Ten natural ways to cure headaches

As one meaning implies, a headache may simply be that little source of worry or difficulty. However, in the real sense, it is the unmistakable pounding, throbbing pain that is felt in the head.

Kingston-based general practitioner, Dr. Katherine Brown, says that the majority of our headaches, apart from those associated with secondary causes such as a brain tumor, hemorrhage or infection, belong to one of three main groups - migraine, cluster and tension headaches.

Migraine, an extremely bad headache, is that persistent, severe pain that is usually accompanied by throbbing on one side of the head. A cluster headache, Dr. Brown says, is similar to migraine but of shorter duration, occurring daily in series over weeks or months and predominantly in the area of one eye. A tension headache is without a consistent location and results in contractions of the face, scalp or neck muscles.

WomenCentral, an Internet site providing information mainly on women's health, suggests that we should first consider some natural remedies the next time our head begins to pound. If they do not work, then by all means reach for the aspirin.

Here, according to WomenCentral, are ten holistic approaches that offer relief to various types of headaches.

Acupuncture - For headache relief, the key points are the head, neck, hands and feet. Seek out a licensed acupuncturist through your family doctor or health clinics.

Acupressure - Using an ancient Chinese therapeutic technique, press a point in the web of skin between your thumb and forefinger for 20 seconds; stop for 10. Repeat four times.

Hydrotherapy - Press an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) on your forehead or the top of your head. For heat treatment, place a heating pad or a moist, hot towel on the back of your neck.

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