Headache And Stress Management

Pain in any part of the head including the scalp and interior of the neck, face, and neck is known as headache. It is the most commonly experienced physical discomforts. It may occur as a migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache. It interferes with the ability to do work, can affect relationships, and environment, and daily tasks. Headaches can be painful and distressing. There are more than 200 types of headaches in which some are harmless and some are life-threatening. It is broadly classified into two types: Primary headaches & secondary headaches. Primary headaches are those headaches that are not caused by any other disorder whereas secondary headaches are those headaches that are caused by other disorders. Migraine, cluster headache, & tension-type headaches, etc are primary headache disorders whereas secondary headaches result from disorders of the eye, brain, nose, throat, sinuses, jaws, ears, teeth, or neck from a systemic disorder. 90% of headaches are primary headaches. Tension headaches are the most common headaches that affect 21.8% population followed by migraine headaches that affect 11.7% population. The causes of headache include fatigue, dehydration, stress, deprivation, certain effects of medication and recreational drugs, loud noises, viral infections, head injury, common colds, dental or sinus issues, and rapid ingestion of too cold food or beverages. 

Stress is a physical and emotional feeling of strain and pressure happening within one’s life. It is a type of psychological pain. It is a common part of life that affects people in different ways and creates both physical and emotional effects. It can be external and related to environmental factors, however, it may also be caused by an internal approach that causes an individual to experience negative emotions surrounding a situation such as pressure, discomfort, and anxiety, etc. An excess amount of stress can lead to bodily harm and it can cause high blood pressure, tension headaches, and changes in appetite, increased anxiety, and difficulty in sleeping. It can increase the risk of strokes, mental illness such as depression, heart attacks, etc, and also aggravate the pre-existing condition. Different types of stress impact people. The three main types of stress are: Short term or acute stress, long-term or chronic stress, and traumatic stress. Short-term stress is the most common type of stress and it is harmless in some amounts; however much of it can cause a feeling of exhaustion, tension, and worry. Long-term stress is experienced by most people in their life and it can be damaging. 

The people who face disaster or violent encounters may suffer from traumatic stress and it may cause tremendous harm causing a feeling of panic, fear, and anxiety even after the danger has gone. 

Headache and stress both could be prevented and managed. Taking a proper diet, taking enough sleep, doing regular physical exercise and other relaxation techniques, taking a break from the work which is responsible to develop stress and headache, connecting with others when feeling alone, using good posture, and getting support from the family member will surely prevent and reduce the chance of headache and stress. 

Ayurveda and naturopathy have been proved beneficial to combat headaches & stress in the best possible and natural way. According to Ayurveda, these are caused due to imbalance in the dosha of the body. Ayurveda focuses to balance the dosha and treat the symptoms from the root with a holistic and non-invasive approach. 

On other hand, naturopathy can help an individual to prevent and manage headaches & stress and improve overall wellbeing. According to naturopathy, diet and nutrition play a big role in the stress level of the body. The body needs good nutrition to balance the effects of stress and to prevent things from getting worse. Naturopathy focuses on correcting the diet and lifestyles along with exercise and physical activity, Yoga and other relaxation techniques, various massages, and therapy to heal the disease from the root.