10 Effective Natural Remedies For Tension Headache

Tension headache, also called tension-type headache, is experienced quite frequently. This type headache is often short lived and mild. It can affect not only adults but children and teens also. Though what actually causes tension headache is not clearly known, however, factors like work stress, lack of sleep, family demands, tight schedule, traffic schedules, skipping meals, poor eating habits, eye strain, over exertion, anxiety and everyday stress give us this kind of headache every now and then. Over the counter pain-killers are not the only solutions to get rid of tension headache. Try these natural remedies which are gentler on your health to get relief from pain.

Here Are 10 Natural Remedies for Tension Headache:

1. Take Rest In A Quiet Dark Room

Stress is often the main cause of tension headache. Due to headache you may also become sensitive to light and sound. To reduce stress, take rest by closing your eyes for at least half an hour in a quiet dark room. Either lie down or sit comfortably to relax your back, shoulders and neck. Apply light pressure on your eyes and then on forehead for 1-2 minutes with your fingers. This will relax the nerves and you will get relief from headache.

2. Drink Non-caffeinated Fluids

If you are too busy and haven’t eaten or drank anything, lack of food and dehydration could be the possible reason for headache. In this case, eating something light or drinking non-caffeinated fluids may help. To hydrate your body, drink 2-3 glasses of water. Drinking herbal tea will also help you to get relaxed. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol as they will dehydrate you more.

3. Do Deep Breathing Exercises

In our fast paced life, most of us are loaded with work pressure, stress and are hard-pressed for time. As a result, often our overworked body and mind reacts to this condition by tensing up the muscles, particularly the muscles of our shoulders, neck and upper back and thus, we get tension-type headache. We breathe shallow when we suffer from pain and stress. Deep breathing will help to fill your lungs with fresh oxygen running through the blood and help your body and mind to relax and reduce stress. Make conscious effort to take several deep breaths after closing your eyes. Exhale slowly to relax the muscles that are tight.

4. Practice Yoga

However busy you may be, set aside few minutes to practice yoga regularly so that you can prevent tension headache from occurring. Yoga exercise will help to stretch you muscles, clear the mind and help you to get relief from tension. When you will drop tension and stay relaxed, there will be no tension headache. Doing yoga poses like mountain pose will help you to improve your posture and prevent your muscles from tensing up and ease tension in your head. Similarly there are few other yoga poses that helps to improve posture and get rid of tension headache. Learn these yoga poses and practice daily.

5. Try An Acupressure Massage

Learning and applying these simple acupressure techniques can help to ease tension headache. You can learn this technique easily and do it yourself at home. Place your thumbs where your head meets the neck and with a firm circular motion, message the area by pressing in and upward.

6. Apply Peppermint Oil

Application of peppermint oil to your forehead, temples and back of your jaw will help to ease pain and discomfort. Messaging just few drop of this oil will have a soothing and cooling effect on your skin and relieve pain. Dilute peppermint oil with water or olive oil if you have sensitive skin.

7. Hot And Cold Compress

Hot and cold compress is another good remedy to get relief from tension headache by relaxing the knotted muscles. There are several ways in which you can do this. Soaking your feet in warm water will improve circulation and ease pressure on the blood vessels of your head. You can also place a warm moist towel on your neck, forehead and shoulder to get relief. Taking long hot shower may also help to relieve the tense muscles and bring relief from pain and discomfort.

Alternatively, you can apply cold compress on your neck, back, shoulder and forehead by putting couple of ice cubes in a piece of cloth or towel

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is a nutritional powerhouse, is used as a natural remedy for a number of ailments. It has been found effective for treating tension headache also. In a glass of water, add 1tbsp apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon honey and drink. It will relive your pain very fast.

9. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Regularly eating flaxseeds in small quantity can reduce the episode of headache.

10. Ginger Tea

A cup of gingerroot tea can bring relief from headache because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries to treat headache and digestive ailment. In a cup of boiling water, add 1 tsp. grated ginger and steep for 5-10 minutes. Add 1 tsp honey; strain and drink.

Instead of popping over-the-counter pain killers, try these natural home remedies. Pain killers can temporarily bring relief from headache but cannot prevent them from returning. The above mentioned home remedies will help to reduce the episodes of headache.