Learn how to Better Manage Headaches at Home

June Newsletter Article

If you’re reading this you’ve probably had a headache, and maybe even a migraine. With our stressful busy lives these are unfortunately very common. I will start off by telling you the obvious. Acupuncture is very effective at treating chronic headaches and migraines and I’ve seen a lot of patients for this over the years. But let’s spend this time talking about what you can do to help manage them at home.

My go-to for managing headaches at home is essential oils, so if you like them, read on!

Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and frankincense are all very good at helping relieve headaches.

Peppermint: This essential oil is actually good at treating pain in general. It’s also good at relaxing tense muscles, so if you’re having a muscle tension headache this is a good one to use. Get a drop on your fingertips and apply to the area of the head feeling the pain. Peppermint is also good to help with respiratory issues, and clearing the sinuses, so if it’s a sinus headache, try inhaling peppermint!

Lavender: This oil is very calming and also relaxes muscles. If your headaches are related to stress or anxiety, the lavender might be a great option. And since it relaxes muscles it’s also good for muscle tension headaches. You can apply this to the area where the pain originates from. Some say inhaling lavender oil is good for migraines. In fact, some use this for anxiety and panic attacks, inhaling it deeply at the onset of the attack to stop it quickly. (NOTE: when inhaling, keep your eyes closed; vapors from essential oils can burn the eyes.)

Eucalyptus: This oil is great for clearing sinuses and reducing inflammation in the lungs, so if you tend to get sinus headaches this is a good place to start. Inhale it deeply to open the sinuses and therefore reduce the headache and sinus pressure.

Frankincense: This is a great all-purpose essential oil. Good for pain, reducing inflammation, and reducing anxiety. So this may work for many types of headaches, with the exception of sinus-related headaches. I recommend applying this topically to the area where you feel the pain, but if it is anxiety/stress related, try inhaling it deeply.

If the essential oil is working, you should feel some relief fairly quickly. And if you try an oil and it doesn’t work within a few minutes, try a different essential oil the next time. Just be sure to keep the oil away from your eyes.

As always, if you have questions feel free to call me at the clinic!