Homeopathy vol.7

Sore Head

Headache is a common ailment which many of us suffer from but a lot of the time we don't really know what we can do about it. So we just grin and bear it either by waiting for it to pass or taking varied strengths of pain killers. We say headaches and migraines but these are umbrella terms for different degrees of pains felt in and around the head. There will be different reasons why one gets a headache depending on the individual's pathology. It can be due to stress, hormonally related, overindulgence of food as well as alcohol and also side effects of medication. Sinuses, the weather (like getting headaches before a thunderstorm), or shocks and injuries can also be contributing factors. This month I will try to give you some common remedies to help with headaches and migraines which are safe and effective.

Homeopathic treatment for headaches and migraines depend on the physical and psychological symptoms presented by the individual. Therefore, we will look at the characteristics of the headaches and migraines on the whole, by asking questions such as:

- Where is the pain (left, right, all over, at the back, behind the eyes...)
- What does it feel like? (throbbing, sharp, dull ache, bursting...)
- Is there any symptoms which come with the pain? (vomiting, feeling hot or cold...)
- What causes it?
- What makes it worse and what makes it better?
- How do you feel? (frustrated, sad, angry, emotionally stressed...)

The above questions will bring out the characteristics of a headache or a migraine, which will help to determine a suitable remedy. The following remedies can help with some of the most common symptoms of a sore head. Try them in 30C strength, taking 1 dose every 15 minutes during a headache for up to 4 doses. If the symptoms come back then repeat the same dosage.

BELLADONNA

Pulsating Pain. Throbbing with hot head and flushed face. Motion makes it worse and when you stoop, it feels like as if the whole head was throbbing. It feels better when you sit propped up rather than lying down. Although the head is hot, the rest of the body is cold and feels better when covered up warm. The eyes can feel strained and pressure can be felt there as well as in the temple which pulsates. Headaches that need BELLADONNA can often be caused by heat or the sun or the opposite, with the cold.

BRYONIA

Pain that feels like the head will burst. Face is generally flushed and the hands and feet can feel hot as well. Fullness of the head and back of the eyes where the eyelids feel heavy with weight. A typical symptom of SANGUINARIA is where the headache starts from the back of the head and works its way over spreading across to the front of the head but more intense on the right side. Sleep can make it better as with vomiting can bring relief. The headache can be periodical, typically occurring around every 7 days.

SANGUINARIA

Pain that feels like the head will burst. Face is generally flushed and the hands and feet can feel hot as well. Fullness of the head and back of the eyes where the eyelids feel heavy with weight. A typical symptom of SANGUINARIA is where the headache starts from the back of the head and works its way over spreading across to the front of the head but more intense on the right side. Sleep can make it better as with vomiting can bring relief. The headache can be periodical, typically occurring around every 7 days.

IRIS VERSICOLOR

Headache from mental tiredness which begins with blurred vision that turns into a sick headache. Frontal headache that can make you feel drowsy with the pain resting over the eyes typically over the right eye. The pain is usually sharp and throbbing and it can come when you are resting, like at the weekend after a busy week or typically in professions such as teachers, when the symptoms come out after school or during the holidays. With this sick headache bitter and sour vomiting can occur at its worst. Fresh air can make it feel better.

SPIGELIA

Left sided severely neuralgic pain that settles over the left eye. The pain is violent, throbbing and even burning. It can often feel like a band around the head. The headache usually comes on in the morning, peaks at noon and goes as the sun sets. Noise, touch, movement and drafts can aggravate the pain and stooping or change of weather can further make the pain worse.

MAG PHOS
Neuralgic headache with shooting pain. Sensitive to cold or caused by exposure to cold wind. Feels better with warmth and firm pressure. The pain can feel like an electric shock at times. The pain can develop from the back of the head which spreads across over the superficial nerves of the head and settle over mainly the right eye. The eyes can feel hot and/or tired with sensitivity to light.

As you can see there are many remedies that can help with different types of headaches and there are many more you can choose from. I have made a quick category of headaches with further remedies which you can try out.

SINUSES: A good combination to try out is: KALI BICH/PULSATILLA/HYDRASTIS. This will cover the general symptoms of sinuses which can cause headaches by blockages in the sinuses. This combination will help drain the tubes and bring relief.

INJURY: Headache caused by injuries: ARNICA Is an excellent general remedy for symptoms brought on by injuries and shock such as accidents, so if a headache comes on after an injury this remedy should be taken. NATRUM SULPH, is also for injuries but more specifically injuries to the head. If a headache comes on after an injury to the head this remedy should be taken.

SHOCK & FRIGHT: Headaches caused by shock or fright can be helped by such remedies as:
ACONITE for headaches after fright or an incident which has left you feeling shocked or anxious.
IGNATIA is a grief remedy. Try this remedy if you have developed a headache after a loss of someone or something and are going through grief. GELSEMIUM can also be taken for shock and fright but there is also an element of exhaustion if you need this remedy. As well as the headache, there will be heaviness of the body, head and eyes with severe weakness and aching.

WEATHER: There are many remedies which can help with headaches caused by environmental causes but here are 2 to try. RANUNCULUS If headache is caused or affected by thunder storms. Pressing pain in vertex and forehead and eyes. PHOSPHORUS also a remedy which can help headaches affected by thunderstorms and especially lightening. Head tends to feel congested. For people who tend to be sensitive to environmental changes.

HANGOVER/OVERINDULGENCE: NUX VOMICA is the first remedy to try out for headaches due to excessive intake of alcohol, drugs and even food. Pain settles over the the eyes and the vertex or at the back of the head with bruising pressing pain which feels congested. Irritability can also be a symptom that accompanies the headache.

It is very important for those suffering from chronic headaches and migraines to have the symptoms checked by a professional. It is also useful to realize that lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and reducing stress are essential in controlling headaches and migraines.

Identifying trigger factors (for example identifying foods that trigger your headache or exertion or situations that lead to stress) and avoiding these factors can also be very helpful in controlling the recurrence of headaches as well as taking well indicated homeopathic remedies.

Please note that Homeopathy, Herbs or Flower Essences should not replace appropriate diagnosis and/or emergency care without professional assistance. As with any health issues it is vital that one has professional support and individual responsibility is taken when choosing treatment.

Aiko Dinan moved from Japan to the UK in 1983. She grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, and moved to London in 1993 to study Modern Languages at the University College London, as well as Cologne University in Germany. After graduating she went on to study Homeopathy for further 4 years at the Centre for Homeopathic Education, during which time she also completed a 2 year apprenticeship with a master Homeopath. Aiko also has a longstanding commitment in working in some of the most respected Homeopathic pharmacies in the UK, where she assists in making remedies as well as fulfilling the role as the in-house Homeopath.

Aiko is a member of The Alliance of Registered Homeopaths.