There are several "non-traditional" or complementary treatments that may be used to help relieve chronic headache pain. Chronic stress may contribute to the development of the most common types of headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches, so it's not surprising that alternative treatments aimed at stress reduction are well-studied and considered effective treatments for some patients with headaches.
There are also additional "nontraditional" headache treatments, including acupuncture, massage, herbs, and diets, for which there are varying degrees of effectiveness.

Biofeedback is a technique that can help a person learn stress reduction skills by providing information (feedback) about muscle tension, skin temperature, brain waves, and other vital signs. Small metal sensors, called electrodes, are attached to the skin and measure the amount of muscle tension or the skin temperature. This information is displayed as numbers, electrical waves, or sounds on a screen. For example, a stress response reduces skin temperature because of constriction of blood vessels, while a relaxation response results in dilated blood vessels and warm skin.
The results of several studies show changes in the blood flow in the brain during migraine attacks and the pain-free periods in between. Using biofeedback training a person can influence the blood flow to the brain and better manage a headache.
Most studies on biofeedback indicate that it reduces the frequency and duration of headaches, both in children and adults. In general, the effects of biofeedback appear to be comparable to many medications used for chronic headaches, and can be recommended as early treatment for recurrent migraines.

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Stress Management
Life events that increase anxiety and depression have been associated with chronic headache. Certain antidepressant drugs are the primary therapy for some types of chronic headaches, such as tension-type headache. The results of a large study indicate that stress management therapy reduced headache, headache-related disability, and use of pain medications to a similar degree as therapy with antidepressant drugs. However, the best results were obtained when stress management was combined with antidepressant medication. It may be helpful to incorporate a regular practice of relaxation into a health-promoting lifestyle (getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, etc).

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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that involves the insertion of very fine, solid needles into certain points of the body. According to studies, acupuncture may cause the release of pain-reducing opioid chemicals, such as endorphins. In addition, acupuncture may stimulate the brain to release other types of body chemicals and hormones that transmit signals between different types of cells, including those of the immune system.

The Consensus Statement on Acupuncture by the National Institutes of Health, released in 1997, stated that for conditions including headache, low back pain, menstrual cramps, and carpal tunnel syndrome acupuncture was useful as an additional treatment or an acceptable alternative to be included in a comprehensive pain management program. What makes acupuncture a unique anti-pain approach is the suggestion that its effects may be long-lasting. In one recent study, acupuncture treatment reduced chronic pain in the neck and shoulder areas and associated headache, with the effects lasting for months.

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Dietary Modifications
Certain foods, such as chocolate, aged cheese, citrus fruits, red wine and others, may cause headaches in susceptible people. For long-lasting management of headaches, it is important to identify and reduce food-related headache triggers (along with others, including stress, sleep deprivation, and fatigue). This can be done by maintaining a careful diary of headaches and eating habits. To date, only a few dietary intervention trials have been conducted to determine if dietary changes can reduce headache pain. However, a significant decrease in migraine headache has been observed when dietary fat consumption is reduced. Other studies suggest that supplementing the diet with omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Other potentially helpful supplements include coenzyme Q10 and melatonin. Again, more research is needed on these supplements to determine their safety and effectiveness.
Considering the lack of reliable data on benefits of dietary approaches to headache management, it's best to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid skipping meals or fasting, as this may trigger a migraine attack. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new diet or taking any new medications, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

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