How To Treat Tension Headaches Without Medication

How To Treat Tension Headaches Without Medication

Basically, tension headaches or stress headaches are a common type of head pain that affect most people. Learn here some easy-to-follow, home methods to prevent and treat tension headaches.

Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain and the pain may start above the eyebrows or in the back of your head and lastly impacts the whole head.

Besides, a tension headache can make you depressed or anxious and affect your productivity and your relationships. To deal with tension headaches, there are many simple ways.

9 Ways To Treat Tension Headaches

Now let’s have a detailed look at some of the effective ways to prevent and treat tension headaches:

1. Ice Pack

Treat Tension Headaches With Ice Packs

This way is very simple but effective. An ice pack can ease a tension headache and soothe sore muscles.

Applying an ice pack to the affected area can constrict the blood pressure and alleviate some of the pressure.

For this treatment, you take some ice cubes and put them in a plastic bag. Then, wrap this bag in one thin towel and place it on your forehead.

Wait two minutes and take a break for around 2 minutes.

Repeat this cycle four to five times for quick results. Don’t put ice directly on the skin because it can lead to frostbite.

2. Head Massage

Treat Tension Migraines With Head Massages

Generally speaking, a good massage for several minutes can relieve headaches caused by stress effectively. Besides, it will also aid in reducing stress, improving blood circulation, and easing muscle soreness and tension.

For this purpose, take 1-2 drops of rosemary or thyme essential oil and mix it in 2 tablespoons of warm coconut or olive oil.

Then, dab this oil on your forehead and on each temple as well and gently massage into the skin.

Afterward, sit quietly for a couple of minutes to let this headache treatment work.

3. Manage Stress

Tension Headache Treatment - Manage Stress

Managing your stress level is an important step to prevent or treat tension headaches. Stress is a trigger and can worsen the pain.

You can control your stress level by taking a hot shower or bath, listening to music, or spending time doing anything such as painting or gardening.

You can also read something inspiring, or practice stress-busting techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

4. Use Rosemary Oil Foot Bath

Tension Headache Treatment - Rosemary Oil Foot Bath

Herbalists note that rosemary oil foot bath is one of the great home remedies for headaches removal. The hot water will draw blood to the feet, which in turn soothes the throbbing pain.

Besides, rosemary oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce a tension headache.

According to a study published in 2013 in Food Chemistry, rosemary contains the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

For this treatment, take around 7 drops of rosemary essential oil and add it to a small tub that is filled with warm water.

Afterward, soak your feet in this footbath for about 20-30 minutes.

Finally, pat-dry your feet using a soft towel.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar For Tension Headaches

Basically, apple cider vinegar works well for tension headaches and migraines. Particularly, it can aid in detoxification and balancing the pH levels altogether.

Furthermore, ACV consists of anti-inflammatory benefits, which can soothe a throbbing headache and decrease your stress level.

For this tension headache remedy, take a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV and add it into a glass of water. You can add some honey for taste.

Consume this concoction once or twice every day to prevent and treat tension headaches.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil

Treat Tension Migraines With Peppermint Essential Oil

According to a study published in 2007 in the Journal of American Family Physician, applying peppermint oil topically may be an effective way to treat tension headaches.

Besides, peppermint essential oil can also calm your nerves and decrease your stress levels.

Furthermore, topical application can also help to relax the muscles and nerves and promote blood circulation.

For this treatment, you take some drops of peppermint oil and massage it onto your forehead, temples, as well as the back of your neck.

Another option is to take two wet peppermint tea bags and place them on your forehead or closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes.

7. Prevent Eyestrain

How To Avoid Eye Strain

Another cause of tension headaches and pain in the shoulders, neck or back is eyestrain.

To prevent eyestrain, massage gently your eyelids every day for one minute a few times a day.

Take a five-minute break for every fifteen or half an hour of work. Simply stand up and then walk around to let the eye muscles reset.

You can also roll your eyes in counterclockwise and clockwise directions for a couple of seconds. Repeat four or five times and follow this quick eye exercise every several hours.

8. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy As Headache Treatment

According to a study published in 2014 in BMC Neurology, cognitive behavioral therapy is an efficacious treatment for tension headaches and migraines.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) will help you understand the situation causing you stress, tension, and anxiety. Along with that, this therapy shows you how to control stress.

9. Improve Your Posture

How To Improve Your Posture

Muscle tension and tightness is one of the common causes of tension headaches. Basically, tightness happens all over the neck and head, and poor posture is a reason behind it.

For this purpose, when standing, hold your head level and your shoulders back while pulling in your buttocks and abdomen.

When sitting, you keep the head facing straight ahead and the thighs parallel to the ground.

In addition, make an alert effort to correct the posture while you walk and lie down.

All the above tips are easy to follow and are also effective ways to prevent and treat tension headaches.

If you know other ways to treat or prevent tension headaches at home, without any pills or prescriptions, please share them with us in the comments box below.

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