How can you alleviate sinus pressure without medication. What are the most effective natural remedies for sinus headaches. Which home treatments provide quick relief from sinus pain. Why do some natural methods work better than others for sinus pressure.

Understanding Sinus Headaches: Causes and Symptoms

Sinus headaches can be a debilitating condition, causing discomfort and affecting daily life. But what exactly causes these headaches? Sinus pain often results from inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to pressure and pain in the face and head.

Common symptoms of sinus headaches include:

• Pain around the eyes, forehead, or teeth
• Congestion associated with colds or allergies
• Increased pain in the morning or when bending over
• Pressure sensation in the face

Do sinus headaches always indicate sinusitis? Not necessarily. While sinus pain can be a symptom of sinusitis, it’s important to note that other conditions, such as migraines, can mimic sinus headache symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Harnessing Humidity: A Natural Sinus Pain Reliever

One of the most effective natural remedies for sinus pain involves increasing humidity. Why does this work? Dry, thick mucus can block sinus drainage and trap irritants, exacerbating sinus pressure. By introducing moisture, you can help thin out mucus and promote better sinus drainage.

Here are some ways to increase humidity and relieve sinus pressure:

1. Use a humidifier in your living space
2. Take steamy showers
3. Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like tea or soup
4. Avoid cold, dry air

Is there an optimal humidity level for sinus relief? While individual needs may vary, maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50% can help alleviate sinus discomfort without creating an environment conducive to mold growth.

Nasal Irrigation: Flushing Out Sinus Congestion

Nasal irrigation is a time-tested method for relieving sinus pressure and congestion. This technique involves flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution, helping to remove irritants and thin mucus.

How can you perform nasal irrigation at home? Here’s a simple recipe for a nasal irrigation solution:

• 8 ounces of distilled or sterilized lukewarm water
• 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt
• A pinch of baking soda

Use this solution with a neti pot, sinus rinse bottle, or bulb syringe. Remember to always use clean equipment and fresh solution for each irrigation session. Is tap water safe for nasal irrigation? It’s best to avoid tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at high elevations) to eliminate potential contaminants.

Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating Compresses for Sinus Relief

Alternating between hot and cold compresses can provide significant relief from sinus pain and pressure. This method works by promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the sinus area.

How to apply hot and cold therapy for sinus relief:

1. Start with a hot compress over your eyes and nose for about 3 minutes
2. Switch to a cold compress for 30 seconds
3. Repeat this cycle three times
4. Perform this treatment four times a day

Why does alternating between hot and cold work better than using just one temperature? The contrast in temperatures stimulates blood flow and helps to break up congestion more effectively than constant heat or cold alone.

Spicing Up Your Diet: Natural Decongestants in Food

Certain spicy foods can act as natural decongestants, providing relief from sinus pressure. The active ingredient in many spicy foods, capsaicin, has been shown to have pain-relieving properties and can help open up nasal passages.

Which foods can help alleviate sinus pressure?

• Hot peppers
• Horseradish
• Wasabi
• Spicy mustard

How does capsaicin work to relieve sinus pain? Capsaicin stimulates the mucous membranes, promoting drainage and helping to clear congestion. While not everyone may tolerate spicy foods well, for those who do, incorporating these foods into their diet can provide natural sinus relief.

The Power of Humming: An Unexpected Sinus Remedy

Surprisingly, humming has been found to have potential benefits for sinus health. Research from Sweden suggests that humming can increase airflow through the sinuses and boost levels of nitric oxide, a compound that may help reduce the risk of sinusitis.

How can you use humming for sinus relief?

1. Choose a comfortable tune
2. Hum for about an hour
3. Practice this technique daily, especially when experiencing sinus discomfort

Why might humming be effective for sinus health? The vibrations created by humming may help to keep the sinuses clear by promoting air circulation and stimulating the production of nitric oxide, which has antimicrobial properties.

Mind-Body Techniques for Sinus Pain Management

The connection between mind and body can be a powerful tool in managing sinus pain. Stress and tension can exacerbate sinus discomfort, making relaxation techniques an important part of natural sinus relief.

What mind-body techniques can help alleviate sinus pain?

