3 Natural Steps for Getting Rid of Headaches

I think everyone can agree that headaches are extremely annoying and always come at the most inconvenient times. Headaches are a very common symptom. But, just because they are common, doesn’t mean they are normal. I used to get weekly headaches, with the occasional migraine. At the time, I considered this normal and thought taking pain relieving medications was my only option to help relieve it. Fortunately, I now know that I have more natural options that work with my body instead of increasing my toxic load.

Here Are My Top 3 Safe Alternatives for Getting Rid Of Headaches:

1) Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oil

Both Peppermint and Lavender essential oil work wonders for headaches. Peppermint oil, when applied to the back of the neck and shoulders, as well as the forehead and temples, will help increase circulation and relieve muscular stress, which is a main trigger for tension headaches. Lavender oil, used on these same areas, will help create a more relaxed and stress-free state. You can use either of these oils individually or a blend of the two. They are both extremely effective. When using essential oils topically, I always recommend diluting them with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, before applying. By diluting, you are decreasing the risk of skin sensitivity while making it easier to apply.

2) Increase Your Water Intake

Staying hydrated is crucial to our health. Our bodies are 2/3 water, so if we are even slightly dehydrated, the side effects will show up quickly. The problem though, is that “feeling thirsty” isn’t the first sign of dehydration. If you are thirsty, you are more than likely already dehydrated. With the wide variety of sodas and sports drinks available, most people do not drink enough water. These sugary alternatives, as well as coffee and tea, are actually dehydrating beverages and won’t properly substitute water. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. It is extremely important to stay well hydrated throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. As a rule of thumb, you should be drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water daily (even more than that if you are physically active).

3) Have Your Spine Checked by a Chiropractor

Headaches can have many triggers, but a majority of all headaches are caused by misalignments in the cervical spine. “Over 70% of all headaches arise from problems with the cervical spine and its related structures.” When there are misalignments in the spine, it causes an inflammation response that leads to the irritation of the nerves that exit the sides of the vertebra. This misalignment affecting the nerves is called subluxation and will cause warning signs in the body, such as headaches.

Once I started receiving regular, specific chiropractic care, my headaches almost instantly went away. I went from having at least one headache a week, to having very minor headaches maybe twice a year and haven’t taken any kind of pain medication in about 6 years. The power of chiropractic is truly amazing.

To prevent headaches all together, do all 3 of these steps on a regular basis.