Headache Relief

Headaches come in a variety of forms from tension headaches to migraines.  Causes include structural, hormonal and immune system imbalances, sinus congestion and one of the most common culprits – stress.

Whatever the cause, headaches  can be debilitating – wrecking havoc with the best of lives.

Here are some simple suggestions to get relief:

• Sit up straight -- posture has a huge effect on your health.  We spend so much time sitting in front of computers.  I recommend taking a small towel, a beanie bag toy, or anything soft and squishy and holding it between your upper back and the back of the chair you are sitting in.  Voila, this will keep your spine in alignment.

• Be mindful.  You always have the opportunity to take a moment to focus on what is happening in your body.  This may sound counterintuitive, but it helps to bring attention to pain.  Where is it?  What does it feel like?  You’ll find that pain isn’t constant, but rather a changing condition.  Picture the pain as an object.  See if tension releases as you focus on it.

• Massage the bones around your eyes.  This is a fabulous way to reduce the tension that you hold there.  Now move to your temples and then your jaws.  Use the power of touch to heal. 

• Wiggle your nose.  Open and close your mouth and eyes.

• If you wear glasses, make sure you have the correct prescription.
  

• Keep moving -- often energy will stagnate giving way to pain and irritability.  It's important to move to counteract this.  The weather is getting nicer.  It's a perfect time to get outside and walk, bike, and garden.  

• Massage the "headache point":

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The most important thing is to begin to find relief.  On your calendar, write down the day and time of day when you have a headache. See if you notice any patterns.  Start practicing the above suggestions.  See if they make a difference.  Keep track of how you are doing.  By paying attention, YOU can become a healthier, happier person!