Oh, My Aching Head

So how do you determine which factor is giving you a headache? Let’s start with the easiest first and then go to the more complicated:

• Many headaches are due to dehydration. Try drinking two full glasses of pure water; this should help right away.
• The most typical cause of headaches are from constipation.
• For headaches that may be caused by poor posture, try ergonomically designed furniture to help you with correct posture and your comfort at work. Also see your chiropractor for a spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor can offer some suggestions or inexpensive supports to add to the back of your chair or neck if you can’t afford better furniture.
• Stress and tension can block your body’s energy flow, or “chi.” If this is the cause of your headaches, try acupuncture, acupressure, or reflexology to restore your flow.
• If your headache seems to be in the back of your head, get your eyesight checked. Your eyes could be strained, and you may need glasses or a prescription change.

Headaches: It’s All in Your Head

Headaches are the body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. A headache will let you know if you drank too much; ate too much; are constipated, stressed, tired, or thirsty; need to get your eyesight checked, or that your hormones are out of balance, just to name a few! All in all, we should be grateful for a headache because it serves as our alarm to pay attention and do something about it! In a pinch, (so to speak) you can use the reflexology or acupressure point to rid yourself of a headache temporarily. Here’s how to find the spot:

• Spread your hand out in front of you, palm facing down (either hand is fine).
• Locate the V between your pointer finger and thumb.
• Follow that V down almost to the wrist, where you can feel the two bones and muscles come together.
• With your other hand, place your thumb on top of your hand on the point, and place the pointer finger of your other hand on the palm side of the point. Now squeeze!

This point is usually tender if you have a headache. Hold the point firmly, as deeply as you can tolerate. The headache usually disappears within a few minutes or less. The following illustrations show you how to find the right point.
The reflex point for easing a headache shown on front and back of hand: Use your other hand to squeeze this spot, and hold until your headache subsides. You can use either hand to stimulate this area.

Gout to Get More Herbs

You will need more than just safflowers to change your gout condition. Other herbs that help the kidneys excrete uric acid include juniper berries, parsley, uva ursi, dandelion, and chamomile.
Make sure you take some type of food enzyme supplement unless your diet is at least 80 percent whole, raw foods to help your body break down your foods (especially proteins) more efficiently. Your diet should consist of fewer protein foods (such as meat and beans) and more vegetables—especially greens. Add the herb ginger to also help stimulate proper digestion.
In chemistry, one acid can neutralize another acid. Therefore, neutralize the excess acid floating around in your gout-ridden body with natural sources of sodium. Sodium-rich foods include celery, strawberries, and parsley (see the table at the end of the chapter for more). Goat’s whey is also an excellent supplementary food that is great for over-acidic conditions of the body.