A NATURAL APPROACH FOR PAIN REDUCTION
Headaches are a common and often distressing health problem that affects people of all ages. They can affect quality of life and make it difficult to carry out daily activities. Although there are different types of headaches, they often share common characteristics such as pain, discomfort and tightness in the head and neck area. Chronic headaches are diagnosed when a person suffers from headaches at least 15 days per month for a period of at least six months.
Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Tension headaches: These are recurring headaches that can last from minutes to days. The pain is described as pressing, pulling and of mild to moderate intensity. This type of headache often affects both sides of the head and can often radiate from the back of the head to the front. This type of headache is often caused by stress, anxiety, muscle tension or persistent poor posture.
- Migraine: Migraine is a form of headache disorder characterised by recurring attacks lasting between four and 72 hours. It is typically characterised by one-sided pain that is pulsating and can vary in intensity. Accompanying symptoms can include nausea, sensitivity to light and noise. Symptoms known as ‘aura’ can also occur during a migraine attack. These include dizziness, sensory disturbances as well as visual and speech disorders.
- Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful headache episodes that occur in short, intense attacks and can be accompanied by symptoms such as lacrimation, runny nose and reddening of the face.
- Hormonal headaches: The occurrence of headaches is often linked to hormonal fluctuations and changes during menstruation or the menopause.
HOLISTIC FASTING CURE
A PATH TO FREEDOM FROM HEADACHES
Therapeutic fasting is a traditional method of detoxifying and regenerating the body. It involves temporarily abstaining from solid foods and focussing on healthy fluid intake in the form of vegetable broths and juices, water and herbal tea. Here are some of the benefits of therapeutic fasting to help relieve headaches:
Relief of the digestive system:
By abstaining from solid food, the digestive system is given a break, which can help to relieve headaches caused by digestive disorders or food intolerances. Fasting also relieves headaches through a general de-acidification effect. The digestive tract and head are connected via the vagus nerve. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also recognises a connection via the meridian system of acupuncture. Relieving the digestive organs can therefore have a positive effect on the head in many cases.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
Fasting reduces inflammation in the body, which may be involved in the development of headaches.
Relaxation and stress reduction:
Therapeutic fasting allows the body to relax on a physical and mental level and reduce stress. Persistent stress and muscular tension are a common cause of tension headaches.
Improvement in general well-being
Therapeutic fasting can lead to improved physical and mental health, which can have a positive effect on the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Headaches can be a major burden, but there are several ways to alleviate their symptoms. Therapeutic fasting offers a natural way to combat headaches by reducing inflammation, relieving the digestive system, reducing stress and physical tension and improving overall wellbeing. If you suffer from recurring headaches, therapeutic fasting could be a worthwhile option to reduce your discomfort and return to a pain-free life.
Please note that consultation with a doctor or qualified health professional is always required before starting a fasting programme to ensure that it is suitable for your individual situation.
Malteser Klinik von Weckbecker
Rupprechtstr. 20
97769 Bad Brückenau
Tel. (09741) 83-0
Fax ( 09741) 83-800
weckbecker@malteser.org
