If you feel as if a vise is slowly squeezing your temples; if the muscles around your head, face, and neck are tense; if your whole head feels sore and pressurized, you’ve got a tension headache.
The ancient Chinese art of acupressure treats many complaints caused by tension. The theory is you can press on specific points of your body to release energy blocks and relieve pain.
The following acupressure points are especially helpful at soothing tension headaches.
1. Find the two small hollows on wither side of your neck, just below the base of your skull. Firmly press your thumbs here- up toward your skull. Close your eyes, tilt your head back, and breathe slowly and deeply. Hold this for one to two minutes.
2. With your right thumb, press into the center hollow in the back of your neck, just below the base of your skull. With your left thumb and index finger, press on wither side of the bridge of your nose. For about two minutes, close your eyes, tilt your head back, and breathe deeply.
3. Use the thumb of one hand to press the area between the thumb and index finger of of your other hand. Make sure you apply pressure toward the base of your index finger. Hold this for about a minute, then switch hands.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Fast Fixes For Sinus Headaches
Sinus headache can affect your health as it causes unbearable pain and pressure around your eyes and in your cheeks. If you need relief, try the following health tips.
Use a vaporizer.
The warm, moist air will help your sinuses drain.
Water
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to thin the mucus and clear your nasal passages.
Use Pillow
Put extra pillows under your head when you sleep so mucus won’t drain back into your sinuses. If sinus pressure is worse on one side, sleep on the other side.
Take a hot shower
The steam will help clear your nasal passages and relieve the pain and pressure.
Eat spicy food
Eating hot, spicy foods or herbs, such as hot chilies, horseradish or garlic will help open your nasal passages.
Nasal wash
A nasal wash using warm salt water and a rubber syringe can be a huge help in treating and preventing sinusitis.
Nasal Spray
Nasal spray can give you relief, but don’t use it longer than three days. Instead ask your doctor to prescribe a corticosteroid spray to reduce inflammation in your nose.
Pinpoint and eliminate the root cause
Your sinus headache could be caused by hay fever or some other allergen in your environment. Keep track of when and where your headaches strike.
Lastly, if the discharge from your stuffy nose turns greenish-yellow, it’s time to see your doctor. You could have a sinus infection.
Use a vaporizer.
The warm, moist air will help your sinuses drain.
Water
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to thin the mucus and clear your nasal passages.
Use Pillow
Put extra pillows under your head when you sleep so mucus won’t drain back into your sinuses. If sinus pressure is worse on one side, sleep on the other side.
Take a hot shower
The steam will help clear your nasal passages and relieve the pain and pressure.
Eat spicy food
Eating hot, spicy foods or herbs, such as hot chilies, horseradish or garlic will help open your nasal passages.
Nasal wash
A nasal wash using warm salt water and a rubber syringe can be a huge help in treating and preventing sinusitis.
Nasal Spray
Nasal spray can give you relief, but don’t use it longer than three days. Instead ask your doctor to prescribe a corticosteroid spray to reduce inflammation in your nose.
Pinpoint and eliminate the root cause
Your sinus headache could be caused by hay fever or some other allergen in your environment. Keep track of when and where your headaches strike.
Lastly, if the discharge from your stuffy nose turns greenish-yellow, it’s time to see your doctor. You could have a sinus infection.
Monday, February 25, 2008
7 Ways To Manage Migraines Naturally
Migraines can be so painful that your only option is to close the curtains and stay in bed.
Here are some things you can try to head off a migraine disaster naturally. Get rid of migraines today and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Ginger
This fragrant herb may be the root of relief for some migraine suffers. Herbalists generally recommend 2 to 4 grams of ginger a day, but for migraines, you might need more. You can buy ginger roots from supermarket or buy supplement s as gelatin capsules. You can also make ginger tea by simmering several slices of fresh ginger root in a cup of water for about 15 minutes.
Caffeine
A combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine has proven helpful for people suffering severe migraines pain. The benefits of this type of medication can last up to six hours.
Magnesium
About half of the people suffering from migraines don’t have enough magnesium in their bodies. It’s been proven that supplementing with magnesium can help reduce the number and intensity of headaches. However, note that too much magnesium can interfere with your calcium absorption. Experts recommend no more than 500mg per day from supplements. It is a natural, inexpensive treatment without serious side effects. Good food source include brown rice, popcorn, oatmeal, cornmeal, potatoes, shrimp, clams, broccoli, skim milk and green peas.
