How To Alleviate A Headache

Step 1: Heat or Cold

Some like it hot. Placing a hot water bottle or heat pad against your head can help pass the headache. Be careful not to burn yourself or cook that brain! A cold compress on your head or neck can also work. Try them both and see which works best for you.

Step 2: Massage It

Massages help sooth and relax your entire body, including the cranium. Everything is connected, you know. If you don't have someone to do it for you, gently massage your scalp, temples, and neck below your skull.

Step 3: Exercise

A common cause for headaches is a lack of oxygen in the brain. Light exercise can jumpstart your body, and help send more oxygen to your head and can also trigger endorphins to help overcome the pain.

Step 4: Aromatherapy

Certain smells may trigger headaches, but other smells may help heal them. Many popular aromatherapy treatments come from peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. You can use these during a massage, applied to pressure points, in candles, or in your bubble bath.

Step 5: Medicate

If you can't get your headache to go away, sometimes a small dose of aspirin or ibuprofen can help. Be very careful to follow the directions on the bottle for proper dosing amounts. If you headache persists, you may want to consult a doctor rather than continue taking medications.