10 Quick Ways to Relieve a Headache You Can Practice Everywhere

Nearly half the adult human population experiences a headache at least once a year, according to this study. There are many types of headaches like migraines, cluster headaches and those that arise due to tension, problems with eyesight or sinuses. Those caused by tension are the most common and affect about 1.6 billion people.

Since a headache doesn’t warn you before coming and can start anytime and anywhere, Bright Side made a list of 10 techniques you can use to get rid of it.

Temperature therapy

Taking a warm shower helps to relax tense muscles and can relieve a headache. But you might not always have the time to take a shower, in that case using hot compresses might help as well.

Aromatherapy

The aroma of certain essential oils, especially lavender, can soothe a headache. Gently massage the oil on your forehead and temples and lie down in a quiet, dark room and relax.

Peppermint oil is also beneficial in treating headaches and in a study conducted at Shiraz University in Iran, it was found to be effective in treating migraines as well.

Drink water

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. To keep these headaches at bay, keep yourself properly hydrated. But keep in mind that overhydration can lead to hyponatremia, a condition in which sodium present in the blood becomes too diluted. This can lead to a headache, nausea, and bloating —symptoms that can easily be confused with those of dehydration.

Herbal cure

Ginger has been used for centuries to treat headaches including migraines. Recent studies have also proven its efficacy. In case of a headache, you can drink ginger juice prepared by mixing half a teaspoon of ground ginger in water.

Massaging the Union Valley

How to locate: These points are located on the web formed between your thumb and index finger.

Steps:

• Locate the area and continuously pinch it firmly, but painfully for about 10 seconds.
• After 10 seconds, release the pinch and massage this area using the thumb of your other hand by moving it in a circular motion. Move clockwise for 10 seconds and then counterclockwise for the next 10 seconds.
• Repeat this process on your opposite hand.

This acupressure point is helpful in relieving tension in the head and neck which is often associated with headaches.

Using acupressure at the San Yin Jiao point

How to locate: This acupressure point is located 4 finger-widths above the highest point in your ankle, in the trough behind the bone on the inside-side of the legs.

Steps:

• Locate the point and using your thumb and massage this area by applying firm pressure for about 4-5 seconds.

Pressing this point relives stress and has a calming effect on the mind.

Pressing the Gates of Consciousness to relieve a headache

How to locate: They are a pair of points located in the hollow area between 2 vertical neck muscles at the base of the skull.

Steps:

• Using the index and middle fingers of both hands press firmly on both the sides for about 10 seconds.
• After 10 seconds, release and repeat.

This relieves a headache caused due to tension in the neck. It is also helpful in dealing with a migraine.

Massaging the Drilling Bamboo point

How to locate: These points are located on either side of the nose at the trough where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.

Steps:

• Use your index fingers to apply firm pressure on both sides simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
• Release the pressure and repeat.

Applying pressure to these points is effective in relieving headaches caused by eyestrain and sinus.

Massaging the Shoulder Well location

How to locate: The Shoulder Well is located between the shoulder point and the base of your neck.

Steps:

• Using your thumb, massage this location on your left side by moving the thumb in a circular motion for about 1 minute.
• After 1 minute, do the same on the right side.

It relieves stiffness in the neck and shoulders and thereby any headache arising due to it.

Rubbing the Pupil Bone Hole

How to locate: It is located in the outer corner of each eye.

Steps:

• Use your index and middle fingers to gently rub this point on both sides of the eyes simultaneously until you feel relief.

It helps to relieve pain associated with a migraine.

When was the last time you had a headache? How did you cope with it? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.