Although there are many natural ways to treat headaches rather than running for medicine, the best way to treat a headache is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Here are a few ways you can reduce the number of headaches you experience - or at least lessen their intensity:

• Learn ways to relax and look for ways to relieve your stress.  Stress tightens muscles and restricts blood flow, bringing on a host of ailments - including headaches.
• A headache could be your body's cry for water. Drink at least the minimum daily requirement of 8 eight-ounce glasses. Some people with headaches find that certain foods, alcohol, and preservatives trigger headaches. If you suffer from frequent headaches, keep a food diary to record what and when you eat and when your headaches occur; you might see a pattern and learn what foods you should avoid.
• Too little or too much sleep can bring on a headache. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule if possible so that you wake up at the same time each day.
• Learning and practice deep breathing exercises.  Some headaches are brought on by a lack of oxygen, so deep breathing may help.
• Get regular aerobic exercise.  Brisk walking, swimming, and bicycling are just some of the activities that help many people handle stress and may help avoid headaches.
• Improve your posture.  Poor posture is a major cause of tension headaches, so become a perfect-posture nut.
• Learn some conflict resolution techniques.  "Ticked off" at your boss for taking credit for your work? Still "steamed" at your neighbor for painting his house neon green?  The anger or frustration you feel toward another person can contribute to headaches.

Source: American Council for Headache Education (2006)