We all know there is a time and place for consuming pain-relieving drugs to alleviate headaches quickly and easily. Then there are times when it is wise to allow for a different, more involved choice – one that is effective and travels deeper than just the superficial symptoms. What greater way to give respect to the intelligence of our bodies than to explore and to discover what messages our
bodies are really relaying? Especially when these pains reoccur, or are without a doubt, brought on by an imbalance in our lives causing chronic tension and stress.
Do any of these conditions apply to you?
Emotional
Turmoil – Fast Paced Living – Overworking – Overplaying – Poor Quality Sleep – Social Pressures – Repetitive Motions – Poor Diet Chronic Dehydration – Neglect in Self-Care – Lack of Quality Touch – Not Enough Exercise???
Let’s face it, the longer tension and stress are present in our bodies, the more it requires outside support to help relieve it. By support, we are again not discussing band-aids or medications (chemical blocks that mask pain). In extreme cases, consulting with a medical professional is highly recommended for precise diagnosis. However, in most day-to-day cases, our bodies (sub-conscious minds) are sending messages (pain) requesting our conscious minds to slow down and take some time to release built up tension from the nervous and muscular system. It’s when this occurs that bodywork can be of most benefit, unparallel to any pill. Let’s briefly explore how bodywork can help:
Massage is one of the best ways to alleviate the debilitating effects of headaches. By releasing neuro-muscular tension and
restoring proper circulation to the brain, massage has the potential to end both the occasional and the recurring pain cycle with long lasting results. A highly skilled therapist will thoroughly release adhesions (muscles and nerves that are bound together with restricted flexibility and circulation) in the jaw, face, head, entire neck and shoulders, giving rise to an open mind and broader perspective. It is remarkable how creating space in the tissues can completely alter one’s sense of well-being and ability to be present in life.
Reflexology can be extremely helpful for headaches, especially if you aren’t able to bare the idea of your head being touched. There are corresponding areas on the hands and feet (“reflexes”) that a Reflexologists is able to work that can affect the head without needing to actually touch it. If your headache is caused by stress, sinus pressure, or allergies than going to a knowledgeable Reflexologists can benefit you greatly. By working specific points, reflexology is able to stimulate your sinuses and release pressure without actually having to go inside your nose or can break up knots in the toes that will in turn release tension in the neck. It seems strange, yet it really does work!
Reflexology, as well as other forms of bodywork, promotes the release of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitter that make one feel happy, relaxed, content, helping rock your stress to sleep and offer a sense of peace and calm.
Acupuncture has been helping headache sufferers for thousands of years. Modern day acupuncture practitioners learn a variety of strategies and techniques for effectively helping people with migraine headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches, post-traumatic headaches, and other headaches that might be due to sinus problems, hormonal imbalances or high blood pressure. It can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. It works by unblocking ‘qi, or energy that runs through channels, or ‘meridians’ in the body. Far from hurting, acupuncture causes a deep relaxation effect to the sympathetic nervous system. You may even fall asleep on the treatment table!
Essential Oils are great to keep on hand when a headache shows up. When massaging them into the neck, shoulders, ears, temples or cranky muscles they increase circulation, decrease muscle cramping and tightness, and help the body minimize inflammation that may be underlying cause of headaches. Even the inhalation of them can clear the sinuses and induce a sense of calm and clarity.
Essential Oils that we love to use around at the Center for Headaches are: Peppermint, Rosemary, Lavender and blends (by Young Living) such as M-Grain, Brain Power, Clarity, Relieve It, Pan-Away and Thieves.
If you are experiencing recurring headaches or other similar symptoms, please consider exploring if one or more of these treatments is for you. Our experience has been that bodywork can create safe, effective and long lasting results for many
suffers of pain. If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Resonance Center 303.317.4126 for more information, you can also read more about our Services and current Specials on our website. Mention this article and receive $15 off your next treatment.
