TIPS FOR THE PREVENTION OF HEADACHES PART III

SCENT OF AN APPLE

A study in Chicago found that people with migraines who sniffed the scent of a green apple reported a drop in pain levels. The theory is that the smell might reduce muscle contractions in the head and neck.

WRITING NUMBERS WITH YOUR NOSE

This is a simple pilates exercise that aims to mobilise the neck and ease some type of headaches.

You lie on a mat on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart and parallel. Start with a few deep breaths. Then imagine an upright figure eight and draw the shape with your nose. Repeat three times and then do three times in the opposite direction.

Next imagine the figure eight lying on its side and again trace the shape three times in both directions.

Finish with a gentle chin tuck, drawing your chin down and lengthening the back of your neck, keeping your head in contact with the mat at all times throughout this exercise.

ELECTRONIC HEADBANDS

A Belgian study looked at the use of headbands that apply electrical impulses at the centre of the forehead onto the trigeminal nerve, which is implicated in migraines. 38% of patients reported a 50% reduction in migraine frequency and a 37% reduction in medication. These headbands, however, can be rather pricey to buy.

KEEPING HYDRATED

Dehydration can be a common cause of headaches. This causes your brain tissue to lose water, which leads to the brain actually shrinking and pulling away from the skull. This then triggers the pain receptors surrounding the brain.

Dehydration also causes blood volume to drop, which also subsequently lowers the flow of oxygen to the brain.