PROBLEM #2PROBLEM #3HEADACHES
THE GP SAYS
“A headache that worsens as
the day progresses is probably
caused by tension. Try cutting
back on screen time and see
a physiotherapist. Killer
headaches, on the other hand,
that ease throughout the day
need to be investigated, as they
could indicate a brain tumour.
Meanwhile, migraine sufferers
should take strong anti-
inflammatory tablets and avoid
bright lights. If they persist,
your GP might prescribe meds
to be taken at the first sign of a
migraine – and daily vitamins.”THE NATUROPATH SAYS
“Headaches can signal a deficiency of magnesium,
the nutrient that helps relax the connective tissue
in blood vessels responsible for regulating blood
flow. If blood vessels aren’t relaxed and are too
constricted, this can negatively impact on how much
blood flows to your head, resulting in headaches.
Irregular bowel function can also inhibit the release
of toxins from your body and I believe this build-up
can contribute to headaches. By increasing your
fruit and vegetable intake, and getting enough
fluids, you can keep things moving.”THE ACUPUNCTURIST SAYS
“How we treat a headache obviously depends
on where it is located and after I clear the body’s
channels with acupuncture I look closely at a
person’s lifestyle. Living a sedentary life often
contributes to stagnation of Qi, which in turn
leads to blockages that can become headaches.
We recommend introducing stretching exercises
into your daily routine and also increasing your
overall level of physical activity.”Pop 400mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2). A study published
in the European Journal Of Neurology found that a daily
dose could cut the number of migraine attacks in half.†5-MINUTE
FIX
If you absolutely need
to use a device at night,
try blue-light blocking
glasses, advise
researchers at Harvard
University. Prescription
specs wearer? Ask
about OPSM’s Crizal
Prevencia lenses, which
help protect your eyes
from blue light
(opsm.com.au).5-MINUTE
FIX
THE GP SAYSut
p
problems can be fixed. Getting early
morning sun daily will help reset
your body’s circadian clock by
rescheduling melatonin production
(the hormone that makes you sleepy).
Avoid blue light from TV and other
electronic devices, which disrupts
sleep in the evening. And while
sleeping pills can be a disaster
long term, they can get you back
on track in the short term.”THE NATUROPATH SAYS
“We’re all leading such busy lives, so
it’s hard to shut down at night. But
poor-quality sleep can be rectified bychanging your behaviours. I always
recommend a ‘sleep hygiene pattern’,
where the patient devises and sticks to
the same bedtime routine: warm bath,
keeping the lights dim and reading a
paperback for 10 minutes before
bed, for example. Valerian and
passionflower† can spur a feeling of
sedation, and putting some essential
oil of lavender on a handkerchief and
placing it under your pillow can
promote a deeper level of sleep.”THE ACUPUNCTURIST SAYS
“It’s no secret poor sleep is linked to
caffeine and a busy brain, so cut out
all caffeine from 2pm onwards. If your
sleep struggle is anxiety-related, try this
easy acupressure to wind down. Find
the soft spot three finger widths down
from the crease where your forearm
meets your palm, between the tendons,
and apply pressure with your thumb for
one to two minutes. Breathe deeply.”marieclaire.com.au 219†THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONTAIN OR CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR GP OR OTHER APPROPRIATE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICINE OR MAKING ANY CHANGES IN DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND/OR DRUG THERAPY