What are the Non-Drug Treatment Methods of Headache?

You can try many methods to treat your headache without medication. In this article, we will tell you about these methods. Here are non-drug methods for your headache;

Create a Sleep Pattern

Of course, the relationship between sleep and headaches is clear. Just as lack of sleep can trigger headaches, sleeping too much will trigger both headaches and body aches. Although total hours of sleep seem adequate, intermittent sleep can also increase headaches because you are not fully rested. If you have frequent headaches, you should definitely regulate your sleep and get enough sleep. Especially during the quarantine process, sitting without sleep at night and getting up too late during the day will trigger headaches. Our recommendation; By regulating your irregular sleep times, get just 20 minutes of invigorating sleep without prolonging daytime sleep, and don't allow more daytime sleepiness if it's too suppressive.

Drink Enough Water

Insufficient water consumption causes the body to become dehydrated, also called dehydration, which triggers headaches. Especially in hot weather periods, our body causes evaporation from the skin and loss of 500-700 milliliters of water through respiration. A person who will lose at least 1 liter of water through urine should consume at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day. People who have difficulty in drinking water can be advised to sweeten the water and drink it. Put the sweet and strong aroma of fruits such as apple, pear, quince or lemon into 1.5 liters of water to be prepared fresh every morning in the morning and let it sit. Keep this water with you at all times and consume it slowly like a beverage.

Benefit from Herbal Teas

Some herbal teas, which have been used for a long time and whose beneficial effects are known, can also be used to relieve headaches. In addition to its relaxing effects, its antioxidant properties also provide additional benefits. In particular, chamomile, ginger, sage and green tea will work as well as pain relievers. However, the most important point to note here is that these herbal teas should be prepared alone and consumed fresh. Mixing and/or storing herbs for a long time can also be harmful because some harmful active ingredients may be formed. After boiling for a while, herbal teas should be prepared by placing them in a sufficient amount of slightly cooled water to approximately 85-90 degrees and waiting for 2-3 minutes, and they should be consumed completely. The excess amount should be poured out.

Apply a Cold or Hot Water Bag

Applying a cold-water bag to the head, temple and forehead will be good for headaches, especially in migraine. However, during this application, the general body temperature of the patient should be normal and not cold. Applying a cold-water pack to people who are already cold and cold can increase headaches. Applying a hot water bag to the neck and upper back muscles can reduce or relieve pain, and this application will be more effective in tension-type headaches. The important point for both applications is that cold or heat will not damage or burn the skin. Like heat, cold can burn and damage the skin.

Massage

Many people have already experienced that massage is good for headaches. However, there are points to be noted. Some people feel pain when they touch the face or scalp, which is called 'allodynia' during pain. Allodynia patients should not be massaged because it can make the pain worse. If there is no allodynia, sweet-hard touches and strokes without pressing too much on the temples, between the eyebrows, on the scalp and on the nape area can reduce or relieve the pain. However, pressing, rubbing or squeezing too hard may seem relaxing for now, but it can increase the pain even more because it will cause the muscles to stiffen later on. Massage of the neck muscles is a situation that needs to be a little more careful. It is best to get a professional massage if possible. Spasm in the neck muscles or straightening of the neck is very common due to frequent posture and sitting disorders, and improper massage of this area can increase spasms and increase pain. Neck and back muscles should not be pressed too hard, rubbed or squeezed.