Most headaches result from strain and tension in the neck, facial or head muscles, resulting from stress and/or poor posture. A headache can sometimes be a reaction to hunger, caffeine withdrawal, too much sleep, a stuffy room, noise, an allergy, sinusitis, low blood sugar,or weather changes. Persistent headaches which have no obvious cause or headaches which wake people in the night or come and go in sudden attacks are symptoms which require medical investigation.

Prevention

Eat regular meals. Get enough sleep. Take measures to avoid stress. Get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Avoid excessive coffee or alcohol consumption.

Treatment

Aromatherapy

Tension headaches respond well to aromatherapy, particularly essential oil of lavender, known for its relaxing properties. Place 1 or 2 drops of essential oil of lavender on the tips of your fingers, and massage in circular motion across your temples, around the hollows at the side of the eyes, behind your ears, and across the back of your neck. Caution: do not let your fingers go too near your eyes. For headaches of menstrual origin use sweet marjoram for the above massage. Relax in a warm bath to which 3 drops each of sweet marjoram, Roman chamomile and lavender have been added.

Herbal

Valerian infusion is a sedative which helps reduce tension and anxiety. Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the root and infuse for 15 minutes. Drink before going to bed. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been shown in clinical trials to be effective as a painkiller. Use as a preventive measure. Take 2 or 3 small leaves daily, chopped up in food (a sprinkling of sugar helps to disguise the bitter taste). Feverfew tablets are available from pharmacies and health food shops - follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. The results may take 2-3 months to become apparent.

Homeopathy

Every 30 minutes for up to 4 doses and repeat if needed:

Throbbing and hammering, especially at the temples, sensitive to draughts on the head: Belladonna 6c. Pain aggravated by the smallest movement, headaches accompanied by constipation: Bryonia 6c. Head feels enlarged: Argentum nitricum 6c. Sensation of a tight band spreading from base of skull to forehead, better from passing urine: Gelsemium 6c. Sensation of a nail boring down into the head, hypersensitive to noise: Coffea 6c.

Massage

Massage can relieve tension in the muscles of the scalp, neck and face. Using the fingertips, briskly massage the whole of the scalp, as if you were washing the hair. Then gently pull the hair all around the head.

Exercise

Regular walking, jogging or swimming helps prevent tension in the neck and the shoulder muscles. The following exercise sequence is a good preventive measure, and will help overcome a headache by relaxing the neck and head muscles:

While sitting, inhale and tip your head back looking up at the ceiling. Don’t tip it back too far - this can compress the cervical spine and make matters worse. Exhale and bring the head down so that your chin rests on your chest. Repeat this twice. Exhale and turn your head to look over your right shoulder, keeping your chin level. Inhale as you turn back, looking straight ahead. Exhale as you look over the left shoulder. Inhale as you look straight ahead. Repeat twice on each side. Bring your chin down to your chest, slowly circle your head to the right, drop it back down to your chest. Repeat in the other direction.

Professional Help

If headaches are an ongoing problem it is worth consulting an osteopath or chiropractor to investigate spinal misalignments which lead to nerve pressure or muscular tension. For headaches related to postural problems, i.e. sitting or standing in awkward positions, the Alexander Technique may be helpful.

Orthodox

Mild painkillers and rest are recommended for single, short-term headaches. For recurrent headaches, the cause must be identified and treated accordingly.