Riboflavin
One study showed daily doses of 400mg of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, eases migraine pain as effectively as vitamin B2, eases migraine pain as effectively as aspirin. Some food that contains natural riboflavin are milk, eggs, meat, fish and green vegetables,
Fish oil
Omega3 fish oil can reduce the number and intensity of migraines. Please note that the oil in supplements is more concentrated than in natural sources. You don’t want to get too much omega3. Some food that contains natural omega3 are tuna, cod, salmon, oat germ, soy bean products and walnuts.
Heat or ice
Just like any other kind of pain, you can treat migraine pain with either heat or ice. Specially shaped gel packs and pads allow you to get relief just where you need it. These products are readily available and inexpensive.
Masssage
Massage is another method that help you to relax and improve blood circulation. Lab tests also showed much higher levels of serotonin after massages. This hormone constricts blood vessels and regulates mood and sleep.
Here are some things you can try to head off a migraine disaster naturally. Get rid of migraines today and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Ginger
This fragrant herb may be the root of relief for some migraine suffers. Herbalists generally recommend 2 to 4 grams of ginger a day, but for migraines, you might need more. You can buy ginger roots from supermarket or buy supplement s as gelatin capsules. You can also make ginger tea by simmering several slices of fresh ginger root in a cup of water for about 15 minutes.
Caffeine
A combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine has proven helpful for people suffering severe migraines pain. The benefits of this type of medication can last up to six hours.
Magnesium
About half of the people suffering from migraines don’t have enough magnesium in their bodies. It’s been proven that supplementing with magnesium can help reduce the number and intensity of headaches. However, note that too much magnesium can interfere with your calcium absorption. Experts recommend no more than 500mg per day from supplements. It is a natural, inexpensive treatment without serious side effects. Good food source include brown rice, popcorn, oatmeal, cornmeal, potatoes, shrimp, clams, broccoli, skim milk and green peas.
Riboflavin
One study showed daily doses of 400mg of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, eases migraine pain as effectively as vitamin B2, eases migraine pain as effectively as aspirin. Some food that contains natural riboflavin are milk, eggs, meat, fish and green vegetables,
Fish oil
Omega3 fish oil can reduce the number and intensity of migraines. Please note that the oil in supplements is more concentrated than in natural sources. You don’t want to get too much omega3. Some food that contains natural omega3 are tuna, cod, salmon, oat germ, soy bean products and walnuts.
Heat or ice
Just like any other kind of pain, you can treat migraine pain with either heat or ice. Specially shaped gel packs and pads allow you to get relief just where you need it. These products are readily available and inexpensive.
Masssage
Massage is another method that help you to relax and improve blood circulation. Lab tests also showed much higher levels of serotonin after massages. This hormone constricts blood vessels and regulates mood and sleep.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
10 Essential Health Tips that you can practice daily
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Feast on fiber
It's easy to give in to cravings when your stomach is growling, so eat foods that are full of fiber, protein, and water. Researchers have found boiled potatoes to be especially satisfying. Beans and lentils, because of their high-fiber content and your boby's tendency to absorb them slowly, also make you feel full longer.
3. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
4. Munch on mini-meals
Eating 5 to 6 small meals a day, instead of 3 big ones daily, helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. This will keep you from getting so hungry you end up stuffing yourself at the next meal. If you’re watching your weight, divide your daily calories among the 5 to 6 meals. You simply need to spread them out better.
5. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
6. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
7. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
You may think that a beer or a glass of wine before bed will relax you and help you fall asleep. It may –but it usually results in wakefulness later on in the night. If you really want to sleep tight, don’t drink alcohol in the evening.
9. Cool your temper
When you get really angry, can you feel your blood pressure shooting skyward? Of course you can. Studies show that if you learn to control anger, you can help control your blood pressure and stay healthier.
10. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Feast on fiber
It's easy to give in to cravings when your stomach is growling, so eat foods that are full of fiber, protein, and water. Researchers have found boiled potatoes to be especially satisfying. Beans and lentils, because of their high-fiber content and your boby's tendency to absorb them slowly, also make you feel full longer.
3. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
4. Munch on mini-meals
Eating 5 to 6 small meals a day, instead of 3 big ones daily, helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. This will keep you from getting so hungry you end up stuffing yourself at the next meal. If you’re watching your weight, divide your daily calories among the 5 to 6 meals. You simply need to spread them out better.
5. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
6. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
7. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
You may think that a beer or a glass of wine before bed will relax you and help you fall asleep. It may –but it usually results in wakefulness later on in the night. If you really want to sleep tight, don’t drink alcohol in the evening.
9. Cool your temper
When you get really angry, can you feel your blood pressure shooting skyward? Of course you can. Studies show that if you learn to control anger, you can help control your blood pressure and stay healthier.
10. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
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