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Get rid of a headache naturally... with these tips!
1) Anti-inflame, naturally.
Move over ibuprofen, enter natural healing foods that up-regulate my body’s ability to anti-inflame. Some of our favorites are turmeric in my tea and an extra dose (or two) of my favorite cod liver oil.
2) Hydrate.
Did you know that migraines are a sign of significant dehydration? This is an easy one to knock off the list. Just drink more water. But make sure it’s good, filtered water (check out some of these home water filtration systems ), and that your body can actually absorb it. Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt to add minerals for better absorption.
3) Magnesium oil spray on tight muscles.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Magnesium is the mineral responsible for allowing muscles to relax (as opposed to calcium, which is required for muscular contraction). Is it any coincidence that migraines are also often associated with a magnesium deficiency?
4) Stretch and roll out tight muscles Hand-in-hand with the magnesium spray is some deep tissue massage to work out the kinks. If you don’t have a massage therapist on call (everyone needs one of those!) you can use a combination of old tennis balls in a sock and a foam roller to get out the worse knots. I learned a trick recently that works wonders on the muscles that are particularly aggravated by a migraine:
– Lie on your back with your knees up and your feet on the floor. – Place the sock with tennis balls between your shoulder blades along one side of your spine, running parallel to your spine. – Rest the back of your neck on the foam roller, which will be placed perpendicular to your spine. – Now extend the arm that’s on the same side as the tennis balls (e.g., if the tennis balls are on the right side of your spine, extend your right arm). With the arm extended, bring it across your body slowly and then back again. This mimicks the massage therapist digging into that muscle – instead of the tennis balls moving, you’re moving your muscle over the ball. It’s hard to describe but feels heavenly. – For an extra bonus, roll your head from side to side as you do this to get into those tight muscles in your neck. Bliss. – Don’t forget to switch up the sides and do it on the other side as well!
5) Essential oils We've recently begun experimenting with essential oils for all sorts of therapeutic benefit and have been incredibly impressed. A great oil to try is a special blend of marjoram, lavender, peppermint, basil, chamomile and helichrysum called (appropriately) Migraine Relief. These oils are powerful anti-inflammatories and antispasmodics, and the peppermint oil has pain-blocking properties. Add a couple of drops to a bath, or apply directly to temples, back of neck, forehead, and shoulders.
If your headaches still persist, give us a call. We can help align your spine and loosen those muscles.
Want to learn more? We are a local Chiropractic Office in Spokane Washington. Our goal is to help patients find health and wellness in each day. Follow us on Facebook for more weekly tips or come visit us to see how we can help you!
Chiropractic Wellness Center | 618 N Sullivan Rd #21, Spokane Valley WA | 509-926-7789
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