How to get relief from headaches? Try these 9 simple remedies including staying hydrated, changing your diet, massage, acupuncture and more.

Massage Therapy for Headache Relief

Massages can be an effective way to reduce chronic pain and ease muscle tension that causes headaches. Researching different types of massage like Swedish, deep tissue, or shiatsu, and finding a reliable practitioner can help address your specific pain points.

Hot and Cold Compresses for Headache Relief

Hot and/or cold compresses can offer relief for muscle tension headaches. For the cold portion, use an ice pack covered with a thin cloth and apply it to your forehead and/or cheeks where the pain is most intense. Limit cold pack use to 10 minutes at a time. For the hot portion, make your own heat pack using uncooked rice in a fabric pouch and apply it to your neck or forehead.

Aromatherapy for Headache Relief

Certain aromas have been reported to soothe and reduce the incidence of headaches. These include peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil, which are readily available at many local health food stores or online.

Acupuncture for Headache Relief

Acupuncture involves applying fine, sharp needles to key areas on the body to promote energy flow and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds. Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing headache frequency and severity.

Breathing Exercises for Headache Relief

Tension-related headaches can sometimes be relieved with regular breathing exercises that help focus the mind and ease muscle tightness. Try slow, rhythmic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation techniques.

Hydration and Headache Relief

Dehydration can contribute to headaches, so drinking water or electrolyte-containing beverages like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade can help. Avoid caffeine-heavy drinks and alcohol, which can also trigger headaches.

Sleep and Headache Relief

Lack of sleep can lead to chronic headaches. Committing to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bed, and practicing good sleep hygiene can all help improve sleep quality and reduce headache frequency.

How Can Massage Therapy Relieve Headaches?

Massage therapy can be effective in reducing chronic pain and easing muscle tension that causes headaches. The different types of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue, or shiatsu, can target specific pain points. Finding a reliable practitioner who can address your individual needs is key.

Can Hot and Cold Compresses Help Relieve Headaches?

Yes, hot and/or cold compresses can offer relief for muscle tension headaches. Use an ice pack covered with a thin cloth on your forehead and/or cheeks, limiting cold pack use to 10 minutes at a time. For heat, make your own pack with uncooked rice in a fabric pouch and apply it to your neck or forehead.

What Aromatherapy Oils Can Help Reduce Headaches?

Peppermint extract, eucalyptus, and lavender oil are some aromas that have been reported to soothe and reduce the incidence of headaches. These essential oils are readily available at many local health food stores or online.

How Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Headaches?

Acupuncture involves applying fine, sharp needles to key areas on the body to promote energy flow and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds. Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of headaches.

What Breathing Exercises Can Help Relieve Tension Headaches?

Slow, rhythmic breathing exercises that focus the mind and ease muscle tightness can help relieve tension-related headaches. Try breathing in for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds in a quiet, comfortable setting. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation techniques starting from your toes and working up.

How Can Staying Hydrated Help Relieve Headaches?

Dehydration can contribute to headaches, so drinking water or electrolyte-containing beverages like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade can help. Avoid caffeine-heavy drinks and alcohol, which can also trigger headaches.

How Can Improving Sleep Help Reduce Headaches?

Lack of sleep can lead to chronic headaches. Committing to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants before bed, and practicing good sleep hygiene can all help improve sleep quality and reduce headache frequency.