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga

How do these techniques work to relieve sinus pressure? By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, these methods can help decrease inflammation in the body, including in the sinus areas. Additionally, deep breathing can help improve air circulation in the nasal passages.

Implementing a Holistic Approach to Sinus Health

While each of these natural remedies can be effective on its own, combining multiple approaches often yields the best results for sinus relief. Creating a comprehensive sinus health routine might include:

• Regular nasal irrigation
• Maintaining proper hydration
• Using a humidifier in your home
• Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques

Can natural remedies completely replace medical treatments for sinus issues? While these methods can provide significant relief for many people, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Natural remedies work best as part of a comprehensive approach to sinus health, which may include medical interventions when necessary.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Sinus Health

Understanding and managing environmental triggers can play a crucial role in preventing sinus headaches and maintaining overall sinus health. Common environmental factors that can impact sinus health include:

• Air pollution
• Allergens (pollen, dust, pet dander)
• Changes in weather or barometric pressure
• Dry air

How can you mitigate these environmental factors? Consider using air purifiers in your home, keeping windows closed during high pollen days, and using hypoallergenic bedding. Regular cleaning to reduce dust and allergens can also make a significant difference in sinus health.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

While natural remedies can provide relief for many sinus-related issues, it’s crucial to ensure you’re treating the right condition. Sinus headaches can sometimes be confused with other types of headaches, particularly migraines.

How can you differentiate between a sinus headache and a migraine? Here are some key differences:

• Sinus headaches typically come with nasal congestion and facial pressure
• Migraines often involve sensitivity to light and sound
• Sinus pain usually worsens when bending forward
• Migraines may be accompanied by nausea or visual disturbances

If you’re unsure about the nature of your headaches, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. This ensures you’re using the most appropriate treatment methods for your specific condition.

Dietary Considerations for Sinus Health

Your diet can have a significant impact on sinus health. Certain foods may exacerbate sinus issues, while others can help reduce inflammation and promote overall sinus wellness.

Which foods should you consider incorporating for better sinus health?

• Omega-3 rich foods (salmon, chia seeds, walnuts)
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens)
• Garlic and onions (natural antibacterial properties)
• Ginger and turmeric (anti-inflammatory effects)

Are there foods to avoid for sinus health? Some people find that dairy products, refined sugars, and processed foods can increase mucus production or inflammation. Keeping a food diary can help you identify any personal dietary triggers for sinus discomfort.

The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Sinus Health

While it might seem counterintuitive to exercise when experiencing sinus discomfort, regular physical activity can actually contribute to better sinus health. Exercise promotes better circulation, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the sinus areas.

How does exercise benefit sinus health specifically?

• Improves blood circulation, potentially reducing sinus inflammation
• Promotes better overall immune function
• Can help clear nasal passages through increased breathing rate
• Reduces stress, which can exacerbate sinus issues

What types of exercise are best for sinus health? Low to moderate-intensity exercises like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga can be beneficial. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, especially when experiencing sinus symptoms.

The Role of Sleep in Managing Sinus Issues

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, including sinus wellness. Poor sleep can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, potentially exacerbating sinus problems.

How can you optimize your sleep for better sinus health?

1. Elevate your head slightly while sleeping to promote sinus drainage
2. Use hypoallergenic bedding to reduce exposure to allergens
3. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
4. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to reduce stress

Is there an ideal sleeping position for sinus relief? Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help promote sinus drainage and reduce congestion. Some people also find relief by sleeping on their side rather than their back.

Understanding the Long-Term Approach to Sinus Health

While natural remedies can provide quick relief from sinus pain and pressure, maintaining long-term sinus health requires a comprehensive approach. This involves not just treating symptoms as they arise, but also taking proactive steps to prevent sinus issues from occurring in the first place.

What does a long-term sinus health strategy involve?

• Regular nasal hygiene practices, such as nasal irrigation
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
• Staying well-hydrated
• Managing allergies and environmental triggers
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Getting regular exercise
• Ensuring adequate sleep

By adopting these practices as part of your daily routine, you can significantly improve your sinus health over time. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to natural approaches to health and wellness.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

While natural remedies can be highly effective for many sinus issues, there are times when it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Recognizing when to seek medical advice is an important part of managing your sinus health responsibly.

