Migraines are severe, sharp pains that are usually felt on one side of the head and can last for hours or even days. Severe migraines can cause hypersensitivity to light or noise, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be associated with fatigue, periods of overwork or even certain medical conditions.
If not prevented or properly relieved, pains can interfere with daily activities. What are the symptoms that signal the onset of headaches? How can they be prevented and relieved without medication? Poor lifestyle and nutrition can lead to the onset and prolongation of headaches. What are harmful habits and how can they be managed?
Summary:
- Migraines, the result of low serotonin levels
- Headaches and alternative cortisol balancing therapies
1. Migraines, the result of low serotonin levels
There are situations where migraines do not start suddenly, but are signalled by visual disturbances, slurred speech, tingling on one side of the face or in the limbs. Other times, these pains occur at the same time as headaches. What causes them? The exact causes are still unknown. Studies show that severe headaches occur as a result of abnormal brain activity affecting blood vessels, chemicals and nerve signals in the head. Lifestyle, hormonal problems, emotional imbalances, medication, diet, environmental factors affect normal brain activity.
- Emotions
Prolonged stress, anxiety, depression and shock are emotional triggers for pain.
- Physical catalysts
Workouts, sleep disturbances, incorrect back posture, shoulder and neck pain are among the physical triggers.
- Enemy foods
Not eating meals, drinking alcohol or caffeine, eating a tyramine-based diet or dehydration are nutritional factors that trigger the pain.
- Environmental conditions
Strong smells and noises, flashing lights, noise pollution, passive smoking, temperature changes are among the environmental factors that influence the onset and duration of pains.
Each of these elements has potentially harmful effects on serotonin and dopamine levels (substances that help balance the nervous system). Pains can also be genetically inherited. In most cases, the child inherits headaches more from the mother. Women are more prone to headaches as a result of hormonal changes, menstrual periods or pregnancy.
2. Headaches and alternative cortisol balancing therapies
Although the exact causes of headaches are unknown, the good news is that the risks can be reduced by changing lifestyle habits.
- Therapy through active rest
Stress management maintains optimal serotonin levels in the brain by balancing the stress hormone cortisol. Even though stress is a part of life, there are simple techniques that can help reduce its effects. Regular exercise combined with alternative relaxation therapies is the ideal anti-stress formula.
Fatigue and stress build up in the neck and shoulder area, so a relaxing massage is recommended at the end of each day. The range of Japanese Zero Gravity massage chairs for home relaxes the body in a horizontal position. Blood penetrates all tissues, helping to relieve muscle stiffness. In addition, the stretching massage chairs for home use increase the mobility of the joints. At the same time, air cushion massage recliners stimulate the most painful areas, relieving fatigue in the shoulders, neck, waist and legs.
Get your blood pumping even when you spend time at home. Enjoy the experience of roller massage chairs focused on the neck, shoulder blades and trapezius muscles. The rollers press firmly on the muscles with an intensity you can adjust right during the massage session to your comfort.
Take advantage of the good days and relax with nature walks or moderate intensity exercise. Give yourself a restful night’s sleep by sticking to the 15-minute massage routine before your usual bedtime. You can opt for Night healing, Slow stretch, Air relaxation or other muscle relaxation massage programmes that you can keep in your remote control memory.
- Happiness hormone friendly diet
Food and rest are the universal medicines for good health. Studies show that by consuming magnesium you can reduce the frequency of migraines by up to 40%. Equally beneficial are sources of vitamin B2, Omega-3 found in fish oil supplements, kale, salmon, dairy, fresh cheeses, green leafy vegetables, nuts or flaxseed.
Nutrition, sleep, massage and outdoor movement increase serotonin levels, which reduces the frequency of pain. However, if they persist or affect concentration on a daily basis, a visit to the doctor is recommended to find the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
