Healthy Aging Without Tension Headaches

Many people are surprised to learn that more than half the population lives with tension headache.  In severe cases it can be debilitating, affecting physical and mental performance, along with personal and professional relationships.

Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are usually the result of a build-up of life’s stresses, be they emotional, mental or physical.  So it’s is understandable that they be very common in older people – they’ve had more years to build up these stresses!

Even before the pain of headache occurs, jaw clenching, constant facial-muscle contraction, hyperventilation might indicate symptoms of anxiety and depression.  When the headache arrives it is usually in the form of heavy, tight sensation or constant pressure around the head.

In severe cases tension headaches may progress to vascular, muscular and migraine headaches with associated hard to control pulsating or pounding pain.

A growing number of health professionals believe that a diet that contains too much alcohol, sugar or very cold foods and drinks contribute, because they can cause dilation of the blood vessels – a common cause of headache.

TCM Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) divides headache into two types:

1. Is related to ‘fire’ in the gall bladder and liver channel. This includes headaches of a serious nature: throbbing, pounding, constant ache, eye strain and pain, nausea and the need to drink more than normal.  Red flushed face and constipation are key symptoms of this type.Those with type one headache can have liver dysfunction as a result of stress. They are often high achievers who work long hours, exercise little, eat on the run and take painkillers to mask the symptoms rather than address the problem.They also present as people who need to drink alcohol to help them relax, have dream disturbed sleep and indulge in excessive sexual activity.

1. The second type results from blood deficiency in the kidneys, liver and spleen. The headaches affecting this group will present as a constant dull or vague ache around the whole head. Shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and lack of motivation may also be symptoms.Interestingly these sufferers may also have deterioration of hearing, eyesight and the nervous system – all of which are also associated with the aging process.

Killing Medication?
Pain killing medication that westerners use is not the best way to treat headache.  Consultation with a natural therapies practitioner will look beyond the manifesting pain, to address the root causes.  Personalized treatment programs are devised using the principle of differential diagnosis.

For patients suffering liver-fire headache, lifestyle education, detoxification and change of diet are often required, while those with blood-deficiency headache require adrenal support, blood building and support for the nervous system.  Emotional support is integral to both.

Eliminating prescription pain killing medication is central to the process. Not only can these damage organs like the stomach and liver, but many people have built up such a resistance to them that they have progressed to steroid-based medication.

Holistic Approach
Key natural therapy strategies should include:

• Elimination of drug use
• Detoxification of the bowel and liver
• Restoration of adrenal function to thwart stress
• Nervous system support
• Diet and lifestyle advice
• Emotional nutrition, detoxification and support

Self-help ideas to try at home are:

• Allocating 10 minutes a day for quality relaxation
• Drink 250 ml of purified water every hour
• Office workers should take a 5 minute walk at lunch time, and add another five minutes of stretching.
• If your situation allows it, take a 15 minute power nap in the afternoon, rather than reaching for a coffee, chocolate or cigarette.

By taking a holistic approach to your headache you can rid yourself of years of built up stress and lifestyle irregularities, allowing you to enjoy the years ahead.