When should you see a doctor for sinus issues?

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• You experience severe pain or pressure in your face or head
• You have a high fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
• Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
• You have frequent or recurrent sinus infections

Can chronic sinus issues indicate a more serious condition? In some cases, persistent sinus problems can be a sign of underlying conditions such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or even certain autoimmune disorders. A healthcare professional can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan if needed.

Exploring Complementary Therapies for Sinus Relief

In addition to the natural remedies discussed, there are several complementary therapies that some people find helpful for managing sinus issues. While scientific evidence may vary for these approaches, many individuals report positive results.

What complementary therapies might be worth exploring for sinus relief?

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy (using essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint)
• Facial massage techniques
• Herbal supplements (such as butterbur or bromelain)

How should you approach trying complementary therapies? It’s important to research these methods thoroughly and consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your sinus health regimen, especially if you’re taking any medications or have underlying health conditions.

The Future of Natural Sinus Care

As interest in natural and holistic health approaches continues to grow, research into natural sinus care methods is likely to expand. This may lead to new insights and more effective natural remedies for sinus issues in the future.

What developments might we see in natural sinus care?

• More robust scientific studies on existing natural remedies
• Development of new herbal formulations for sinus health
• Advanced nasal irrigation techniques or devices
• Integration of technology in tracking and managing sinus health

How can individuals stay informed about advancements in natural sinus care? Keeping in touch with reputable health websites, following sinus health experts, and discussing new options with your healthcare provider can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in natural sinus care.

9 Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Having sinus pain or a sinus headache doesn’t always mean you have sinusitis. Learn about ways to relieve sinus pain without medication.

By Chris Iliades, MDMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD

Reviewed: August 28, 2017

Medically Reviewed

Sinus Pain Has a Variety of Causes

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If your head is throbbing and you feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead, you could have a sinus headache. “Many factors can cause a sinus headache,” says Subinoy Das, MD, chief executive officer and interim medical director for the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research in Columbus, Ohio. The most important factor is swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing pressure and pain on in the face and head.

Symptoms of sinus pain and headache include pain associated with congestion from a common cold or allergies; pain around your eyes, forehead, or over your teeth; pain that is worse in the morning; and pain that gets worse when you bend over. Some of the more natural methods of relieving sinus pain that reduce swelling, thin mucus secretions, and improve sinus drainage are often very helpful.

Treat Sinus Pain With Humidity

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“Dry, thick mucus in your nose and sinus passages can form crusts that block sinus drainage and trap viruses and other particles. Increasing humidity and getting more fluid into your body can help your mucus thin out and get moving again,” says Dr. Das. Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids; using a humidifier; avoiding cold, dry air; taking plenty of steamy showers; and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.

Irrigate to Relieve Sinus Pressure

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“Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses — this can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. You can use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray, but I recommend using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit that you can get at the drugstore,” advises Das.

Try this commonly-used, easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution with your own sinus irrigation kit: Fill a clean 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at high elevations). Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda. And be sure to clean all equipment and make a fresh batch of solution each time you use your kit.

Alternate Hot and Cold Compresses

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“Reclining with a hot washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions,” says Das. You can also alternate warm and cold compresses to relieve sinus pain and sinus pressure. Here’s how to do it: Start by placing a hot towel or washcloth across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then place a cold compress across your sinuses for 30 seconds. Alternate two more times, and repeat the treatment about four times a day.

Spice Up Your Diet to Ease Sinus Pressure

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“Many people find that spicy food like peppers or hot mustard opens up their nasal passages and gives them some relief from sinus pain. There is good evidence that capsaicin, which is the active ingredient found in chile peppers, is effective in relieving some types of pain,” says Das. Capsaicin preparations have been investigated for the treatment of some facial pain syndromes and of rhinitis with promising results. But if you have the taste (and stomach) for them, you can try spicy foods to help with sinus discomfort.

