DEALING WITH A HEAD INJURY: COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENT

Mar
11
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: Pain Relief-Muscle Relaxers.
Using Tags: Pain Relief

‘Ihere is no alternative to proper hospital care for those who have had a head injury severe enough either to knock them unconscious, or give any of the symptoms described earlier. If you’ve been knocked out, you will need twenty-four hours’ observation. On the other hand, minor degrees of head injury and superficial bruising can be successfully treated with all sorts of therapies.

Acupuncture can help when there is local muscle spasm, and soft-tissue injury. It is especially effective for pain, and can he helpful for bones that are slow to heal.

After an accident, Bach flower remedies can be applied to pulse points, and again, a good herbal treatment for shock is an infusion of balm, camomile, peppermint and skullcap, which can be sipped, or applied as a compress to the head area. Arnica can he taken while awaiting medical attention.

Biofeedback and kinesiology can be useful in the recuperative stages of injury, as can therapies like colour therapy (to help with persistent headaches), flotation therapy, relaxation and psychotherapy. ‘Ihe latter can be especially good, since anxiety can play a pan in injury-related headaches. Reflexology to treat the head and neck area could be helpful; therapists say this revitalises the body SO that it can better heal itself. It should also relieve some of Ihe pain and tension. Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy may help, after the initial injury has begun to settle down.

Comfrey root (in small doses) can be taken internally to encourage bone healing in the case of fracture. (‘Ihe old name for comfrey is knitbone’.) Valerian tea combined with skullcap may help with spasm-caused headaches. Bumps and bruises can be swabbed with witch hazel, which will prevent swelling. A poultice of mustard seed stimulates circulation and relieves muscular and skeletal pain. Anti-inflammatory herbs include comfrey, marigold and yarrow. Apply as a compress.

An aromatherapist could suggest lavender, marjoram and thyme to sooth aching and promote healing. Essential oil of fennel will ease muscular pain. Rose in the hath can help headaches, and try essential oil of lemon on the bandage to arrest bleeding. Ant-inflammatory oils include bergamot, marigold (calendula), lavender and myrrh. Black pepper is rubefacient and can be used in massage alter beating has begun. Analgesic oils are bergamot, camomile and lavender.

‘Ihe homoeopathic remedies of nut sulph, china and camomile can be taken after a head injury, and bryonia can relieve discomfort, along with arnica, hypericum and Symphytum. But do see a registered homoeopath who will assess your particular needs.