Addressing Headaches

Before we can intelligently discuss headaches, it is imperative that we understand what type of headache we are addressing. There are three types of headaches. First, there are tension headaches, which account for over fifty percent of all primary health care providers' visits. Second, there are sinus headaches, which are attributed to allergies and the flu. Third, and the most serious of all headaches, migraine headaches.

There are as many reasons to experience tension headaches as there are personalities and lifestyles. Whether the cause is emotional or physical the result is the same, throbbing temples and mental discomfort. We are certainly not at our creative best when our head hurts. Massage addresses tension headaches by relaxing the neck and shoulders. As we relax, we soften our muscles and headaches disappear. These are the easiest headaches for us to address.

Sinus headaches are best addressed by face massage. As the sinus cavities become relaxed, the fluids that are trapped in these spaces release and begin to flow, allowing us to drain and cleanse the sinuses. This is a slow process and usually takes a few massage sessions. There are simple techniques that any experienced massage professional can teach you to allow you to release these cavities yourself. Between massages, you will find relief with a few minutes of self-massage done on a regular basis.

Migraine headaches can be caused by either impingement of the nerves in the neck or by chemical imbalances. Massage can address the impinged nerve problem by releasing the Levator Scapula Muscles. It is often necessary to address either the left or right Levator muscle for several hours to achieve complete relief. Be sure to ask your massage professional if they have had experience eliminating migraine headaches. You will probably need to shop around a bit to find a massage professional who is willing to work just one muscle for two hours at a time.

Headaches cripple our ability to function optimally and are probably the most common form of what could be called discomfort. Now is a good time to allow a massage professional the opportunity to rid you of your headache discomfort naturally.

Foot Reflexology

Reflexology has been used to treat a number of common ailments, including back pain, digestive problems, migraine, menstrual problems, sinus problems and general stress and tension. Apart from helping to reduce pain, it is of considerable benefit in stress-related ailments. It is useful as a diagnostic aid, as tender reflex points can help locate areas of dysfunction. Although no substitute for a professional treatment, gentle, generalized foot massage techniques suitable for home use help to maintain good health. Arrange for your partner to be warm and comfortable, sitting with feet raised, ideally almost as high as your shoulders as that your arms will not tire.

1-Use your left hand as a support for the right foot, your right hand for the left foot. Cup the heel of the foot firmly so it rests in your hand, curving your fingers around the outside of the heel. Grasp the top of the foot near the base of the toes, thumb underneath and fingers on top. Use the top hand to flex and extend the foot to loosen up the joints.

2-Flex the foot, gently easing the heel toward you so that the Achilles tendon is stretched. Repeat a few times on each foot.

3-Position your hands so the base of each palm lies above the side of the heel, behind the anklebone. Cup your hands over the ankle joint.

4-Move your hands quickly back and forth in opposite direction to each other, shaking the foot from side to side until the foot heels relaxed.

5-Hold the foot from the inside using both hands, fingers on top, thumbs on the sole. The hand closet to the toes will twist and work up and down while the other hand remains still. Work in small stages along the length of the foot.

6-Grasp the foot in both hands, with your hands clasped one on top of each other and wring gently (as you would a wet towel), hands twisting in opposite directions. Move your hands gradually up the foot, wringing the entire length as you go.

7-Massage each toe in turn, beginning with a big toe. Hold the base joint, with your thumb below and your index and third finger on top. Gently lift the toe in its joint, rotating clockwise and then anti-clockwise a few times..