Page 11
JUNE 2018
HEALTH AND WELNESS
effects of many
antihistamines and
painkillers. Drink
more water, use
a humidifier (it is
often helpful to add
Eucalyptus oil), or
utilize a saltwater nasal spray
or nasal flush. Take homeopathy
formulated for congested or
infected sinuses, for sinus
headaches or to address seasonal
allergies. Enlist a massage
therapist who is trained in
massage techniques which are
used to stimulate sinus drainage
and relieve the pressure.
Migraines are estimated
to affect more than than 36
million Americans (according
to the American Migraine
Foundation). They are often
accompanied
by
nausea,
vomiting, and sensitivity to
light and can last for 3 hours or
3 days, and sometimes longer.
The jury is out on the exact
cause of migraines but there
seems to be vascular, nerve
and hereditary components.
Regardless of the cause, there
are believed to be predisposing
factors and triggers to bring on
a migraine. Stress is one of the
most common triggers. Stress
causes your brain to release
chemicals that can cause blood
vessel changes which can
NATIONAL MIGRAINE HEADACHE
AWARENESS MONTH BRINGS
IDEAS FOR RELIEF
Marge Roberts, BSN,
MSHP, DAHom
A
lmost everyone has
had a headache or two
in their life. It is the
most common type of pain. I am
one of the fortunate ones; I may
have had two headaches in my
entire life. I am the exception.
Some people have chronic-type
headaches that can last 60-90
days. They wake up every day
with a headache. If you are one
of the millions who suffer, there
is hope.
Tension headaches, often
related to emotional issues such
as stress, worry, nervousness,
depression or anxiety are
the most common type of
headache.
According
to
WebMD, up to 80% of adults
in the U.S. occasionally get
tension headaches and about
3% experience them daily. Most
people with episodic tension
headaches have them no more
than once or twice a month, but
they can happen more often.
These headaches result from
tight muscles in your shoulders,
neck, scalp and jaw. Consider
non-drug approaches for relief
such as massage, chiropractic
adjustments,
acupuncture,
homeopathy, herbal teas or
essential oils. Tension headaches
are often a result of working
too much, sleep deprivation,
missing meals, or a misuse of
alcohol. Don’t take a drug for a
headache if you know it’s from
not eating – eat instead! If your
headache is from fatigue, turn
off the computer and television
early so you can relax and
prepare for sleep.
Sinus headaches are also a
common type of headache,
especially
during
allergy
season. Again, go first to non-
drug therapy without the side
lead to a migraine. According
to PubMed, some foods and
drinks, such as aged cheese,
alcohol and food additives
like nitrates (in pepperoni,
hot dogs, lunch meats) and
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
may be responsible for up to
30% of migraines. Changes in
weather, changes in hormonal
levels - such as during menses,
and changes in eating patterns
– such as skipping meals or
consuming too much caffeine or
abruptly decreasing the amount
of caffeine, can also bring on a
migraine. Changes to your sleep
pattern and excess fatigue can
also trigger migraines.
I’m not saying that you
would never find the need for
toxic, chemical drugs to treat
or prevent severe headaches,
but as you see, many causes
and triggers can be addressed
through lifestyle changes.
I would encourage those
suffering from headaches,
whether it is a tension, sinus or
migraine headache – try natural
approaches first. Many lifestyle
changes are free; some actually
save you money. Try eliminating
caffeine, alcohol and processed
foods full of chemical food
additives. See my April eMetro
Times article, The Six-Letter,
Four-Letter Word of Today, on
steps to take to relieve stress.
In the natural healthcare
world, toxins are believed to be a
major contributor to headaches.
I once gave a homeopathic
detoxification formula to a
customer, not knowing she
had been suffering from daily
headaches for over two years.
When I saw her a couple of
months later, she shared that
after beginning the daily dose
of the detoxifier remedy, she
had not had another headache.
Massage,
acupuncture,
colonics
and
supplements
also are known to offer relief
from all types of headaches. I
have known people who had
struggled with migraines for
years, relieved with chiropractic
adjustments, acupuncture and/
or homeopathy.
Most headaches do not
require the attention of a health
professional. However, there
are times to seek help. Consult
a health care provider if you
have sudden, severe headaches
or if you have