Conventional medicine is always the primary treatment for certain headaches which may indicate a serious medical condition. Acupressure is a non-invasive technique that can be used by parents and easily taught to older children and teenagers to relieve the pain of tension headaches. Pressure is applied to stimulate specific acupoints to relax tense muscles. Acupuncture practitioners stimulate particular acupoints corresponding to the type of headache by inserting fine needles under the skin. This therapy may be considered for older children and teenagers who are affected by chronic headaches that are not responsive to non-invasive natural therapies.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants and herbs to treat headaches.
Herbalists may recommend that you massage your child's temples with a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary or peppermint oils. Older children and teenagers can quickly learn to do this therapy themselves. Before using any essential oils on children, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test. This can be done by rubbing a drop of the oil onto the inside of the child's wrist and observing for a reaction for 24 hours. Ayurvedic Medicine presents an integrated approach to healing headaches which addresses the child's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.