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  • Writer's pictureİpek

7 Tips To Reduce Headaches (Without Medicine)

Hi everyone! We are back with yet another health article.


Constant headaches are the worst. They can ruin anything, anytime. As a student with severe migraines, I have learned a few methods to reduce and/or fully end these attacks (especially handy if you get the worst headache in the middle of a really important exam). So, in this article, I'll be sharing 7 of these tips with you.


Please note that the techniques that are mentioned below are alternatives for those who do not want to take medicine for every headache. If these do not work for you or have other illnesses causing your headaches, please seek medical help.


With that said, let's get started!

 

What type of headache is it?

There are many different types of headaches, and understanding the cause of them is the key to finding the solution. Some common headache types include:

  • Tension headaches: It's the most common headache. Often occurs after a person has become overstressed and their muscles have tensed. The pain appears in the middle and top of the head, which may feel as if it has a tight rubber band around the head.

  • Sinus headaches: This type involves pain behind the eyes and nose. A similar headache occurs when a person has a hangover.

  • Cluster headaches: These may appear throughout the day, causing a stabbing sharp pain in one head spot.

  • Migraines: Migraines usually cause a throbbing pain behind the eyes that grow and pulses throughout the head. The person may also become very sensitive to light, activity, or movement.


1) Accio Water & Coffee

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for headaches. I do not like drinking water too much and if you are like me you might want to try different ways to make your water tasteful (here is the link for some infused water recipes at our next article). Besides water, there is one more thing that is beneficial for curing headaches: Coffee.

I, of course, am not talking about those coffees with cream and syrups and sugar bombs. No, I'm talking about filtered, french pressed or cold brewed pure black coffee (maybe with some milk if black coffee is not what you prefer). You should try Turkish coffee too by the way! These two drinks, especially coffee, are my lifesaver for real.



2) Thumb Rub

This is a super easy method to reduce small or just starting headaches (I've learned this from my dad :D).

All you have to do is:

  1. Take the junction part of your thumb and forefinger between your other thumb and forefinger.

  2. Gently press it and rub it in circles.

That's it! It's more effective if you do it to the side where your headache is (if it's on left, do your left hand and vice versa).



3) Time Your Breathes

Somedays I get headaches immediately after I wake up. So, learning this tip was a real game-changer for me. It can also be used as a calmer for when you are stressed.

  1. Inhale slowly but deeply for 7 seconds.

  2. Hold that breath for 4 seconds.

  3. Exhale fully in 8 seconds.

  4. Repeat until the headache reduces.

If you have a strong diaphragm and lungs you can do 8-5-9 seconds too.



4) Neck Massage

This trick is effective for headaches and provides relief for neck pains, which are common among people who hang their heads low for extended periods every day.

  1. Place both thumbs at the top of the neck.

  2. Massage in circular motions.

Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid any concussion.





5) Freeze

One of the ways I like to lessen my headache is by washing my face, neck, and elbows with cold water BUT it is a method that can also backfire and cause more headaches. So, it depends on the person.





6) Smell Your Way Out

Aromatherapy is commonly used for pains and aches and some smells are highly effective in easing headaches. These include peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil. They are available at many local health stores or online. You can also drink peppermint tea or lavender tea if you'd prefer.



7) Liquid Ginger Bomb

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and it is beneficial not only for your health but also for headaches. If you find ginger tea spicy you can make it sweeter by adding a little bit of honey and a slice of lemon or orange.






 

There it is! If you have any questions please ask in the comments and If you try any of these methods let us know what you think. Tune in for more articles. You can also request articles too!


We will see you in our next article, bye! :D

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