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Herbal Therapy For Headache
December 9, 2008
Tension headaches respond quite nicely to infusions of valerian, skullcap, willow bark, or thyme. Drink 1 cup of valerian tea(Sleep Apnea and the Power of Tea) before bedtime. To prepare skullcap tea, brew 2 teaspoons dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; strain. Drink up to 3 times a day. For thyme tea, stir 1 teaspoon dried herb into 1 cup boiling water; steep for 10 minutes; strain.
Another soothing brew contains equal parts dried wintergreen, willow bark, and meadow sweet. Steep 1 teaspoon of the blend in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain. Drink once a day.
Evening primrose oil is believed to promote healthy circulation and relieve pain. Experts recommend taking 500 mg 3-4 times daily. Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.
Hydrotherapy
Some sufferers of tension headaches find relief by applying heat and cold. Soak your feet in hot water and at the same time apply a cold cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Remember to limit use of the ice pack to 20 minutes; extended exposure to cold can damage your skin.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture To treat pain in the neck and back of the head, an acupuncturist may focus on the following points: Bladder 10, 60, and 65; Gallbladder 20; Governing Vessel 15; Small Intestine 3; and Large Intestine 4.
If the pain is concentrated on the top of the head, Bladder 60, Governing Vessel 20, and Liver 2 and 3 may be added to the session. Additional points may be incorporated as symptoms warrant.
Acupressure Applying firm pressure to Large Intestine 4 (located in the webbing of the hand between the thumb and forefinger) and Gall-bladder 20 (on either side of the spine at the base of the head) should help relieve the discomfort associated with a tension headache. Additional acupressure points (including those mentioned in the acupuncture section, above) also may be included.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Bupleurum and Tang Gui Formula may provide some relief of tension headache pain, and Pueraria Combination can be used if the patient has a stiff neck and a tendency to coldness.
Yoga and Meditation
Several yoga positions can bring welcome relief from headache pain. They include the Neck Roll, Moon Salutation, Boat Pose, Hidden Lotus, Bow Pose, Spinal Twist, Half Moon I, and Standing on the Toes. Do these exercises up to three times a day for maximum benefit. Cautions: Avoid the Neck Roll if you have neck problems or neck pain. Avoid inverted poses (such as the Headstand, Shoulder Stands, and the Plow pose) when you have a headache.
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