Menstrual headaches are a common problem affecting many women. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can use to get benefits.
To get the best results, start using the treatments before the pain arrives, or at least at the very beginning of the onset of symptoms. When I treat women for menstrual problems, I always tell them we should do a treatment a few days before their period starts. We may also do treatments during menstruation, but we want to get a head start on treating the pain.
In my experience, the top three alternative treatments for menstrual and hormonal headaches are:
Herbal medicine
Acupuncture or Acupressure
Lifestyle factors
Let's look at each of these in detail below.
Herbal Medicine for Hormonal and Menstrual Headaches
Herbal medicines are very effective for various hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and headaches. Herbs are arguably the number one best method for treating these disorders because they work effectively, are sustainable, and have low cost. Additionally, they can frequently correct the problem and provide long-term benefits.
In traditional Asian medicine, herbs are used in combinations called formulas. A typical formula will usually contain 8 - 12 plants. Herbs such as Bupleurum, Angelica, white peony root, licorice root, ginger, and even mint are often used for PMS. These herbs also play a supplemental role in some forms of menstrual headaches. Depending on the exact qualities of the headaches other herbs would be added such as Corydalis and Ligusticum.
Essential oils for headaches also fall under this category as they are produced from herbs and plants. Lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and eucalyptus are frequently recommended oils for headaches and migraines. However, exercise caution as some people with migraines are triggered by strong smells, and essential oils can make some migraines worse. While oils may be effective for alleviating symptoms, they may not produce as strong an effect as taking herbs internally.
Acupuncture & Acupressure
When it comes to addressing menstrual headaches, I have found acupuncture provides strong relief for getting rid of the pain fast. While acupuncture can stop headaches quickly, often within minutes, it works differently than herbs. Herbs tend to be more slow-working but may give good long-term results. Herbs also help to balance hormone levels and are essential for menopause and PCOD. Think of acupuncture and acupressure as working fast for treating the pain, and the herbs as a long-term preventative solution. Ideally, it is best to use both of these methods together because they work on different but complementary levels.
Now we should discuss some of the uses of acupuncture vs. acupressure.
For many disorders, acupuncture is stronger than acupressure because it has a more powerful effect on the nerves. However, when done correctly, acupressure has a stronger influence on the muscles and fascia. In many ways, acupressure is more sustainable because a person can learn to do it on their own and do it anytime. Comparatively, acupuncture requires a professional to put the needles in and can be cost-intensive. Some people are also needle adverse and don't like the sensation they produce. Since acupuncture needles are very small they are not painful to most people, but they do elicit a unique sensation similar to a mild electric charge. Acupressure is less painful and is a viable alternative for those who are needle-sensitive or adverse to receiving acupuncture.
Once you learn acupressure techniques and can apply them effectively, you can decrease the number of acupuncture sessions needed. For example, someone suffering from migraines may need acupuncture two or three a week once they start a treatment program. However, if you learn acupressure you can reduce the number of acupuncture treatments. Rather than two or three treatments a week, it may be possible to reduce it down to once a week. Similarly, if you need acupuncture once a week for a month, it may be possible to only do it every other week if you learn the acupressure techniques.
Acupressure isn't necessarily a total replacement for acupuncture, but it can assist in reducing the total number of treatment sessions needed.
Another factor to compare in regards to acupuncture vs. acupressure is the influence that each has on the nerves and muscles. For menstrual headaches, the hormones are involved in the overall condition; however, other factors involving the nerves and muscles can play a contributing role. If a woman has a problem with her cervical spine in the neck, such as nerve impingement, herniated discs, or occipital neuralgia then more acupuncture will be needed. This is because acupuncture has a stronger effect on the nervous system. However, if a woman has menstrual headaches and also has muscle tension and trigger points in her neck and shoulders, then acupressure may be sufficient.
Remember that acupuncture has a stronger effect on the nerves, while acupressure and massage work on the muscles and fascia.
In this regard, it is essential to understand the overall pattern of headaches and menstrual problems you have, so that you can select the best natural remedies.
Women that have menstrual headaches with abdominal bloating or sinus congestion headaches, need to assess the state of health in their digestive and respiratory systems. Some women get various digestive disturbances with menstruation such as food cravings, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. When this is the case, they are more likely to feel headaches in their forehead region and their sinuses may also get stuffy. For women with this pattern, acupressure can usually be effective for headache pain, but they also need to address the problems in their digestive system. This can be done through diet, nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle changes.
For women who suffer from hormonal and sinus headaches, together with respiratory problems, it is important to work with the lungs to get the best results. A woman with PMS and menstrual headaches may not be aware of the link between her cycle and her respiratory system. However, she may notice that she gets sinus congestion, or a feeling of heaviness in her sinuses and head with menses. For conditions like this, there is a group of points on the thigh that can stop sinus congestion, PMS, breast tenderness, and frontal headaches. These points also respond well to acupressure.
In my acupressure classes and coaching program on headaches and migraines, I cover various patterns based on the location where people feel pain and their accompanying symptoms. In this way, we can take a holistic perspective on how to best treat headaches and migraines with natural methods.
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