To Tend a Headache (Tiger Balm)

Member Name: Plumptious

Product:	Tiger Balm
Date:	18/03/01 (795 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Keeps you going.

Disadvantages: If it's persistent, then it's probably time to pay your doctor a little visit.

I came across an interesting piece of research a while ago. The results showed that some migraine sufferers ground their teeth in their sleep. This clenching of the jaw resulted in chemicals being released by the body which triggered off migraines.

The subjects were issued with gum shields, like the ones that boxers use. An encouraging decrease in migraines resulted.


I haven't followed up the later findings, but have kept that piece of information in mind. So now, when I find myself in the primary stages of developing an attack, I usually find something to chew. Soft mints are nice, and chewing gum is a longer lasting alternative. Unfortunately, they're not quite the done thing in meetings, and anyway, there's only so much chewing a creature can do. They definitely do help, though.

If you have exhausted your supply of mints and chewing gum, you can always resort to curling your toes. Some actors use this as a way of relaxing their bodies when on stage. Try it. It doesn't cost anything and before you ask, I have no idea why it works. The only disadvantage I can tell you about is that like the mints, you can only do it for so long.


If you have never encountered an ointment named "Tiger Balm", then perhaps this is the time to consider doing so. It's available from Boots and looks like a solid block of lard. Using a single finger, rub the block a little, and then apply it to your temples. Do not get it in your eyes. For the first 30 seconds or so, it might seem as though nothing is happening. Then the tingling begins, developing into an instant ice pack to freeze and soothe your head. It's like Deep Heat, only in reverse.

As with mint and eucalyptus, you'll encounter some colleagues who like the smell and some who object to it. Colleagues who are fans of the smell are a definite godsend as you'll then be able to use this marvellous substance with impunity a
t work.


If you're at home or in a hotel, then I recommend a shower. Original Source produce a range of Mint shampoos. You can opt for pure mint or a blend like Tea Tree and Mint. They cool and soothe a sore head in the most marvellous manner.


I find that all these things help. They don't always get rid of the problem. Some headaches have adopted "determined" as a byword, and will happen, regardless. But I find that at the very least, these measures help me get by until I can "let myself go".

I must emphasize that these measures are intended for normal headaches, not migraines. The only real tip I can offer for migraines is that gem about not gritting your teeth. It also helps with headaches.

At the end of the day, I think that to beat a headache, there's nothing like being allowed to collapse in a freshly made up bed, with clean creamy sheets in an airy room with deep soft carpeting and yards of simple muslin framing a peaceful scene. On the other hand, it might be more to do with the fact that the hordes of ravening people I encounter outside are noticeably absent from this room.



~~~ Addendum 19/03/01 ~~~

My neighbour appeared on my doorstep today to ask for help on a computer related matter. Whilst we were talking, she mentioned in passing that she had a terrible neck pain.

I pulled her in, grabbed the pot of Tiger Balm from the side and massaged the back of her neck. Within a few minutes, she could move her neck again. Her headache consequently started clearing up.


This a headache related incident, which is relevant to the opinion. However, it's just occurred to me that I AM that wierd character that every neighbourhood has, with numerous cats and smelly ointments.

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