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Complementary treatments
Sometimes, people who suffer from chronic headaches turn to complementary treatments for relief. It's important to know that few approaches have been studied, and many therapies require multiple sessions and may take longer to work than traditional drug-based therapy. It's also important to find a trustworthy, certified, practitioner. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to refer you to a qualified alternative health practitioner. In fact, ask your doctor to help coordinate your program of care.
Hypnosis uses a blend of relaxation, imagery, and the power of suggestion to achieve a heightened sense of relaxation. Headache relief may be achieved through deep relaxation and posthypnotic suggestion.
Massage helps to reduce stress and relieve tension. It is especially effective for relieving tight, tender muscles in the back of your head, neck, and shoulders. While massage might provide relief from headache pain--especially headaches caused by tension--its value has not been fully determined.
Chiropracty is a form of treatment involving spinal manipulation that has been claimed to alleviate migraine and tension headaches. The theory, which is unproven, is that pain is caused by abnormal motion and irritation to the neck muscles, nerves, and other tissues; manipulation may alleviate the pain by restoring normal mobility and function. There is not as much scientific evidence supporting chiropractic manipulation for headaches as there is for other alternative approaches. Furthermore, excessive manipulation may cause additional problems. Ask your primary care physician if this therapeutic approach is suitable for you.
Some studies have shown that lavender, ginger, peppermint, and wintergreen oils might help relieve some headaches. You might get relief simply by smelling the oil, or by applying it to the nape of your neck and your temples. On the other hand, some odors may increase or provoke nausea if used during migraine attacks.
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