Headache: 10 grandmother’s tips for pain

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)

Distinguish between headaches and migraine

We have all had a headache at one time or another. These psychogenic headaches, also called tension headaches, should not be confused with true migraine, which meets specific diagnostic criteria.

“A tension headache is generally a headache that sets in due to fatigue, for example. It can be caused by muscle tension in the neck and usually affects the back of the head. It is different from migraine, which extends over half of the skull and presents other very specific criteria (regularity of attacks, triggering factor, etc.).” indicates Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.

How to calm a simple headache naturally? Here are ten tips, not necessarily scientifically proven, but which can give you relief by avoiding taking medication each time. “And of course, when faced with a persistent or abnormally painful headache, you must consult a doctor quickly.” recalls Gérald Kierzek.

A cool compress

Wetting a washcloth with cold water will cool you down and help relieve your headache. “This helps reduce inflammation and soothe pain.” explains Gérald Kierzek. Simply wet it well, wring it out and place it on the forehead or the back of the neck.

A temple massage

As tension headaches are sometimes of muscular origin, massaging the temples using small circular movements can provide relief. “It’s an easy way to relieve a headache” confirms Gérald Kierzek.

A cup of strong coffee

Coffee is known for its vasoconstrictor properties on the blood vessels. “By drinking a cup of strong coffee, your vessels, including those in the brain, will tighten, which will provide relief.” assures the doctor. In addition, coffee contains caffeine, a neuroactive substance, which affects brain neurotransmitters and pain.

Of darkness and calm

Agitation when you have a headache can seem to make the pain worse. “Being quiet in a dark room can help relieve pain.” advises Gérald Kierzek.

Acupressure

In the same way that massaging the temples can provide relief, pressing on acupressure points at the base of the skull can help release tension and relieve pain.

A peppermint infusion

For those who don’t like coffee, there is an alternative: peppermint herbal tea. “It’s another easy way to relieve a headache, without using medication.” notes the medical director of Doctissimo.

Lavender essential oil

Thanks to its calming, antispasmodic and analgesic properties, lavender essential oil helps relieve occasional headaches. Just use a few drops (3 or 4) to massage your temples.

A breath of peppermint

Among the essential oils that can be used, there is peppermint. Simply heat a quantity of water in a saucepan, add a few drops of essential oil and place your face over the steam to inhale it, taking care not to burn yourself. “It works well for a headache related to a cold.” explains the doctor, “because inhalation will help clear the upper airways..

Check your eyesight

“Another phrase that grandmothers often said, rightly so, is to check your eyesight when you have a headache regularly.“. Indeed, a recurring headache can actually hide a vision problem. It is therefore important to consult a doctor quickly.

Tiger balm

Having a “cold snap” effect, tiger balm also helps relieve mild headaches. Simply apply a little to each temple and forehead to quickly feel relief.