Sex

Have A Bad Headache? Cure It With Sex

couple having sex

Have a pounding a headache? New research suggests skipping the painkillers and choosing a natural remedy: sex.

A study published in Cephalalgia, the journal of the International Headache Society, reveals more than half of migraine sufferers who had sex during an attack experienced an improvement in symptoms, and 20% were left without any pain at all. 

Previous research has shown sex may be causing headaches, but neurologists say that because getting busy triggers the release of endorphins, which act on the central nervous system, intercourse is a natural way to reduce or abort headaches.

According to The Daily Mail, the hypothalamus region of the brain is active during a cluster headache, and the same area shows activity during orgasm.

So, what else can sex cure? Take a look at the list below and start treating your ailments.

1. Stress
Need to relax? Look no further than the bedroom. In a Scottish study, men and women were placed in stressful situations and told to keep records of their sexual activity. People who had recorded having intercourse responded better to stress, reports Web MD.

2. Sleeping Problems
Trouble hitting the hay? Forget counting sheep. Oxytocin, the endorphin released during orgasms, also promotes sleep, research shows.

3. High Blood Pressure
Scottish researchers discovered that sexually active people have lower blood pressure when faced with stressful tasks. According to Fitness, Brazil's health minister recommended sex as a solution for the country's high blood pressure problems.

4. Bad Mood
Not only does semen contain mood-elevating chemicals, such as endorphins and oxytocin, the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality found that sexually active people take fewer sick leaves and enjoy life more. Sex has also been shown to boost self-esteem.

5. Dull Skin
No need to apply extra bronzer. Turns out, the "sex glow" is real after all. Thanks to increased blood circulation, oxygenation of the blood, and a rush of endorphins post-orgasm, the effects of sex can do temporary wonders for your complexion.

More sex advice from YourTango: