Migraines are linked to overwork, stress, drastic changes in the weather, and even food allergies. Regardless of the cause, it can be debilitating. Reflexology is an ancient healing method that consists of stimulating certain points located on the hands and feet to release energy throughout the body. It can be used to treat migraines by applying pressure to certain areas. In addition, this method can be used to reduce pain caused by other migraine ailments, such as stress and allergies.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Preparing to Perform Reflexology
Step 1. Identify the symptoms
The symptoms of migraine can vary from one person to another. A person may have a couple of them or have a number of symptoms at the same time. Here are some of them:
- Pounding or throbbing headache
- Sensitivity to light, noise and odors;
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling hot or cold
- Pallor;
- Exhaustion;
- Stunning;
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea;
- Bright spots, flashing lights, wavy or zigzag lines, impaired vision, blind spots or other visual disturbances;
- Ringing in the ears
- Strange smells
- Strange sensations.
Step 2. Decide whether to heal yourself or seek professional treatment
The reflexologist is trained in putting into practice the techniques he has studied to deal with particular health problems. You can also use reflexology alone, saving money and doing these treatments daily or as soon as you feel like it.
It is preferable to combine self-manipulation with professional treatments to maximize the benefits that can be obtained
Step 3. Find the right time to undergo treatment
A reflexology session does not need to last more than 10 or 20 minutes. However, it is more effective if you can relax.
- If you feel a migraine is coming, try reflexology as soon as possible to reduce the severity of the headache.
- For example, it would be better not to be in a hurry. If you are hungry, eat before your session. It is not advisable to be distracted by the rumbling stomach for the duration of the treatment.
Step 4. Create a calm and relaxing environment
Create a quiet atmosphere in which to sit comfortably and dim the lights. It should be a place where you won't be disturbed as you proceed with your reflexology treatment.
Also try playing some relaxing music
Step 5. Trim your nails
The manipulation will be more pleasant if the skin is not pinched because you have long nails. Therefore, cut them off before performing a massage on yourself or someone else.
Step 6. Get comfortable
Use a comfortable chair or lie down to relax. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body. Calm the mind by driving away stressful thoughts.
Step 7. Take a sip of water before you begin
Drink some water before starting the session. Some experts believe that it makes the treatment more effective.
Step 8. Have a reflexology map handy
It can be difficult to remember which parts of the hand and foot correspond to certain areas of the body in reflexology. If you have a reflexology map in sight, you will be well on your way to getting the treatment right.
Step 9. Prepare some reflexology tools
Certain tools can come in handy during a reflexology session, such as wooden or rubber cylinders, wooden balls, and other objects. You can use them by rolling them against the bottom of the foot.
They are especially useful for those with fingers and hands that are not strong enough to properly stimulate pressure points
Part 2 of 5: Locating Pressure Points to Treat Migraines
Step 1. Find the "third eye"
The third eye is located in the area above the bridge of the nose, between the eyebrows. By pressing on this point, it is possible to relieve headaches, but also eye fatigue and ulcers.
Step 2. Find the spots around the temples
There are some diffuse spots along the curve above the ear on both sides of the head. To unleash their full effectiveness, they must be stimulated together. They start at the top of the ear, about a finger above the ear. These points are defined in the English language:
- Hairline Curve (curve along the hairline);
- Valley Lead (guide of the valley);
- Celestial Hub (celestial center);
- Floating White (floating white);
- Head Portal Yin (yin door of the head).
Step 3. Locate the points on the neck
There is a place behind the bone in each ear where the neck muscles join the skull. By pressing these points, it is possible to calm migraines, reactivate energies, relieve eye fatigue, cold and flu symptoms.
Step 4. Find the point on the foot that corresponds to the temporal lobe area
There is a point on the foot that, when stimulated, helps to alleviate the pain that occurs in the temporal lobe area (along the sides or temples of the head). It is located between the inside between the big toe and the second toe.
If your head hurts on the right side, you should press this point on your left foot. Similarly, stimulate it on the right foot if you want to relieve pain concentrated on the left side of the head
Step 5. Find the points on the hands and feet
Points like tai chong on the feet and he gu on the hands are commonly used to treat headaches.