Differentiate Between Sinus Headache and Migraine Headache

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Many people who assume they are having sinus pain due to sinus pressure are actually having a migraine headache. Migraine pain can involve the same nerves as the sinus cavities and is frequently accompanied by nasal congestion, nausea, and aggravation by bright light. “If sinus pain is caused by a migraine, the best natural treatment is lying down in a dark, quiet room,” advises Das.

Hum Your Way to Sinus Pain Relief

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“Some people report that humming for one hour improves sinus pain,” says Das. Researchers in Sweden have found that humming can keep your sinuses clear. How could that be possible? Humming may increase both airflow through your sinuses and the level of nitric oxide in your sinuses. The combination of nitric oxide and airflow may reduce your risk of sinusitis. So if you have a common cold or allergies, want to prevent a sinus infection, and know a happy tune that you don’t mind hearing for an hour, you may want to try a little humming.

Make the Sinus Pain and Mind-Body Connection

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“Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain,” notes Das. These practices rely on the mind’s ability to influence pain perception and are especially helpful with chronic or recurrent pain that is often seen with sinus pressure. Some examples include biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy.

Avoid Sinus Pain Triggers

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“One of the most important things to avoid is over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays. They may give some fast relief, but after a few days they make sinus pressure and nasal congestion much worse,” warns Das. Some other things you can do to prevent sinus pain include avoiding alcohol, which can aggravate sinus pain and congestion; cleaning your humidifier to avoid fungal allergies; washing your bedding in hot water to decrease allergy exposure; and avoiding swimming, diving, or flying when you have sinusitis, a common cold, or nasal allergy.

Know the Limits of Natural Sinus Pain Relief

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You should not try to self-treat your sinus pain if you have symptoms such as as yellow or green mucus discharge; persistent fever or stiff neck; pain for more than 24 hours; confusion, weakness, numbness, or tingling; and persistent nausea or vomiting. These symptoms could be a sign of a significant infection in your sinuses that might need antibiotics. “Using natural sinus pain relief is fine if you have mild chronic pain or a headache related to a common cold or an allergy, but if you have severe pain that is not responding to these techniques, you need to see your doctor,” advises Das.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure: 7 Natural Home Remedies

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You can relieve sinus pressure with the help of natural remedies like a humidifier, saline washes, and biofeedback. Seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after 1 week.

Many people experience sinus pressure from seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinus pressure results from blocked nasal passages. When your sinuses cannot drain, you may experience inflammation and pain in your head, nose, and face.

Your sinuses are paired in two, and are found in four main areas of the face:

• frontal, in your forehead
• ethmoid, between your eyes and across your nose
• maxillary, in your cheeks
• sphenoid, behind your eyes and along the back of your head

While some over-the-counter treatments can help reduce symptoms, there are also many effective natural remedies.

1. Steam

Dry air and dry sinuses can increase sinus pressure and cause headaches and throbbing pain. Steam adds moisture to the air, helps to moisten your sinus passages, and thins out mucus that may have thickened over time.

Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to reduce pressure. You can also use a humidifier for more long-term relief.

Buy a humidifier now.

For an extra boost, add eucalyptus oil to your bath to speed your recovery. Eucalyptus contains cineole, an ingredient known to speed healing of acute sinusitis. The oil also may help to reduce nasal stuffiness and clear your pathways.

2. Saline flush

A common treatment for sinus pressure and congestion is a saline wash. Saline spray contains salt that helps to increase moisture in your nose and reduce sinus pressure. You can buy saline spray in drugstores, or you can make your own with baking soda, distilled water, and iodine-free salt.

3. Resting

A good night’s sleep can help the body to heal. Sleep stimulates your brain to release hormones that encourage tissue growth. Also when you’re at rest, your body is able to produce more white blood cells essential for attacking viruses and other bacteria.

Try to avoid activities or beverages that are over-stimulating before bed. Allowing your body to rest can help to reduce sinus pressure, speed your recovery time, and leave you feeling more refreshed. Check out some natural sleep aids if you need some added help.

4. Elevation

Just as sleep is essential for healing, how you sleep can alleviate sinus symptoms. Lying flat can increase mucus buildup in your nasal passages, increase your sinus pressure, and disrupt your sleep cycle.

