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Jennifer's Q & A

Dear Jennifer,

Can you give me some general suggestions on dealing with headaches as my husband has started to suffer lately and will not discuss with his GP. He simply manages by taking Neurofen. I am therefore looking into this, what causes them and the alternative courses of action one can take.

Name withheld

Headaches are a message from the body, telling you that all is not well. There are many reasons why people suffer from headaches, especially if they occur frequently. It is important to identify why a person suffers from them and prevent or treat the underlying cause rather than masking the symptoms continually with pain killers. Chronic headaches, especially those that do not respond to treatment or get worse, must always be evaluated by your GP to ensure that there is not a more serious, underlying condition so please nudge him in that direction.

General causes include:-

I will give a few suggestions covering a variety of ‘alternatives’ for you to consider.

Homoeopathy
Belladonna – is prescribed for violent, throbbing, hammering headache, worse in the temples/forehead and with worse with movement, lights and noise (similar to a classic migraine).
Aconite – is given when headaches are sudden and violent and accompanied by restlessness, anxiety and thirst.
Pulsatilla - periodic headaches originating from overwork, or indigestion, pulsating and bursting pains along with pressure on vertex. Patient feels better with fresh air and worse with rich foods.
Nux Vomica - the headache feels like nails being driven into the skull and often results as the after-effects of over-indulgence from alcohol or rich foods. Pain is worse in the front of the head and is accompanied by nausea & vomiting.

Reflexology
As discussed last month, in reflexology the big toe represents the head and the base of the toe, the neck. Believe it or not, but circular movements of the big toe along with gentle massaging of the whole area, can help release tension in the neck and so relieve headaches. Reflexologists often work on the spinal area and digestive system (colon, stomach and liver).

Nutrition
As iron deficiency can be a causative factor, choose blood-building foods such as aduki beans, brown lentils, beetroot, seaweed, spinach, nettles, watercress, cabbage (cooked with ginger).

The minerals magnesium and calcium are Nature’s relaxants so focus on green foods which are rich in calcium. Include chlorophyll greens such as watercress, sorrel, kale, broccoli, parsley, mustard and dandelion greens, almonds, sesame seeds (& tahini), brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried figs, kelp, millet, brown rice, dried apricots, peaches, bananas, pulses, beans, lentils, white fish, canned salmon and sardines (including the bones). NB. Although milk is technically high in calcium, the calcium found in dairy foods comes in an unbalanced relationship with the minerals phosphorous and magnesium, which results in inefficient assimilation and absorption.

Fish oils are extremely beneficial to the whole body as they provides omega 3 fatty acids and are anti-inflammatory. In double-blind studies people suffering from chronic migraines found that their headaches developed less often and were less painful after starting fish oil supplementation. We should have at least two portions a week of oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Research suggests that regularly eating fish, especially the fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines may have long-term effects on brain chemistry, helping to lessen migraine and headaches over a period of time. Another source of omega 3 fatty acids is linseed oil, which is ideal for vegetarians. Virgin cold-pressed vegetable and seed oils provide valuable omega 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids which, like the omega 3 fatty acids, are also vital for brain function, hormones and general health. Naturally it is common sense to lower the obvious amounts of saturated fats in the diet as these trigger an inflammatory action in the body which leads to pain.

As food allergies have been known to cause headaches, substituting common foods in the diet such as wheat, citrus fruits, cheese and dairy products, coffee, tomatoes and chocolate can eliminate some symptoms of headaches entirely. Allergy-induced headaches can also be triggered by environmental pollution, household cleaning products and even perfume. Keep a food allergy diary as this can help pinpoint your triggers.

A West German publication reported that foods containing the amino acid tyramine (a substance that causes the blood pressure to rise, resulting in a dull headache) should be reduced or eliminated. These are alcohol, bananas, caffeine, cheese, sour cream, chicken, chocolate, citrus fruits, smoked fish, herring, onions, peanut butter, pork, vinegar, wine and fresh-baked yeast products.

A headache can also strike if you go for too long without food or miss meals and may be related to sugar swings. To treat it, eat something like a handful of nuts and it should subside within 10 minutes if blood-sugar related. Long term, ‘graze feed’ by eating six smaller and well balanced meals a day.

Structural
Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head and there is often an ache behind the forehead. Stress causes muscle tension - tension in shoulders, jaw, even eyestrain. It can even contribute to poor vertebral alignment which can result in reduced blood flow to the brain. Consulting a structural therapist such as an osteopath or physiotherapist (consult the OneHealth Team, Tennis and Health) would be helpful. Massage can help release the neck and surrounding muscles which become knotted and painful, leading to headaches. Paula Jones also practices acupuncture which is highly successful at relieving pain conditions including headache. Other techniques include working on the affected muscles with regular exercise, stretching techniques such as yoga and postural awareness (Alexander technique).

Aromatherapy
Essential oils can help alleviate some symptoms of pain – for example - peppermint is frequently used in cream pain formulations and can also ease the sense of nausea that can be connected with some headaches deriving from an upset stomach. However, do not use peppermint directly on the skin as it must be used in a maximum of 1% dilution. Lavender is the only oil that it is safe apply without a carrier oil. Lavender oil rubbed in small circular movements over the temples can relieve tension headaches and although this oil can be used neat, I would suggest mixing a few drops into a base cream which will aid massaging the area. Chamomile is especially suited for a headache when it is linked in with the digestive system and is very calming. Rosemary targets headaches caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain as rosemary increases circulation to the head area.

Herbalism
Herbs such as feverfew and white willow bark (of which aspirin is a derivative and is a natural analgesic) have traditionally been used in the treatment of headaches. Feverfew – the whole leaf extract – is most effective and is available from Boots the Chemist in a pill form or simply chewing a leaf a day directly from the plant itself. Feverfew appears to work in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches by inhibiting the release of blood vessel dilating substances from platelets, so inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances. Avoid using in pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.

Meditation
Meditation, deep breathing and relaxation techniques all help reduce pain. Even simply to lie down and rest in a dark room and follow a relaxation procedure to ease the physical tension in the body and visualising the pain being released from your body can really help.

As I was writing this, my attention was taken to an Angel book on a shelf called Angel Secrets that I had been sent by Jacky Newcomb, known as the ‘angel lady’. I opened the book on the page saying ‘Heal your Headache’ and thus I felt that this was a sign that the angels were guiding me to include this technique in the e-news! Jacky suggests relaxing and sitting quietly with your back against a wall and placing your palms over your eyes. You then imagine that your angel is behind you resting their hands on your shoulders. Feel their healing energy pouring into your body and simply washing away your pain. Thank your angel after this procedure.