3 ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES FOR HEADACHES
A study published in the Journal of Global Advances in Health and Medicine states that in the treatment of migraines, acupuncture has been found to be more effective than preventative migraine pharmaceuticals. If you’re interested in other ways to help prevent headaches then try one of these.
SANDALWOOD
It’s widely documented that stress and poor sleep can play a part in triggering a migraine. Alex Wilson, founder of Heartwood Natural Harmony, says: “Indian sandalwood is used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety and tension, aid sleep and promote a sense of calm.” She adds that the warm and woody scent of Indian sandalwood helps to relax the mind and body, as well as improve mental clarity. “You can use Indian sandalwood to help you relax and prevent the onset of stress-induced headaches by burning incense [or] adding a few drops of the essential oil to your diffuser.”
GUA SHA
A study in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that gua sha is an effective method in helping to reduce some symptoms of perimenopause including fatigue and headaches. Gua sha is used widely in Traditional Chinese medicine to balance the flow of Qi as well as blood flow. The therapy involves scraping your skin with a smooth-edged massage tool to activate trigger points on the face, neck and head and help redirect and reduce head pain, while stimulating reflexive points. Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Massager, $45, aceology.co
COSMETIC INJECTABLES
Kelly George of Kelly George Aesthetics believes that injectables can be beneficial for the treatment of headaches and migraines because of the ability to locate where the pain originates. “Most tension headaches are treatable with injections through the forehead and frown area,” says George. “Migraines can also be caused by clenching or grinding the teeth, for example, and we can directly treat the masseter muscle [to stop this] .” She advises that severe migraines that stem from the back of the neck are best treated by neurologists as opposed to cosmetic doctors.