- Tai chong: located on the top of the foot. Locate the interdigital membrane between the big toe and the second toe. Then follow the bones of these two toes along the top of the foot. Find the point where they intersect. Then, work your way down towards your toes, roughly an inch or two. Here you will find a hollow: it is the tai chong point.
- He gu - located on the top of the hand. Locate the interdigital membrane between your thumb and forefinger. Press both fingers at the same time so that the muscle pops out. The he gu point is located at the top of the muscle bulge.
Step 6. Find the zu ling qi point on the top of the foot
Feel the bone of the little finger and that of the next toe: they intersect on the top of the foot. The zu ling qi point is located just above the area where they meet, where a depression is formed.
Step 7. Find the spot to relieve facial pain caused by migraines
There is a spot on the top of the big toe that can relieve facial pain. The entire upper part of the big toe, which goes from the base of the nail to where the toe joins the foot, is the area surrounding the pressure point to be stimulated to relieve facial pain caused by migraines.
Part 3 of 5: Applying Self Reflexology
Step 1. Begin by relieving the most painful area affected by the migraine
Migraines can be more intense on one side of the head or forehead. Start massaging yourself by exerting pressure on the point that corresponds to the sore part in reflexology.
Step 2. Massage one hand or foot to relieve discomfort felt on the opposite side of the head
Pressure points on the foot or left hand can mitigate the pain felt on the right side of the body. The energy meridians run through the neck, so they are particularly important when you need to reduce pain above this point (i.e. in the head). The energy starts on one side of the body and flows down the neck, heading towards the opposite side.
If one side of your head is sore, then you will need to massage the opposite foot or hand
Step 3. Massage firmly on the pressure points
When you find the points where the energy flows, it is necessary to press firmly enough to stimulate them. However, care must be taken not to feel pain.
Step 4. Continue to work on the most sensitive areas
Keep in mind that if you need to relieve certain parts of your body, certain pressure points may be more delicate or sensitive. In these cases, continue to massage the area, using a gentler approach, but maintaining some pressure.
- Breathe to relieve sensitivity or discomfort. Press lightly, but continue massaging the spot.
- If the area is sore, don't overdo it, but massage it later.
Step 5. Use your thumb to press and make circular motions on the pressure point
Massage with circular movements to stimulate it. Press for about 7 seconds and release the pressure. Then, stimulate him again for another 7 seconds.
Step 6. Use your thumb to squeeze the points on the opposite hand
Find the point he gu between the thumb and forefinger. If the migraine is concentrated more on the left side of the head, find this point on the right hand and press using the left thumb. Keep your right hand steady and relax the rest of your left as you slowly slide your thumb back and forth over the point. Each massage should last approximately 4 seconds.
- Try doing 3 sets of five massages on this area of the hand.
- Try this method every day to prevent or reduce migraine symptoms.
Step 7. Work on both sides of the body
Even if you only feel pain in one side of your head, you should manipulate both hands and / or feet. In this way, you will balance the energies throughout the body.
Step 8. Use reflexology for a maximum of 20-30 minutes
Reflexology is a very powerful body technique that can cause negative effects if the treatment lasts too long. In fact, ridding the body of toxins can lead to nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness. These symptoms can occur if you use them too much.
If you are elderly or in poor health, you should opt for a shorter session of about 10 minutes
Step 9. Drink plenty of water afterwards
It is always advisable to drink plenty of water after a reflexology session. It is even more important when focusing on the liver reflex. An abundant consumption of water helps to clean up this organ.
Step 10. Finish the session by giving yourself some rest
Rest peacefully when you are done with the treatment. If you can, try to take a nap.
Part 4 of 5: Understanding How Reflexology Works
Step 1. Use pressure points to relieve pain
Reflexology consists of applying pressure to points on the hands and feet that correspond to certain areas of the body. There are various theories on how these points can be stimulated to relieve pain and discomfort. Some experts believe that reflexology disrupts pain messages transmitted by the brain and central nervous system. It also allows the body to relieve tension, reducing soreness.
Step 2. Realize that you have an active role in healing
Reflexology does not "heal" the body. Rather, it is a technique that helps him recover on his own by moving energy flows through the body. If you keep a positive attitude, it can also help improve your physical condition.
