Headaches may be relieved by resting with the eyes closed and head supported, or by relaxation techniques such as meditation. A massage or heat applied to the back of the upper neck can be effective in relieving tension headaches.

Other tried and trusted approaches include :

§ Immersing the feet up to and over the ankles in a really hot foot bath  (some say doing the same with the hands is just as effective)

§ In feverish headaches soak a cloth in vinegar and apply to the head

§ Mix half a teaspoon of lemon juice with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, and drink while still fizzing

§ Rub the top joint of one thumb hard for a couple of minutes – then the other – and alternate thumbs up to 5 times. In severe pain do this for up to 10 minutes on each thumb

Getting enough Magnesium has been found to help headaches, especially migraines. A daily dose of 100mg was required and shown to help many sufferers.

As a herbal alternative consider taking Feverfew.

Avoid giving aspirin to children, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome and other disorders.

If pain medications have been regularly used (e.g. more than 2 days in a week) they could be suffering from rebound headaches. Rebound headaches are caused by a cycle of using pain medications for short-term relief, which is then followed by the headache pain returning for increasingly longer periods of time despite taking more pain medications. All types of pain pills, muscle relaxants, some decongestants, and caffeine can cause this pattern. To treat rebound headaches, you must stop taking all pain medications and other possible triggers for several weeks – use a carefully chosen homeopathic remedy instead .

The following symptoms are serious; seek professional help immediately if:

• the headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent.
• the headache gets worse over time or is associated with visual difficulties, slurring of speech, problems in moving arms or legs, or similar problems.
• the headache is associated with fever and a very stiff neck.
• the headache is associated with head injury.
• the headache is the worst you have ever had and comes on suddenly.

Consult your health care provider if:

• the headache has persisted more than a few days.
• the headaches are worse in the morning, no other symptoms are present.
• you have headaches frequently and there is no known cause such as allergies or chronic sinusitis.