• Feverfew.  This medicinal herb is said to inhibit the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, limiting the inflammation of blood vessels, causing a headache.  Capsules or tablets can be found in almost any health food market.  But be aware that they may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to become effective.
• Magnesium.  Magnesium is used for stabilizing blood vessel walls and aiding in regular sleep patterns, which are vital for those with migraines.  You should notice some relief with regular, 200mg magnesium supplements twice a day.
•  Calcium and Vitamin D.  Because women, more than men, are likely to have calcium deficiencies, they tend to suffer from more migraines, especially during premenstral phase of their menstrual cycle.  According to Susan Thys-Jacobs, M.D., “the hormones that regulate calcium react negatively with high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which causes a deficiency that can trigger migraines”.  She recommends taking 100 mg of calcium and 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D with food.
•   Acupuncture.  Acupuncture can be a helpful tool in relieving and calming the blood vessels that trigger tension headaches and migraines.  Do your research when looking for a qualified acupuncturist.  Choose a practioner who holds a full doctorate degree in Chinese medicine, as they are required to go through several years of training.
• Nutritional therapies.  Many times, migraines can be triggered by the foods we eat.  Dietary avoidance is a therapy commonly used.  Additives, tyramine-containing foods (cheese, tap beer, some fruit, many processed foods, soy, nuts), sugar substitutes and missing meals all contribute to both tension headaches and migraines.  You may want to try eliminating wheat, sugar and milk products from your diet to see if the headaches occur less often and always consult a doctor before making any drastic dietary changes.
• Aromatherapy.  Peppermint, sandlewood, rosemary and eucalyptus, when used in aromatherapy, have been shown to have calming and relaxing effects.  Lavender also works well to relieve stress and can be used in a diffuser, bath or even a few drops on your pillow. 
• Chiropractic manipulation or massage.  Tension in the head, neck or back may be relieved with the use of chiropractic treatment or massge.  Many complications in this region add to headache pain; and although this therapy may not completely solve your problem, it may bring some temporary relief to your aching head.

Do you have any alternative therapies that have helped relieve headache pain? 

Image from stock.xchng.

Tags: acupuncture, alternative remedies for headache, Aromatherapy, headache, migraines, Stress

You do everything right. You watch your portions, you exercise, you even write down every morsel that passes your lips…

But the scale is barely moving. Worse yet, it’s not moving at all. You restrict further and exercise longer. You push yourself harder and harder. You obsess about it. You fret. You stress. You might even ask your doctor to start testing you for problems. But nothing changes.

There may be some simple answers. WebMD has put out a great article on “5 Surprising Reasons You’re Gaining Weight.”

Here’s the top 3 quick-list:

• Lack of Sleep
• Medications
• Stress

We’re conditioned by marketing and “conventional wisdom” to think that it’s just a math game, losing weight, but it really is a bit more complicated than that. If you’re doing everything right and still not losing, check these additional indicators. It could be something very simple standing in your way.

Check out this thread for one person’s problems with losing weight in early middle age and some helpful responses.

Tags: medication, sleep, Stress, weight loss

Most of us spend a good deal of our time at work. If you are lucky enough to have some space of your own, bring in something beautiful to lighten up your whole day. Even a stressful day can be made better when you take some time to look at an orchid, cut flowers, or something else you love to be around.

It’s easy to get caught up in whirlwind work disasters. But if you close your door and take 3 minutes just for yourself during your work day, you’ll be relaxed and get more done too. Clearing your mind may seem strange way to be productive at first, but you’ll love how much better your day is.

Tags: beauty at work, relaxing, Stress, taking a break, work

We’ve already talked about why you don’t want to have too much fun too fast, but there are a lot of reasons to make sure you’re having plenty of fun in the sack! Here you can see at least 18 reasons you should make sure to make time for that special someone.

Skip the Botox. In his book, Secrets of the Superyoung, neurophysiologist David Weeks, M.D., of Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital, writes: “An active sex life slows the aging process.

From weight loss to slower aging, every woman needs to put a little sex in her day!

Tags: aging, cancer, happiness, heart, menstruation, pain, sex, sleep, Stress, weight loss

Tonight, instead of fussing over weekend plans, grocery shopping or dealing with finances, do something. You may work hard, exercise often and eat right but if you don’t keep your stress level under control, your health may still be in trouble.

So tonight, don’t stress. Do something for you. Your overall health will thank you.

Tags: Stress

Studies are now showing that using a mantra–a phrase or word that is repeated to calm the mind and ease anxiety–can actually reduce stress levels.

This is not just about distraction. It’s about tapping that deeper part of your mind, the subconscious, and helping it get over whatever mental hurdle you’re currently facing.

We all know that sitting in traffic can be killer on your nerves. Likewise, wondering how you’ll pay your bills can also reek havoc on your mental well-being. That’s why it’s recommended you pick a mantra and use it throughout the day to trigger a calming effect.

From WebMD.com, try one of the following mantras:

- Shalom

- Om mani padme hum

- Take it easy

Tags: Stress