Natural Headache Relief

By Author: Abelardsmith
Total Articles: 30
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Many of our modern day medicinal treatments are natural cures discovered as a result of the study and research of herbs. Common mold resulted in the discovery and development of penicillin. The heart rate regulating medication digoxin was derived from the chemicals in a plant known as foxglove and a treatment for malaria was discovered in the bark of the cinchona tree. Alternative therapies most often are not used to cure ailments but to promote health and prevent illness. Preventative remedies for headaches include biofeedback, feverfew, hypnosis, meditation and shiatsu massage.

Biofeedback teaches individuals to control various aspects of their body's reactions much like a driver responds to operating a car by responding to different stimuli. By observing the speedometer a person knows when to accelerate or when to apply the brakes. The car's movement on a path alerts drivers how and when to turn the steering wheel to get to a specific destination. The same principle applies as sensors attached to a person's body monitor blood pressure, pulse, skin temperature and dryness. Individuals learn to change body responses ...
... and their success is noted by the monitoring devices. Learning to relax using these methods alleviates tension, stress and pain. Biofeedback is used as a temporary teaching tool until these techniques are achieved.

Feverfew is a member of the daisy family. The leaves fresh or freeze-dried of the tanacetum parthenium or chrysanthemum parthenium are used in herbal preparations. The plant has been used for centuries for many ailments but it is most frequently used for the prevention of headaches and migraines. The chemical component parthenolide, when taken daily, has been known to prevent the onset in many sufferers. Persons with ragweed are advised against using this remedy. Side effects include skin rashes, increased heart rate, indigestion, colic and weight gain have been noted along with possibe decreased blood clotting. Taking the herb for a period of time and then abruptly stopping has caused some to have rebound headaches. Feverfew is not to be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women. As with all herbal remedies consulting with a health care provider is recommended.

Hypnosis induces an altered state of consciousness similar to daydreaming, sleeping or tuning out. Some believe that individuals under the influence of hypnosis are alert and in control, while others perceive there is no sense of alertness but persons are not sleeping either. There is a state of passivity with increased suggestibility and vulnerability. Persons desiring to be subjected to hypnosis should ensure that it is done by a qualified professional for this reason. During the hypnotic state individuals learn what is causing stressful situations, learn to control their body's response and therefore reduce pain intensity and headache frequency.

During a meditative state an individual sits quietly and relaxes their body, tuning out everyday stressors or daydreaming about a pleasant experience. Teaching the body to relax in this manner has been shown to reduce stress, blood pressure and to decrease pain levels.

Shiatsu therapy was developed from the Japanese practice of acupressure. The Japanese believe that a flow of energy, life force or "ki" emanates from every person and if the flow is interrupted illness occurs. By applying pressure to various body regions, practitioners assess where the interruption originates. Treatment is performed when the masseuse applies pressure and massage to the effected areas with their hands, elbows, knees or feet.

Learn about home remedies and natural cures from around the world. Read

about which foods can be beneficial in healing common ailments, or have a go at some alternative therapies.http://www.natural-healing-cures.com