Blog
03/05/2010
Natural Therapies for Migraine and Headache relief
In March I was asked to speak at a migraine conference in Colchester. I demonstrated Bowen Technique and Reflexology and how they can be of help to migraine sufferers. Research projects on both Bowen and reflexology found in just a few treatments, migraines could be reduced of sometimes eliminated.
When treated with reflexology for 3 months, 81 percent of patients confirmed that reflexology had either cured (16%) or helped (65%) their symptoms. Nineteen percent were able to completely dispense with their medications. Findings with Bowen were similar. I treated Frances for her migraines some years ago and she went from having one a week to just two a year after a course of Bowen and monthly top up treatments.
Migraine is a condition that affects one in ten of us at some time and the people at the conference were some of the most seriously affected. They told me of migraines that lasted 72 hours and were so painful that they couldn’t even sleep during that time. Sometimes they seem to be triggered by something in your environment such as lighting, the atmosphere before a thunderstorm, even a particular odour. Other times there seems to be no cause at all. A tension headache or bad neck, lack of sleep or not eating regularly are factors that can affect a migraine if you’re susceptible.
The symptoms include intense pain, disturbed vision, nausea and disorientation in the worst sufferers. The sufferer always feels the need to rest and there are some excellent medications available but sufferers can become quite dependent over time and too much medication makes the condition worse so you may need professional help to get the balance right.
What can help your migraine?
The consultant experts at the conference said that codeine and paracetamol are not helpful for migraine but if it suits you, aspirin and an over-the-counter anti-sickness tablet is effective, if taken very early when symptoms first show. Do consult with your doctor or pharmacist before trying new medications. You could also ask your GP to refer to an expert headache clinic or migraine specialist.
At the conference one of my colleagues gave a short demonstration of Emotional Freedom Technique and was able help someone who was actually in the throws of a migraine to get full relief in 5 minutes. This involves a sequence of tapping acupuncture points, simple and painless and you can do it yourself when symptoms come on! Acupuncture is also helpful and is recommended by the NHS for migraine. Homeopathy can be helpful too. All these therapies help your body get back in the best possible state of balance when life’s stresses, injuries and the environment we live in throw us off balance.
So, if you suffer from migraines or headaches and would like some help, do give me a ring for more information. Some gentle Reflexology or Bowen treatments could reduce your symptoms and make life easier. The advantage with these therapies is that they can help with all sorts of other symptoms such as your dodgy back, hormone imbalances, neck pain, stress and tensions at the same time!
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