Prop your head up with pillows at night to keep your head above your heart. This sleeping position will prevent sinus buildup and can help you to breathe more comfortably.

5. Hydration

Dehydration can contribute to your sinus passages drying out and increased pressure in your face. Increase your water intake throughout the day if you’re feeling under the weather. Fluids will reduce blockages in your sinuses.

While water may be your first choice to remain hydrated, you can also retain fluids through other foods and beverages including:

• broth soups
• ice cubes
• tea
• water-based vegetables and fruits

6.

Relaxation techniques

Your sinus pressure may cause you to feel tension in your head, face, and neck. Biofeedback therapy, an alternative treatment method that teaches you how to control your bodily functions, can relieve this pressure.

This method has had proven success in relieving headaches, incorporating deep breathing exercises and meditation to achieve relaxation and reduce pain. Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help to reduce pain and pressure from sinus infections.

7. Exercise

Similar to yoga, exercise can reduce sinus pressure. Physical activity can increase blood circulation and temporarily relieve congestion to ease breathing. Although uncomfortable to perform while being sick, physical activity can help to improve your recovery time and speed healing.

Sinus pressure symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable. In addition to using traditional treatment methods like decongestants and pain relievers, alternative home remedies can also boost your recovery.

If you continue to experience sinus pressure symptoms after a week, or if they begin to worsen, seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a more serious infection that may require prescribed antibiotics.

How to get rid of a headache without pills

Headache is a very common type of pain that can cause real suffering and disruption of the normal course of daily life.

Contents

• About the types of headaches
• Terminals

Usually, a person who has a headache tries to get rid of it with the help of over-the-counter drugs that provide analgesic effect.

However, there are many natural headache treatments that can help many cases of this debilitating ailment without pain medication.

1. Water

Drinking enough water stops dehydration, which can be the root cause of many headaches.

Water can help prevent or reduce headaches.

According to the authors of a study published in the journal Antioxidants , even mild dehydration can change people’s thinking and functioning, making them feel worse, often accompanied by headaches.

At the same time, the authors of another study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice note that drinking water does not reduce the duration of headaches, but subjectively improves well-being.

Carry a water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You can also improve your body’s hydration by eating foods that are high in fluid content, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or soups.

2. Cold compress

A cold compress can be one of the easiest and most affordable headache solutions that many people have at hand. Applying an ice pack or other cold object to the head or neck helps constrict the blood vessels and reduce inflammation in that area. This may temporarily relieve a headache.

A study published in the Journal of Medicine & Public Health found that applying ice packs to the neck for 30 minutes significantly reduced pain in people with migraines.

3. Warm compress

In some other cases, such as tension headaches where the muscles are too tight, a warm compress can help relax those muscles and provide relief.

The easiest way to make this compress is to moisten a towel with warm (but not too hot) water. The same effect provides a warm shower or bath with warm water.

4. Eliminate any pressure on the head

In some cases, the cause of headaches may be the pressure of some objects or too tight scalp. This may be a too tight “tail” or a tuft of hair, a hat or a headband that a person has worn for many hours on end.

5. Reducing exposure to bright light

Some people who have frequent headaches become very sensitive to light. Their symptoms can be aggravated by bright lighting in their home, office, or even bright light from a smartphone.

The headache often resolves on its own if the patient lies quietly on a bed or sofa in a darkened room for some time.

6. Herbal tea as a natural pain reliever

Herbal tea can be a useful way to increase the water content of the diet, as well as provide other beneficial natural compounds to the body.

For example, ginger tea can help with migraines. One 2013 study found that ginger powder had similar effects on migraine patients to popular pain medications. Plain tea with warm water and ginger powder can help relieve headache symptoms.

Other potentially soothing teas include peppermint, chamomile, and lavender.

7. Exercise

Moderate-intensity exercise helps keep the body healthy and improves circulation, which can reduce the chance of headaches.

One 2018 review published in the journal Children notes that lack of physical activity can negatively affect the incidence of headaches in adolescents. Conversely, regular moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes a day, can help reduce headache attacks.

8. Identifying food intolerances

Food intolerances can sometimes be the underlying cause of symptoms such as headaches.

