For years, that intense one-sided debilitating pain in the head that can strike at any time has been labeled a migraine headache, whether or not other symptoms occurred.
Medicine now classifies the condition as a syndrome (a group of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular condition or abnormality).
I’ll admit that I am very grateful for the fact that I don’t live with migraine headaches or migraine syndrome. The pain I have witnessed in others’ faces when in the midst of a migraine incident is enough to make me count my lucky stars.
Migraines are classified as a primary headache disorder because they occur independently, in that they result from changes in blood vessels, nerves and muscles, not as a secondary response to disease or injury. A basic migraine headache is described as intense pain at the front or one side of the head. The pain generally throbs and can last as little as an hour and up to many days and nights.
The headache can develop into a syndrome when one or more of the following symptoms occurs. The more symptoms, the more severe.
* sensitivity to light, odors and or sound
* nausea
* vomiting
* blurred vision
* temporary loss of vision
* temporary loss of consciousness
I have, on many occasions provided reflexology to people experiencing the beginning symptoms of a migraine. (Someone in the throws of a syndrome would not be capable of driving anywhere.) What I’ve learned is that everyone’s needs are both the same and different.
Most people will want the room as dark as possible (Pitch black is preferred.); absolutely no scents or odors (They can exacerbate the situation.); no sound or conversation (that means no music).
Pressure is where people can differ. Some people will want the pressure on the feet to be very light and others want it quite deep. This is true also if you are doing massage on the head. No matter what the depth though, the pace needs to be very slow.
Perhaps the most important thing to bring to the session (even more so than a focus on the head and diaphragm reflexes) is an intention to model peace. I try to stay focused on my own relaxed breathing, to calm my own thoughts, to really connect with the energy, and envision my client in perfect health.
What has been your experience either living with migraines or working with people who are suffering?
I had my first migraine over 25 years ago. I saw my general practitioner, who diagnosed it as a migraine and prescribed medicine. It helped for a while, then didn’t, so we tried something else. When it stopped helping, I switched to over-the-counter medicine to ease the symptom. I never followed-up with a neurologist because I didn’t want to have to try one prescription after another. So what helped me?
Reflexology! While I still have migraines occasionally, but they are less frequent, last shorter time periods, and are less intense.
Meditation! I realize that if I am under a lot of stress, especially if I am overthinking things, I am more likely to have a migraine. Developing a regular meditation practice helps me handle the junk in my head and daily life, and I believe it is helping my migraines as well as my overall health and wellness.
Essential Oils! Peppermint EO diluted with castor oil and rolled on the part of my head that hurts brings some relief.
Rest! I often find when I get a migraine I have been pushing myself and not resting enough. Nothing like physical pain to make me lie down, close my eyes, and rest.
Pretty simple things to implement and sure beats the side effects of prescription medication.
Wow! I didn’t know that about you, Gladys. I’m sorry to hear about your life with migraines AND equally excited to know that you have found some ways to manage and decrease the symptoms. You are a great role model for others. Thanks for sharing.