There are natural ways to relieve headaches that don’t require prescription drugs. These are a few of the best natural headache cures we recommend to our patients.
1. Staying Hydrated
Every system in the body, including the brain, depends on proper hydration to continue operating normally. Because of fluid loss, the brain may momentarily shrink or contract when the body is dehydrated. This process sets off a cascade of nerves that results in a headache caused by dehydration. By ensuring that your body has adequate fluids to perform its vital tasks, drinking enough water lowers your risk of experiencing these types of headaches.
Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily
Increase water intake during physical activity or in hot climates
2. Get Enough Sleep
Headaches may result from the stimulation of specific chemicals in the body caused by chronic sleep deprivation or irregular sleep patterns. These chemicals can heighten the sensitivity to pain. Headaches are less common when you get enough sleep each night. Sleep is necessary for your body to perform vital restorative functions.
Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Establish and maintain a regular sleep schedule
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Stress frequently causes changes in blood flow and muscular tension, which can result in headaches by triggering the body’s “fight or flight” reaction. By lowering the body’s stress reaction, relaxation methods like yoga and meditation help to stop these physiological alterations.
4. Exercise Regularly
Frequent exercise promotes the body’s natural painkiller, endorphin production. Additionally, it aids in blood circulation improvement and muscle relaxation, both of which can lessen stress and lessen the frequency and intensity of headaches.
5. Maintain Good Posture
Strain in the shoulder and neck muscles is frequently associated with tension headaches. Poor posture might contribute to this strain by increasing the amount of stress placed on these muscles. By keeping your body balanced and in alignment, proper posture helps to avoid putting undue tension on these muscles.
6. Light Massage
Research has demonstrated that massage therapy can decrease cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and raise serotonin levels, which may help lessen the frequency of tension headaches. Massage therapy relieves tension in the muscles and promotes relaxation, which helps reduce headache pain.