Home remedy for Tension Headache

Almost everyone gets a tension headache at one time or another. And we've all tried a home remedy for tension headache. But what remedies really work, and which ones can bring relief fast? Here are a few non-drug answers that might help you right now.

First, you might want to read a quick overview of tension headache, with more home remedy for tension headache ideas, and how to tell if this is the type of headache you have. It may be that there's another problem that needs to be solved. Second, always remember that if you have a new type of headache, or it's worse than anything you've had before, you need to see a doctor right away.

But now, why not try a home remedy for tension headache, and see if you can end your pain?

Breathe!

The first home remedy for tension headache involves breathing. But not just any breathing. Take three deep breaths, all the way in and all the way out, slowly. This works best right when you feel a headache coming on.

Many people appreciate aromatherapy as a treatment for headache. Breathing in the aroma of 100% essential oils of certain types (such as lavender) can relax you and may help ease the headache. Read more about aromatherapy here.

Stretch!

Stretching the muscles of the neck and upper back can quickly lessen a headache, or avoid one. Try this: Relax your shoulders. Gently turn your head from right to left, then back. Now try shrugging your shoulders, again turning your head from right to left and back. One more time with your shoulders relaxed.

Another home remedy for tension headache to try: Stand up, and link your hands behind your back. Slowly lean over, raising your hands as you lean. Slowly come back to a standing position, then relax. Then follow this with the next home remedy for tension headache...

Massage!

Another excellent home remedy for tension headache is massage. True, it's a help to actually go for a massage or get someone's help, but you can get a lot of benefit through self massage.

Carol A. Turkington writes in the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine:
Instead of directly massaging the temple, patients will get more relief from rubbing the neck and shoulders, because tension headaches can arise from tension in this area. In fact, relaxing the muscles of the neck can cut the intensity and duration of tension headaches at least in half.

Massage can be done at a moment's notice, or you can actually get massage oils and get serious about it. Try gently massaging areas of your neck and upper back with your finger tips. Robert Ivker and Todd Nelson offered this advice in the March 2002 issue of Natural Health:
Find the sorest points along the back and sides of your neck, along the tops of your shoulders where they meet your neck, and on the two flat parts of your upper back just below your shoulders. Press them firmly with 1 or 2 fingertips for 8 to 10 seconds. Then ease the pressure and massage the area in a circular fashion.

Another common home remedy for tension headache is massaging the muscle mass between your thumb and first finger.

Foot Roller/Massager

Personally, I've found a foot massage to do wonders. Try stepping down on a cardboard egg carton in your sock feet, or rub your feet on the edge of something hard.

You can also buy small foot massagers to put under your feet. I wouldn't spend a million on a fancy battery-powered closet-clutterer. Try this highly rated foot roller, available for only a few dollars at your local store or at amazon.com. You'd be amazed at how much your feet can help your head! It's another home remedy for tension headache that many people never think of.

Exercise!

I know, I know, this is getting a little intense. I'm not suggesting you start an exercise routine (actually, I am - but not here. Read this article for more on exercise). You want instant relief, right? You want a home remedy for tension headache? Why not get up and walk around. If you can, go right outside and go for a 10 minute walk. It will make you so much more productive for the rest of the day. Breathe deeply, and, if you can, try to think about something you like to think about, and not that stuff you've been thinking about all the rest of the day!

If you can't actually go outside and walk around, try some exercises that you can do while standing or sitting where you are. The Posture Prescription from Dr Arthur White and Kate Kelly has some excellent tips, but for now try this: If you're sitting, simply sit up straight and put your two feet flat on the ground. Push up for 10 seconds, then relax. Try a little exercise with your hands - push the palms against each other for 10 seconds, then relax. Hold your hands together and pull them apart for 10 seconds, then relax. Simple exercises like this can work wonders if you're stuck in a job that doesn't allow you a lot of movement.

Relax!

At the end of it all, why not relax?  There are a few tips on the main tension headache page that can get you started.  Be sure to try to get even a few minutes to rest.  Plan ahead.  And when you start, ask yourself,"What have I been thinking about?  Has it been productive?  Has it been positive?  How can I put it behind me for the next few minutes, and what should I focus my mind on?"

And more...

There are lots of other home remedies based around food and herbs. See the diet and headache page for tips on stopping headaches of various kinds with what you eat. Also, there are many more non-drug options that are more long term. Poke around this site and find out more about how to stop headaches - before and after they start.

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