You can’t think straight because your head is pounding. It’s (obviously) painful and exhausting even when the headache or migraine lasts for a short time. What’s the cause and how do you fix it?

If you’re just beginning your search on headaches and migraines, the information here is general in nature and is a great starting point. When in doubt – please do talk with your medical professional.

Different kinds of headaches

According to VeryWellHealth.com, there are three common types of headaches:

• Tension
• Migraine
• Cluster

With tension headaches, stress is a big culprit. We’re also a very sedentary society – we sit staring at a computer and if your posture isn’t good, this can cause tension headaches because your shoulder muscles are tense and tight.

Tension headaches are the most common type and in fact, nearly 80% of adults will experience this type at least once in their life.

Migraines are even more painful and can be debilitating. It’s a pounding, throbbing sensation like someone is using your head for a drum. Some people will see an aura, feel nauseous and experience light or sound sensitivity.

At its worst, migraines may force you to stay in bed. When they’re severe, treatment usually require prescription medication.

The VeryWellHealth.com website describes cluster headaches: 

Cluster headaches are much less common than tension-type headaches and migraines. They are extremely painful, disabling headaches that can be so severe they are often referred to as “suicide headaches.” Cluster headaches cause a stabbing, piercing pain around one eye or temple, and they tend to occur at night. In fact, cluster headaches run like clockwork, often occurring at the same time each night (this is why they are sometimes also called “alarm clock headaches“).

Scary stuff!

What Causes Headaches and Migraines?

The events that trigger a headache or migraine are endless. It could be caused by barometric pressure dropping, food sensitivities, stress, personal care products and chemical sensitivities. Unless you’re buying clean food from the farmer’s market, chances are you’re eating chemicals which can easily trigger an episode. 

When I talk with clients about headaches and migraines, I ask a lot of questions about triggers. The best way you can help yourself figure out what’s going on is to keep a headache or migraine journal.

Each time you have a headache or migraine, write it down in your journal. Write down the date, time, what you were doing and eating.

• Was there a thunderstorm that passed through?
• Ladies, were you on your period?
• Did you have a piece of chocolate?
• Are you sensitive to any particular food or chemical?
• Did you have a glass of wine?
• What about your laundry detergent and dryer sheets? This could easily be a culprit.
• Do you have headaches everyday?
• Do you have constant headaches?
• Do you have more headaches in the summertime?

These questions may seem insignificant, but these are all things and events that could easily trigger a migraine. 

If you need to talk to your medical professional, a journal full of information may help pinpoint something much quicker than simply guessing.

Holistic Treatment Options

There’s a number of holistic options when treating headaches and migraines especially if you can’t take OTC or prescription medications.

• Acupuncture. This method uses incredibly thin needles into the meridians along your body to disrupt the stagnant energy.
• Ear cartilage piercing. This method affects the vagus nerve which is the longest of the 10 nerves extending from the bottom of your brain.
• Botox. This may work for tension headaches and migraines, but not for cluster headaches.
• Diet changes. If your episodes are triggered by food sensitivities, you can have a specific blood test done to see what the culprits are.

Benefits of Aromatherapy for Headaches and Migraines

Aromatherapy is an excellent option for relief if you can’t take pills. There’s several ways that pure essential oils can help relieve your headache or migraine:

• Rub an essential oil synergy blend directly on your skin (of course, dilute with a carrier oil first)
• Diffuse an essential oil blend into the air
• Inhale your synergy blend directly from the bottle

While it’s different for everyone, some of the best essential oils for headaches and migraines are Lavender, Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Ravintsara, Grapefruit and Frankincense.

I created Headache Ease Aromatherapy Roller Ball specifically for migraines. Not everyone has a migraine but nearly everyone of us has a headache and this little roller ball packs a mighty punch!

This synergy blend was used in a case study with a client who suffered from debilitating migraines. As in – flat on her back / can’t get out of bed at least three times a month. She said that Headache Ease lessened the severity and duration of her migraine. She also said she used it at the first sign of a migraine and she thought that made a big difference. 

Let me know what questions you have. Fill out this contact form and let’s talk today.