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Headache Relief – Without Medication
From time to time we all get headaches. Instead of rushing to the medicine cabinet or the drugstore for an aspirin or ibuprofen, why not try these traditional alternative remedies?
Acupressure
Take the advice of the Chinese and apply an acupressure massage to the Hoku Point. This is the webbing placed where the thumb and index fingers of your hand meet. Squeeze this point with your other thumb and index fingers for a minute, and repeat 3-5 times. Now switch and repeat the same procedure on the other hand (see these articles).
Bra
For women, try taking off your bra (read this article for elaboration).
Dehydration
Some headaches are caused by dehydration: drink some water.
Ginger
Grate or crush couple centimetres of fresh ginger root, and add it to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 4 minutes and drink it. This tea takes about the same time to work as an aspirin. (See Journal of Ethnopharmacology)
Humour
Humour is an old Jewish remedy: when you get that splitting headache you may not feel much like laughing, but laughter reduces the stress hormone levels, and increases endorphins. So, go to a humour web site, watch a funny video, or listen to an audio sketch: whichever makes you laugh.
Lime
Cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead.
Magnets
Magnets seem like a voodoo cure, but watch this video and decide for yourself.
Massage
Massage is well known as a pain relief in general and for headaches in particular.
Mustard
Fill a bowl (large enough to accommodate your feet) with hot water, and add a spoon of dry mustard powder. Soak your feet in the mix for 20 minutes. (See these articles).
Peppermint
Rub some peppermint oil under your nose or on your forehead just below the hairline. The cooling sensation would loose your head and neck muscles and may take the headache away. (See these articles)
Sex
Usually when you have a headache, the last thing on your mind is sex. However, orgasm releases pain reducing hormones and endorphins, and the activity induces deep breathing and enhanced blood circulation.
VoilĂ ! Who remembers you had a headache?
Walking
Take a walk. It may be that just removing yourself from the situation you're in, or the physical activity itself, that is that relief cause, but some walking may disappear your headache. Try a few minutes walk outside, or going up some stairs, or even just walk inside your room. Whatever is needed to switch your mind off your current situation, and allowing you some physical exercise.
Yoga
The yoga advice comes from India and it recommends a special pose to rid yourself of headaches: lie on your back on a mattress on the floor and put your your calves on a chair in front of you. Breath slowly and deeply and relax your body, starting from relaxation of your feet and going all the way up to your shoulders, neck and face.