Are there non-medication therapies for headaches?

You can always find an alternative to medications for your treatment. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before any treatment method to get rid of your condition. Along with other healing methods, migraine treatments also include non-medication therapies. Although medications play a significant role, alternative treatments can help bring successful results if implemented together. Some of the well-working substitutes for migraine headaches are as follows-

  • Head massage

Massage can help relax the brain cells and prevent the worsening of your headaches. Yes, this grandma’s remedy is a classic treatment for head pains. 

  • Regular exercises

Exercises can play a vital role in keeping you healthy and fit. Simple exercises, like jogging, walking, or cycling, can help prevent headache episodes. Moreover, they also trigger endorphins, the good feeling hormones that can help you feel better. 

  • Acupuncture

It is a traditional Chinese treatment, which deals with inserting tiny needles at specific points in your body. Although only a few pieces of research verify its effectiveness over headaches, it can be one of the effective migraine treatments. It eases off the pain and decreases the frequency of headaches. Nevertheless, you should always consult with your doctor before you go for this remedy. 

  • Relaxation practices

Stress is a common cause of migraine. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce your muscle tension and ultimately cut off the pain. Practicing these techniques on a regular basis can help to learn how to overcome stress.

  • Diet

Certain foods can trigger migraine headaches. Some of the common foods among them are processed meat, alcohol, cultured dairy, canned foods, caffeine, aged cheese, and chocolates. 

If you develop a headache after eating a particular food, do not ignore it. Remember what triggered the pain and avoid eating that food from then. 

  • Sleep

Poor sleep can cause migraines. Therefore, take around 7-8 hours of sleep along with taking other migraine treatments. Fix a time to go to bed and have adequate sleep. Avoid things that can make your sleep go away. 

  • Talk therapy

Therapy, which aims at altering your actions and beliefs, can help prevent migraine symptoms. Such therapy is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

People often relate therapies to mental health issues. However, this isn’t true. They can give you a new way to think over the situations and avoid stress and headaches. 

 

When should I go for non-medication therapies for headaches? 

There is nothing bad in doing the home and non-medication remedies for your treatment. They can bring quick and happy results if you combine your medications and these therapies. However, you should consult with your doctor before you use any treatment methods for your cure. 

There are some reasons for which doctors suggest going for non-medication remedies for migraine treatments. They are as follows-

  • If you have a condition, because of which you cannot take headache medicines
  • If you don’t get satisfactory and essential aid from prescribed medications
  • If the medications side effects often trouble you 
  • If you don’t want to take medications

 

For more information, you can consult with your doctor.