NSAIDs

(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) pills which can be bought over the counter. Popular headache pills include ibuprofen, acetaminophen or paracetamol. As these pills are an easy way to combat headaches quickly, for some individuals, it has become a natural habit to take them. The convenience of having these pills is better than making a costly trip to the doctor so most people keep them handy at home or in the office. Many of these medicines that combat headaches basically impede the production of prostaglandins—molecules involved in pain and inflammatory responses.

However, there are individuals allergic to ibuprofen as they can result in getting itchy palms and eyes, while some report having stomach issues as these pills do cause gastrointestinal bleeding in some people. Many people are ignorant that some of these synthetic pills lose their efficacy after the expiry date; this may prompt one to take more and more of the medication to attain relief. This can be an unhealthy, vicious cycle.

To fully understand the “ache” in headache, one has to know that it is actually due to nerves in your head being irritated. If such medicine provides only temporary relief and the headache persists, you might need to go for a proper medical check-up.

 

Do you know there are medication-free hacks to relieve headaches? Here are some:

Massage – believe it or not but a trip to a proper massage treatment can be therapeutic to ease your headaches. Sometimes, it’s about tensed muscles, poor posture or even treating the effects of a rigorous workout routine. Pick massages such as Swedish, Thai or shiatsu.

Hot/cold therapies – a simple hot or cold compress can treat headaches in an instant. You can use a towel rinsed with hot water to compress your head, neck or cheeks. Even a cold compress with an ice pack can provide some relief to the temples of your head.

Aromatherapy – do you know scents such as lavender and eucalyptus can soothe and reduce your headaches in a matter of minutes? Even peppermint oils dripped into a water-based aromatherapy burner can chase your stress away.

Acupuncture – the centuries-old practice of acupuncture has been proven to provide release of proper energy flow to key areas in the body in order to redirect blood away from the head.

Breathing right – Taking slow, rhythmic breaths with proper timing can help you relax your mind and calm you down. It’s all about going into a dark, quiet place and practice your rhythmic breathing.

Wise up on water – yes, simple hydration is key to alleviating a headache. Sometimes we are dehydrated without knowing it. Lack of water in the body can send an electrolyte imbalance in the body, leading to headaches. Just avoid caffeinated beverages and avoid alcohol, instead choose clean, fresh water to get yourself hydrated.

Shut-eye – getting proper sleep is so crucial to being mentally sound. It is important to have proper sleep hygiene – avoid all electronic devices – TVs, iPads, smartphones before bedtime. Get into a fixed time to sleep and recharge. You’ll realise if you sleep better, then headaches will never come to haunt you. Also, one should avoid alcohol and cigarettes just before bedtime. For some individuals, a quick workout about 2 hours before bedtime can make them feel tired such that they sleep better.

It’s about the diet – yes, you heard us right. Even the foods that we eat can trigger a headache. Just avoid coffee, teas, alcohol, cola drinks and chocolates about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. You’ll want to avoid such mental stimuli. Even MSG- monosodium glutamate – can spike blood pressure in some people.

Soothing teas – don’t think that all teas are created equal. In fact, some teas such as ginger, dandelion and chamomile teas can be perfect ways to calm one down and chase away the headaches.

Chiropractic – do you know that a visit to the chiropractor can help treat persistent headaches? Sometimes, a nerve could be impinged causing you to suffer from headaches. The right advice from the chiropractor can help adjust your posture and relieve muscular tension along the neck, shoulders or back.

 

Did you know Workwell.sg offers more than 100 types of wellness programmes and Heal Headaches Without Pills is one of these classes to empower you with more knowledge? For details on the programmes, pls contact natalie@workwell.sg with the following info and we will contact you within 3 working days.