“Stick It" to Headaches with this Ancient Solution
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 3, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Tension headaches are more common than most people realize. In fact, two-thirds of us struggle with them.
But as odd as it sounds, many folks don’t always realize when they’re having one.
They know they’re in pain, of course. But they might insist it’s eye strain or a sinus issue. Or they simply chalk it up to feeling worn out at the end of the day.
So they muddle through their days… and nights… feeling miserable and not always knowing why.
But the good news is there are several drug-free ways to reduce tension headaches. And according to recent research, this ancient solution deserves a prominent spot on the list.
Chronic tension headaches occur frequently (at least 15 times a month) and can strike at any time of day or night. Victims of these headbangers often report a “pressing” or “tightening” feeling on both sides of their head like a vise.
Now a new study published in the journal Neurology confirmed that the ancient art of acupuncture can often help.
Researchers tested real acupuncture against a look-alike treatment on folks battling chronic tension headaches. And the ancient practice slashed the number of days out of a month the participants had headaches by 50 percent in 68 percent of the volunteers. The average number of headache days plummeted from 20 to seven.
Even the control procedure that didn’t insert the needles nearly as far had an effect. Headaches went from an average of 23 days a month down to 12 after the sham treatment.
But as impressive as acupuncture is, it’s not the only drug-free treatment we’ve seen work on tension headaches. Others to try include:
- Chiropractic: Chiropractic care can be very effective against tension headaches. But it tends to work best if you can stop in for a tune-up as often as possible. I would suggest seeing the chiropractor AT LEAST once a month (more if you can).
- Massage: You can go to a massage therapist or try one of the many effective massage tools designed to relieve tension in your head and neck. Don’t forget to gently massage the tiny muscles under your hair as well.
- Stretching: Search online for head and neck stretches to relieve tension headaches. I like THIS easy to follow video from Dr. Jo.
- An Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle: Try to reduce inflammation triggers in life by avoiding sugar and vegetable oils, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
- Sleep: The way you’re sleeping can make tension headaches worse. Consider getting a new bed or pillow to help keep your neck neutral while you sleep.
P.S. Still battling headaches? They may actually be migraines. But studies show THIS “ocean secret” could slash your risk by 40 percent.
Source:
“Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Neurology (2022). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200670
https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2022/06/22/WNL.0000000000200670
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...