4 complementary therapies for headaches

Reoccurring headaches can be deeply infuriating. Impacting our ability to carry out our days as we normally do, it is understandable that people quickly resort to looking online for cures. Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen can momentarily lessen the intensity of headaches, however, they do not suffice as the long-term solutions we desperately want and need to maintain our desired lifestyles.

We may have our suspicions as to why we keep getting headaches, perhaps because of work stress, lack of sleep, or too much screen time. It is wise to ponder the root cause of our headaches before experimenting with complementary therapies. Knowing what instigates the headaches will better inform us to make a recovery plan. 

Complementary therapies can help reduce the intensity of our headaches, and in some cases, eradicate them completely. Not to mention, these practices are also good for our mental health, sleep quality, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and generally enhancing the quality of our lives. These non-traditional approaches are worth trying as they are low-risk options, and even if they do not cure our headaches, we may find they have a positive impact on us by some means.

Complementary therapies for headaches

1. Herbal medicine

We can use herbal treatments to help us when we are struggling with headaches. There is no concrete scientific evidence that herbal medicine is successful in this, however, the modern medical community is increasingly supporting this alternative approach. Furthermore, herbal healing has a long and documented history – Ancient Egyptian medical texts praise herbal remedies for their rejuvenating properties (specifically in reference to headaches). 

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), is a Eurasian plant from the daisy family and its leaves, flowers, and stems are used to treat headaches. In Ancient Greece, many physicians made use of the healing properties of this aromatic bushy plant (as far back as the fifth century B.C). Feverfew has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are ideal for pain relief and limiting the production of prostaglandins (which can contribute to headaches and migraines). We can take feverfew by means of supplements, extracts, or eating it raw (although in some cases this can cause unpleasant reactions). 

Peppermint, also used by ancient civilisations, is another herb known for its healing qualities – it can improve gastrointestinal health, aid in muscle relaxation, encourage mental alertness, and mitigate feelings of nausea. As it contains menthol, a substance commonly used to reduce pain, it is also ideal for curing headaches. Additionally, this herb aids in the opening of our airways, valuable for those of us with sinus congestion (a root cause of headaches). We can ingest peppermint in supplement form or as part of essential oil therapy. 

2. Sound therapy

Sound therapy uses music, high-frequency sounds, vibrations, and specialist instruments (played in a healing manner) to nurture and replenish the brain and body. The therapeutic sounds are ideal if you struggle with stress, chronic headaches, and/or high blood pressure. 

In a sound therapy session, a professional begins by asking you a variety of questions to understand your situation more clearly, so be ready to talk about your experience with headaches. They use the information you provide to tailor the session to be most beneficial for you. The experience differs based on each individual’s unique situation and preferences. The room where the therapy is conducted is typically dimly lit and fragrant with the scent of essential oils, creating a relaxing environment. The practitioner will get you to lie down and close your eyes. Using tools, instruments, or even their voice to chant a mantra, the practitioner will direct the sounds to certain areas of your body, encouraging healing.

If the session aims to alleviate head pain, the practitioner will likely focus their time and energy on your upper body. In sessions, people commonly experience warm and tingling sensations, find their minds recall specific memories and a sense of deep relaxation and serenity. The different vibrations and sounds are known to create a sense of ease, mental peace, and calming of the nervous system. Sound therapy is an immersive experience and can be the perfect antidote to stress, built-up tension in the body, and headaches.

3. Meditation

If your headaches are the result of stress, anxiety, or being overworked, you likely experience tension headaches. These headaches tend to feel like someone is pushing inward on both sides of the head. Tension headaches often bring about acne, neck and shoulder tension, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Meditation can be effective for individuals with these types of headaches as it addresses the root issue – mental unbalance. Committing to regular meditation practice can feel like a daunting prospect. Many individuals get scared at the thought of being alone with their worrisome thoughts, complaining that they cannot stop them from crossing their minds in mediation. Well, luckily for all of us, meditation is not about silencing the mind. It is about observing our inner dialogue and allowing space for all our thoughts (the good and the bad).

Instead of feeding into our fearful thoughts leading us to panic, in meditation, we are encouraged to simply watch over them. If your mind wanders easily, it is also wise to practice deep breathing to stay anchored to the present moment. The aim is to notice when a nasty thought comes to mind, let it exist, and refocus back on the breath. Not only does mindful breathing relax our bodies, but also relaxes our minds (it gives us something to focus on that is not fear-inducing).

When we spend most of our days trying to predict future dilemmas or worrying about what we might have done wrong in the past, we gradually become chronically stressed and tense. Painful headaches can be one of many potential health issues. Regular mediation practice teaches us the art of detachment, allowing us to recognise our thoughts as separate entities from ourselves.

Our thoughts are not facts, they do not define who we are, they are merely random ideas coming from all sorts of influences.

Grasping this notion becomes easier the more we practice meditation and this helps us feel calmer each day and allows us to steer clear of those bad headaches. We can join meditation classes, organise one-on-one sessions with teachers, or simply meditate in our own company (YouTube has many wonderful guided meditation videos).

4. Guided imagery 

Similarly to meditation, guided imagery can help us experience relaxation as it can give us a healthy distance from our negative thoughts. When our days become overwhelming and stressful, we can schedule five-minute breaks to practice guided imagery and escape the fast-paced nature of modern life. These moments of escapism and mental tranquillity are great for easing headaches (and preventing them).

When we channel a lot of mental energy in our heads, we create an imbalance. Guided imagery can help us shift our attention and awareness from our heads into our whole bodies allowing us to feel energised throughout. Below you will find a step-by-step guide on how to carry out a guided imagery session.

Headaches alert us to issues with our lifestyles and bodies and this is valuable. It is important to stop and listen to what our bodies are telling us. We should not ignore pain or discomfort when it is exhibited. Reflecting on our routines, daily choices, and how we feel emotionally is important.

Instead of focusing on how frustrating it is that you keep getting headaches, thank your body for alerting you to a problem, and channel your energy into figuring out a solution. If the methods above do not work for you, do not be afraid to reach out to a doctor. We must advocate for ourselves and look after our bodies because nobody else will do it for us.