Step 3. Feel the energy moving through your body
According to the principles of reflexology, energy flows travel within the body along the energy meridians. You will be able to feel their movement when the pressure points are activated.
Step 4. Use reflexology to restore balance in your body
Reflexology is useful for restoring balance to the body, leading it to relax and release the accumulated tension. This action can help him get rid of excessive stress, which can aggravate the physical condition.
Step 5. Review the scientific evidence supporting reflexology
Several clinical studies have observed the positive effect that reflexology can have on the body. It has been shown to make a positive contribution in the following cases:
- Improvement of symptoms (for example, of kidney function);
- Relaxation of patients (as it reduces anxiety and lowers blood pressure);
- Pain relief (such as that caused by osteoarthritis and kidney stones).
- In one study, about two-thirds of patients reported significant migraine relief after undergoing three months of reflexology sessions. 19% stopped taking their headache medications altogether.
- Reflexology has also been shown to reduce symptoms associated with cancer and diabetes treatments, post-operative symptoms, and many other conditions.
Part 5 of 5: Controlling the Onset of Migraines
Step 1. Keep a journal
Write down activities and other factors that can trigger a headache in a notebook. It will help you identify some of the causes that may be causing your migraine.
- Count the frequency and duration of migraines. In most cases it lasts a couple of hours, in the most severe cases even several days. It can occur frequently, for example every two to three days, or a couple of times a month. Other people only suffer from it once a year.
- Also check the severity of the headache. For example, is he more violent after eating chocolate? Does it last longer when you are very stressed?
Step 2. Control emotional stress
One of the most common factors that trigger migraines is emotional stress. It could manifest itself in the form of anxiety, worry, agitation, and other sensations. When you feel stressed, muscles can contract and blood vessels dilate, making a headache worse.
Step 3. Keep your caffeine intake at bay
Consuming too much coffee, chocolate, or other foods that contain caffeine can increase the chance of suffering from migraines.
Step 4. Observe how many preservatives and food additives you consume
Many people develop sensitivity to certain preservatives and additives found in foods, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates (used, for example, in preserved meats), alcohol, and aged cheeses.
Step 5. Check the weather
Changes in weather conditions, especially when air pressure changes, can affect the onset of migraines. For example, when a thunderstorm approaches, you may begin to feel some tension in your head.
Step 6. Track your menstrual cycle
Women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Many female subjects suffer from it shortly before or during the menstrual period. Check the appearance of migraines in relation to your menstrual cycle to understand if you are more prone at certain times of the month.
Step 7. Talk to your doctor about other conditions
Certain conditions can increase the risk of suffering from migraines. Here are some ailments that can favor it:
- Asthma;
- Chronic fatigue syndrome;
- Hypertension;
- Stroke;
- Sleep disorders.
Step 8. See your doctor if the headache is more severe
Although rare, when it occurs in a violent form it can have more acute negative effects than a normal migraine. Among the most violent forms of migraine are:
- Hemiplegic migraine: can cause temporary paralysis or neurological changes. In these cases, you should go to the emergency room to make sure it is not a stroke, since some symptoms can be similar.
- Retinal migraine: This can lead to monocular blindness (loss of vision in one eye) and headache starting behind the eyes.
- Basilar artery migraine: You may experience lightheadedness or confusion and pain in the back of your head. It can also cause vomiting, ringing in the ears, or an inability to speak correctly. Experts attribute this type of migraine to hormonal changes.
- The state of migraine disease: This is usually a headache that is so debilitating that it forces people to go to the hospital. It is often induced by certain types of drugs.
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine: causes eye pain, diplopia, ocular ptosis, or muscle paralysis around the eye. This is a very serious disorder that requires immediate attention.
Advice
- Certain pressure points act on different parts of the body and head. Try manipulating various pressure points to see which ones work best for relieving your headache.
- Reflexology is most effective when used in conjunction with other holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, and herbal healing methods.
Warnings
- Many reflexology techniques should not be used on pregnant women, as they can induce labor. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist before trying reflexology.
- If you have suffered a hand or foot trauma, it may be best to avoid reflexology sessions. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or concerns.
- If you are worried about your headaches, see your doctor.
