Magic for Migraines

Headaches and migraines plagued me as a child. I don't recall ever having to see a doctor because of them but over the years I've discovered ways of banishing them. As a child I would pop an Anadin and sleep them off, however, there are other solutions, especially if you don't respond well to pills for whatever reason.

Firstly we can reduce the chance of getting headaches by staying hydrated and not allowing ourselves to get stressed out. Easier said than done perhaps.

Below are pressure points you can massage and/or apply deep pressure to in order to help with tension. A good extended massage to desired pressure points will seriously help and often it is a matter easing muscular tension.

The area circled in the middle diagram, illustrates my personal favorite area to target. In the left diagram you can see this region behind the skull, houses 3 key pressure points. When I have a headache or migraine, these pressure points can take a considerable amount of thumb/finger  pressure simply because there is so much tension built up there.

The red area on the right is the trapezius and it is an muscle that causes problems for lots of people. Tightness in this area is can be brought about by inactivity, poor posture & stress. It is very hard to tackle this area deeply and fully without a therapist, though you can access the back of neck on your own. see below 

Grab it now, squeeze it with a fair amount of force. If you have trimmed nails dig your finger tips in and rub firmly the muscle. Use your palm and fingers to squeeze, stretch and slightly twist the muscle. For some of you this will take some effort, though you'll probably notice that you do carry a bit of tension in there. You'll know this because it feels nice when you release. Relaxed and  lighter. Swap hands and do the other side. 

Self-massaging or having someone work the muscle groups and pressure points can make such a difference, but you have to be quite firm. A small amount of pain can be quite beneficial. Many of you will be carrying knots or bands of tension in your head, neck and shoulders, sometimes deep below the surface tissue, that will eventually form a headache or migraine.
  
All sorts of things can trigger a migraine. You might stumble into some bad lighting or catch a wiff of something nasty. If you think you know what has set off the migraine, you need to counter balance that. 

 

For example:

-Got tension? ...relax, get a massage. 
-Too much light...go find a dimly lit room to chill in/wear sunglasses.
-Too little light...turn on a lamp.
-Straining to see...get specs (and wear them).
-Contact lenses uncomfortable...take them out. 
-Bad smells, find clear air space or nice aromas.
-Drink less booze.  
-Take fewer painkillers or recreational substances

 ***HERBAL MAGIC***

To Drink

     

Pear essential oil exists but is not accessible. At least not like most. It's valuable and takes tonnes to of pears to produce a tiny drop! Instead boil up some dried pears to enhance apple & pear tea.

http://shop.twinings.co.uk/shop/apple-pear-green.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apples are naturally refreshing, cleansing and distinctly aromatic. Use this aroma and flavour in room scent or in drinks to soothe and refresh.

http://www.scentedcandleshop.com/ 

 

Fresh Mint Tea. Simply shove good quantity for maximum strength into a glass of hot water and drink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Massage

1 table spoon of grape seed oil as your base.
3-5 drops mint oil
3-5 drops eucalyptusoil



Rub a little into hands and fingers and massage into the neck, forehead, temples and shoulders.

   

To Breathe

 

 






Eucalyptus oil. Add a few drops to water in any household burner and diffuse through the air.

 


Angelica root oil blends well in a burner with other warming oils like ginger, coriander...then add  grapefruit oil to ease and clarify the mind and relieve nausea. In it's woody form it can be added to a brew for its spicy/aniseedy notes.



 


Always read the label when using pure essential oils. Some oils cannot be used during pregnancy or neat on skin.

TIGER BALM

Most of us will have this little jar or magic in our cupoards. It's a few centuries old and originates from China. It's petroleum jelly & paraffin base contains these additional oils: menthol, camphor, mint, cajuput, clove and cassia.

The original red is intended for muscular aches and pains whereas the white eases tension and is good for headache. I personally wouldn't use the red balm on my head and face but on the shoulders and neck certainly in massage to help ease headache or migraine stemming from tightness in these areas. 

If you haven't tried Tiger Balm I strongly recommend it. I use Tiger Balms and similar products from Thailand regularly and the exotic aromas alone are incredibly therapeutic for both clients and therapists. Fortunately Tiger Balm is so widely used now, you can by it at your local Boots!

 

Natural Healing | Massage Therapy | Yoga Massage by Joey George Brighton/London 

 @ joeangellus |  www.theoilstudio.co.uk