Fight Back Against Headache Pain With These Three Home Remedies
If you're among the roughly 90 percent of American adults who has contended with headaches at some point in your life, you know just how debilitating this common health predicament can be. While you might feel at a loss as to how to rectify the situation, the first step toward living a life free of pain is often as simple as calling a chiropractor's office. A chiropractor can diagnose the cause of your headache, begin a treatment plan that often reduces your discomfort almost immediately and suggest some changes to make in your day-to-day activities. Eager to get started on the latter? Here are three ways to address your headache pain.
Try Some Moderate Exercise
You might not feel up to a vigorous workout, but several forms of moderate exercise such as walking and riding your bicycle can help to reduce your headache. The increased heart rate you experience during exercise is beneficial because it boosts your circulation. During increased circulation, the various areas of your body -- including your head -- get an extra supply of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. Additionally, exercise causes a release of endorphin hormones, which can contribute to a feeling of euphoria that can supersede your headache pain.
Apply Peppermint Oil
Visit a natural food store and buy a bottle of peppermint essential oil. Dilute the potent oil with a little ethyl alcohol -- typically, a couple drops of each liquid in the palm of your hand is ideal -- and then rub the solution around your head where you feel the headache pain the most. Depending on the nature of your headache, this area could be your temples, jawline, forehead or the base of your skull. This simple home remedy often provides relief in a short amount of time and can be effective to use whether your headache is bothering you during the day or preventing you from sleeping at night.
Make Dietary Changes
Often, making simple adjustments to the way you eat and drink can help with headaches. If you're dehydrated, it's common to develop a headache. Combat dehydration by increasing your intake of water; women should drink at least nine cups per day and men should aim for at least 13 cups. Omitting inflammatory foods such as sugar, saturated fats and MSG from your diet can also have a beneficial impact as inflammation in your body is a common cause of headaches. Take a moment to read the nutritional labels on the products you eat and make dietary changes accordingly.
To learn more about headache cures, contact a company like West Omaha Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic.