Archive for August, 2009

Reflexology and Migraine

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Reflexology is a safe and effective therapy for migraine sufferers.   For anyone unfamiliar with reflexology, it is the practice of applying pressure to reflexes in the feet and hands that correspond to specific body organs.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow, lower stress and eliminate accumulated toxins in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.  By this means, many forms of sickness and disease can be reversed or at the very least, the symptoms can be effectively treated.

One of the most common uses for reflexology is for stress relief.  In our fast paced society today, everyone is looking for a way to unload the stress of everyday life and for good reason.  Stress is a silent killer.  The effects of stress have been studied for quite some time and it is known that if you do not release stress from your body on a regular basis, it will eventually wreak havoc on your body in the form of one of many different sicknesses or diseases.  Furthermore, stress can definitely be a factor in migraine headache development.  Relieving stress is an important step in becoming well.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, the results speak for themselves, making it one of the most sought after treatments today.  Many celebrities have regular reflexology sessions.  Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress management, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator.  Many people suffering from migraines have benefited from reflexology.

To learn more about reflexology, this website considers itself the “most popular reflexology site for foot and hand reflexology information on the Internet”. The site is impressive with some well known reflexologists presenting a good selection of reflexology charts, books, newsletters and research that is useful to therapists and patients alike.

If you plan to use a professional reflexologist, always check that they are fully registerd. Here is an information website provided by the Association of Reflexologists. It provides the latest information, useful links and contacts to the general public while a separate category has been made available especially for those that are trying to qualify as a therapist.

Migraine and magnets

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Magnotherapy for migraines is a topic covered in my ebook, so it’s good to find reports of a study testing a pain-free, hand-held device that sends a magnetic pulse into the head.

The noninvasive device delivers a therapy known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS.

It appears, from the results, described here, that this may bring relief to some migraine sufferers.

Dr. Yousef Mohammad, of The Ohio State University in Columbus, reported the findings at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society in Boston. In the study, researchers recruited 201 patients suffering from migraine with aura, then randomly assigned them to use either the device being tested or a “sham” device that was being used for comparison. Patients were instructed to apply the device over the site of the migraine, when symptoms were first noticed. It was found that two hours after treatment, 39 percent of the TMS patients were pain-free, versus 22 percent of patients using the sham device. Read more at the full article.

The 39 percent result is somewhat better than the usually expected placebo effect, and is also better than the 22 percent of patients who used the sham device.

If you’d like to try a magnetic bracelet (such as the one I use) please visit my magnotherapy website.