Headaches & Migraines

Reflexology works to support sufferers of headaches and migraines through returning the body back into balance, allowing the harmony of body and mind to prevail in the midst of busyness, and pressures placed upon it by modern day living. 

Reflexology research

• Lafuenta et al. [1] (n = 32) compared reflexology to flunarizine, a drug often used in the treatment of headaches. The results show that reflexology is at least as effective as flunarizine which could be particularly useful where pharmacological intervention is contraindicated.
• A study comparing reflexology to massage in females with migraine, Wojciech et al [2] (n = 48) investigated the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks. All variables were reduced at the end of both therapeutic interventions. However, at three months post-intervention, on the application of the Friedman test, the results indicated that reflexology was more likely to reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
• Imani et al. investigated migraines induced by nitro-glycerine used in the treatment of acute and chronic angina and congestive heart failure [3] (n =75). The results indicate a highly statistical difference of p < 0.5 for pain in the reflexology group compared to the control group.
• An uncontrolled study by Launsø et al. [4] (n = 220) indicated at three months follow-up 81% stated their headaches were either helped or ‘cured’ by the reflexology with a further 19% discontinuing their prescribed medication.

1. F. Lafuente, M. Noguera, C. Puy, A. Molins, Effekt der Reflexzonenbehandlung am Fuss besuglich der priphylattishen Behnaglung mit Flunarizen bei an Cephalea-Kopfschmerzen leidenden Patienten, Erfahrungsheilkunde 11 (1990).
2. K. Wojciech, L. Pawel, R.Z. Halina, Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females with migraine: a pilot study, J. Tradit. Chinese Med. = Chung i Tsa Chih Ying Wen Pan 37 (2017) 214–219.
3. N. Imani, S.A. Shams, M. Radfar, H. Ghavami, H.R. Khalkhali, Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: a placebo controlled clinical trial, Agri 30 (2018) 116–122.
4. A.S. Launsø L, E. Brendstrup, An exploratory study of reflexological treatment for headache, Alternative Ther. Health Med. 5 (1999) 57–65.

Potential triggers
According to Nico Pauly (MNT-NR), migraine is a result of a sensitised sympathetic nervous system in connection with trigeminal nerve activity and inflammation in cerebra blood flow.  Throughout your Sole Therapy Reflexology sessions, from the initial consultation, where we discuss medical history and lifestyle, and during subsequent consultations,  I am looking for patterns in the occurrences and your potential migraine triggers.  These can include:

• Stress: caused by events, work, home or busy lifestyles.
• Digestive stress: stomach acid problems.  Nitric oxide is a vasodilator important in triggering migraines, it thrives in acidic environment.  A diet high in L-arginine rich foods, such as chocolate, nuts, wheat and oats, dairy and meat, seafood and soybeans can also be triggers, as L-arginine converts to nitric oxide in the body.  Foods that cause inflammation such as marmite, bananas, aspartame, alcohol, caffeine and gluten may also be triggers.
• Hormonal stress: monthly, puberty, pregnancy or menopausal links.
• Mechanical stress: recent or history of musculo-skeletal injuries, e.g. whiplash, posture with computer usage, neck and shoulder tension.  Teeth clenching and jaw misalignment can put pressure of the trigeminal nerve, whilst issues with the lower spine can impact the ‘s’ curve of the spine.
• Family history.

 
Self help
Dr Robert Cowan, Professor of Neurology and Director of Headache and Facial Pain Program at Stanford University recommends lifestyle tips to reduce the perception of pain.  These include:

• Sleep: focus on getting good quality sleep and rising at the weekends at the same time as during the week.
• Eat regular meals and snacks.
• Reduce stress: reflexology has been proven to reduce the impact of stress on the body and mind so is ideal.
• Exercise: muscular tension can be relieved and the endorphins released reduces pain.

Hand and facial reflexology self help
Self-treatment through hand and facial reflexology can be also be very helpful.  For more information contact Emma.