Did you know that daily or near-daily headaches affect
up to five percent of the population? It is little
wonder that headaches affect most people when we spend
our days slumped over computer screens or stuck in
crowds of traffic with exhaust fumes billowing. And
although it is all too easy to reach for the trusty
headache tablets as a quick remedy for the pain,
research has proven that this may actually complicate
the problem. There are many different triggers for
migraines and headaches, including light sensitivity and
allergies. But most commonly it is overtiredness,
tension, and heightened stress that are the cause of
increasingly frequent and painful headaches.
Alternative health and beauty therapy can offer
holistic aid for your common ailments.
There is a wide range of alternative drug free therapies
for even the busiest of bodies! These effective stress
busters include Indian head massage, meditation, yoga,
and aromatherapy.
Indian Head Massage:
Known as Champissage in India, this process is part
of the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, or the
science of life. Arguably the oldest recorded form of
medical treatment, Indian head massage promotes health
rather than treating disease. It is an unusual form of
medicine as it is focused on the individual person
rather than the population in general. Indian head
massage takes mental, spiritual and emotional well-being
into account.
Indian head massage covers the shoulders, neck, upper
arms and back, scalp and face. The process uses thumb
and finger pressure and friction together to help the
individual. Its benefits include improved blood
circulation leading to the reduction of muscular and
nervous tension. By oxygenating the cells and flushing
out the toxins and impurities, Indian head massage can
also nourish the hair. A deep sense of relaxation can be
achieved, meaning less headaches. Other benefits of the
therapy include improved memory and concentration,
relief from eyestrain, and can even help anxiety and
insomnia. So get rubbing!
Meditation:
Meditation is the “practice and process of focusing
personal awareness on inward silence and stillness, in
an attempt to attain a calm state of mind”. Basically,
meditation helps a person to calm down a little, meaning
that the stresses and stains of the day-to-day life can
seem less important. And we all know that if we’re calm
and happy we can cope with things better. This is why
regular meditation can help to control and reduce bouts
of migraines. But there is a bit of a ‘down side’.
Meditation is a simple concept, but is difficult to
master as the majority of people need to be taught to
concentrate on emptying their minds and focusing upon
the present. Why not try it at home or at work today? If
you get annoyed try to count to ten and calm yourself
down. It’s difficult to do at first, but it really
works!
Aromatherapy:
Traditional Herbal medicine aims to treat the root of
the problems rather than the symptoms. Specific remedies
are prescribed relating to the cause of the headache,
similar to a doctors’ diagnosis. For example, headaches
with symptoms relating to the menstrual cycle will
benefit from clary sage, chamomile and rose scents.
Aromatherapy expects maintain that lavender oil is
particularly good to get rid of headaches. And we all
know that a good long soak in scented bubble bath works
wonders when we’re feeling a bit under the weather. So
get sniffing!
Vitamins And Herbs:
Some herbs contain potent headache fighting
ingredients. Combined with vitamins, these can be very
effective in alievating your headache. Nature's cure!