If the headache occurs after eating, it may be helpful for the patient to keep a food diary in which he records everything he ate every day. This will help you identify foods that may cause headaches and avoid them in the future.

9. Sleep

Lack of sleep can also cause headaches.

Headaches can be caused by a variety of problems, with sleep problems being among the most common.

For some people, headaches can be caused by too much sleep, too little sleep, or unhealthy sleep, because these disorders prevent the body and brain from resting properly.

As noted in one article in the journal Sleep , adults should try to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.

10. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine where a doctor inserts small needles into the surface of the skin. The purpose of this treatment is not to cause pain, but to stimulate the body’s own energy.

A review in Children mentions some studies that have shown acupuncture to be effective in preventing or reducing the frequency of migraine and tension-type headaches.

11. Acupressure

Massaging specific areas of the body can help relieve tension in the head and relieve headaches. Many do it instinctively, such as rubbing the back of their head or pinching the top of their nose when they are stressed.

Perhaps these instinctive actions make sense. Many believe that massaging the temples, jaw, or neck can help relieve tension and reduce tension headaches that come from excessive stress.

Some other areas you can try massaging include the area between the eyebrows and the two points at the base of the eyebrows on either side of the bridge of the nose. These points are able to maintain tension in the eyes or head, and massaging them can help relieve excessive tension.

Massage of the neck at the base of the skull can also help relieve tension.

12. Relaxation Techniques

Again, a review in Children notes that relaxation training can help many people with headache symptoms and can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

Relaxation techniques include practices such as deep belly breathing, guided meditation, and active focus on muscle relaxation.

13. Caffeine

Drinking caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, or soda, such as cola, can sometimes help relieve headaches.

Some headache pain relievers contain caffeine because this compound improves their effectiveness.

As noted in a review published in the Journal of Headache and Pain , caffeine itself may help reduce the symptoms of tension headaches or migraines. Caffeine usually relaxes the blood vessels, which can support circulation and relieve tension.

However, caffeine has the opposite effect in some people, causing headaches. It is not difficult to determine exactly how caffeinated drinks affect a particular person – you need to pay attention to your well-being after drinking a cup of natural coffee or a glass of cola.

14. Essential oils

Aromatherapy with some essential oils can help relieve headache symptoms. According to one study published in 2018 in the journal Children , inhaling lavender essential oil vapors for 15 minutes reduced the severity of headaches.

Another study published in the journal Pain found that peppermint oil was more effective in reducing tension headaches than placebo.

15. Magnesium

A 2015 review published in Nutrients suggests that people who regularly experience cluster headaches or migraines may have too low magnesium levels.

In these cases, magnesium as a dietary supplement may help reduce or prevent headaches.

16. B vitamins

Some B vitamins may help protect against or reduce headaches. One 2015 review published in Biomed Research International notes that vitamins, including folate and vitamin B ₆ 12

17. Vitamin E

Vitamin E can also play a role in relieving headaches. A review of vitamin supplements published in 2015 notes that vitamin E can relieve headache and menstrual migraine symptoms with a low risk of side effects.

This information may be especially valuable for women who experience migraines during their menstrual cycle, as vitamin E may help balance hormones to prevent symptoms of such a headache.

At the same time, the authors of this review note that more research is needed before drawing any definitive conclusions about the benefits of vitamin E in headache.

18. Alcohol restriction

Some people may react badly to alcohol. Headache is one of the most common hangover side effects. This may be because alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to excrete more water in the urine.

Such a headache does not only occur with alcoholism. For some people, even with light or moderate alcohol consumption, ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products can lead to mild symptoms of dehydration or worsen headaches.

About the types of headaches

There are many different types of headaches, and one remedy may be more suitable than another to relieve a certain type of pain. Some common types of headaches are:

• Tension headaches. The most common headache that often occurs after a person has undergone stress and his muscles have become overly tense. The pain appears inside the head and in its upper part, and the person often feels as if his head is squeezed by a tight rubber band.
• Sinus headache. This type includes pain behind the eyes and nose and a general feeling of heaviness in the head. A similar headache occurs with a hangover.
• Cluster headache. May appear during the day, causing acute pain that occurs at one point of the head.