Headache in Progress

Self-Care for a Headache in Progress

For a headache in progress, try the following. You may find the earlier you stop whatever you’re doing and try one of these techniques, the more likely you will find relief.

        Note: If you ever experience a sudden severe headache unlike anything you’ve experienced before, seek medical attention                                     immediately.

1.   Cold or hot packs. Put ice (or a bag of frozen peas) in a cloth and press it against the painful spot, or against the back of your                 neck. If you don’t get relief, switch to a heating pad, hot water bottle, a microwavable hot pack, or a hot, wet towel, covered with             plastic wrap and a dry towel or fleece to hold in the heat. Try each for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

2.   Brush your hair. Brush from the temple, moving gradually to the base of the skull. Do one side a time. Then work down the center             of your head.

3.   Massage your head.

    •    Use your fingers to make small circles on your forehead, temples, and scalp. Massage for up to 30 seconds in each spot. Use                 a comfortable amount of pressure.

    •    Try this acupressure technique. With your thumb and first finger, squeeze a point near the base of your thumb on your other                         hand in the webbing between your thumb and first finger. Hold until the discomfort subsides. Repeat up to five times.

4.   Also try neck massage. Reach around and cup the base of your neck with your palm. Using a comfortable amount of pressure,                 knead the muscle slowly from bottom to top.

5.   Consider increasing the frequency of your massage sessions, even if you must reduce the length of each session. The benefits             of massage are cumulative and may act to prevent the development of tension that can lead to headaches.

Resources:
Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medicines that Relieve Them. Lawrence Robbins, MD and Susan Long.
An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Headaches. Robert Milne, MD and Blake Moore with Burton Goldberg.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.