How can I get rid of headaches? - Ask The Experts

Natural Health, April, 2004

With help from our trio of specialists, you can start each day with a clear head and a bright mood.

Psychiatrist

The National Headache Foundation recommends taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Advil. If morning headaches occur frequently, consult a physician. Depression, insomnia or an organic disorder, such as high blood pressure, may be at fault. In our recent survey of nearly 19,000 people at the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center, 45 percent of those with morning headaches had at least two medical conditions. You can help reduce morning headaches by avoiding alcohol and by relieving stress through exercise.

--Maurice Ohayon, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Stanfold University

Acupressurist

Applying pressure to certain points on your body can help stop headache pain by releasing muscle tension and relieving stress and anxiety. Try this simple technique: Place your right index fingertip on the hollow at the right side of the base of your skull, then place your left index one finger-width above your eyebrow, lined up with your pupil. Apply a gentle but firm pressure for two minutes, breathing deeply the whole time. You want to make sure you're as relaxed as possible, so it might help to prop your elbows up on pillows to prevent your arms from getting tired. After two minutes, switch sides and repeat the technique for another two minutes.

--Sylvia Fockler, registered accupressurist and shiatsu therapist

Naturopath

Morning headaches are often caused by constriction of the blood vessels that lead into the brain. For short-term relief of these throbbing headaches, try botanicals that increase healthy blood-vessel tone, such as butterbur. For tension headaches, herbs such as passiflora, valerian and skullcap can eliminate pain. But the best way to stop reoccurring morning headaches is to identify and treat the cause. Poor nutrition, particularly magnesium deficiency, is often to blame. Try a daily supplement that combines calcium with magnesium; taking the two minerals together improves their efficacy.

--Holly Lucille, Los Angeles-based naturopathic doctor and registered nurse