How to massage a headache or migraine away

July 26, 4:33 AMNY Holistic Science & Spirit ExaminerTima Vlasto

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Reflexology Foot Massage for Headache

Do you want to relieve your headache or migraine pain in a few minutes? Try this ancient foot massage technique and watch your pain fade away.

Reflexology is a simple technique performed on the hands and feet, that can be traced back to ancient Egypt.

It is based on the premise that the nerve endings to all the organs, tissues, glands and nerve terminate and are reflected on our hands and feet. By applying pressure to these points, the nerves are stimulated to release energy blocks and enhance the flow of healing energy to the corresponding organs of the body.

Relaxing the Foot at the Solar Plexus Point

First, massage the Solar Plexus Point to relax the foot and the tension. This is performed by pressing your thumb or kneading your fist into the center of the foot (solar plexus area in image). Gently rub this area for a few minutes. You can also gently rotate the entire foot at the ankle in order to release the tension in the Achilles tendon.

How to Apply Thumb Pressure

Simply press and hold the points with your thumb. Apply gentle pressure at first. If you thumb is weak, you can use the end of a pen or a special wooden reflexology tool. Advanced techniques are performed by applying small semi-circular movements, walking with your thumb along the reflexology points like taking small steps, or simply rubbing the thumb slightly up and down.

Wooden Reflexology Tool

How can you be sure you found the correct point?

Usually, the correct spot will feel tender and usually you will feel a slight pin prick sensation. Advanced practitioners can actually feel sediment or crystal deposits on an affected spot that are blocking nerve transmission to the organ or body area. The correct point might also redden, bulge and/or whiten a bit after the pressure is applied and sometimes may feel numb. The correct amount of pressure is up to the point of feeling some discomfort, but not to an unbearable degree and not so much as to damage the skin, if you are using a wooden tool.

Time: 1-2 min. per Reflex Point

Timing: Apply pressure to each point of the affected area for a minute or two and no longer. Even though this technique appears simple, it does induce profound changes and it is wise to release these energy blocks over a span of a few days or weeks.

Reflexology  Foot Massage Points For Headache and Migraine:

If the headache is caused by stress and tension, first try to relax by taking a warm bath and  some deep breaths. After, apply pressure to the points on the inside area of the big toe and on the fleshy part on the center of the toe. Finally, apply pressure to the root of the big toe.

For sinus headache: The fleshy centers of all the toes and the tips of the toes and outer edges of the big toe.

Eye strain headache: The point between the second and third toe bones at the base of the toes. Also rub the root of the second and third toes on both feet.

Headache from shoulder and neck tension: Apply pressure to the neck area and shoulder area on both feet (see image).

Drink Water

Follow-up: Drink a glass of water to facilitate the healing process and rid the body of accumulated toxins released by the massage. Added electrolytes in water will help the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body’s electrical system.

Tips

• You can also diagnose potential weak areas by gently massaging the entire foot and pressing those points to uncover blocked areas with no present bodily symptoms.
• Refrain from massaging areas with open wounds, with obvious circulation problems (varicose veins) or edema.
• Contact your doctor or allopathic doctor  if  you have a medical condition or doubts as to whether this massage technique is correct for your specific illness.

For more info:

New York State Reflexology Association

Research and controlled studies

American Cancer Society

Internet Health Library Research and Medical Studies

* Photo credits: Tima (graphics), www.sxc.hu, Wikimedia Commons,International Reflexology Institute