Reflexology may reduce the intensity of migraines

Migraines affect twice as many women as men and are experienced by one in seven people in the UK.  (Migrane Action, 2018).

Reflexology could be a beneficial treatment for people who are experiencing migraines a recent study suggest.

A randomised control trial was conducted with 75 male subjects who all had a nitrogylcerine induced migraine-type headache.  The subjectes were divided into three groups.  The first group received 20 mins refleoxlogy while the second group received an ineffective foot massage (a placebo) and the third group no intervention.  Three hours after the first treatment the subjects received a second treatment.

Data on pain intensity was created before the first treatment and after the second treatment.  The results showed a statistically significant reduction of headache intensity in the reflexology group when compared with both other groups after treatments.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30028477

 

Related Posts

  • Start eating prebiotics to reduce stress levels

    When we are under pressure, stressed or anxious our bodies react, for some people this means they develop tension in the neck & shoulders, for others they get butterflies in their stomach or their digestive system becomes more sensitive. Stress messes with your they bacteria in your gut and creates a viscous circle that makes stress and anxiety attacks even worse.  While we are all familiar with probiotics or good bacteria which you can buy in tablet form in health food shops or are added to yogurts.  What you may be less familiar with are  prebiotics which are the "food" for the good bacteria in your gut.  Prebiotics can undo the impact stress has on the gut.  They are found in plant fibers like

    • raw chicory root
    • raw Jerusalem artichoke
    • raw garlic
    • raw leeks
    • raw asparagus
    • raw and cooked onions
    Researches from the University of Colorado discovered eating prebiotics has a protective effect and can help to safeguard good bacteria in your gut during times of stress.  They also discovered eating prebiotics can even help reestablish good sleeping patterns. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28119579  
  • Headaches – Treatment & Prevention – Part 1

    Previously, I explained the different types of headaches.  Now I want to explore how you can treat them. Orthodox treatment of headaches is over the counter painkillers, while stronger prescribed medication may be required for migraines. However it should be noted that frequent use of pain killers can trigger what are referred to as rebound or withdrawl headaches. (For more information on withdrawl headaches see >> http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Painkillerheadaches.aspx Or http://www.migrainetrust.org/medication-overuse-headache )  Massage There is scientific evidence to confirm my experience that massing the neck, shoulder & upper back can help alleviate tension headaches and some migraines, specifically the frequency of headaches & the duration of headaches. Researchers believe that two mechanisms could be responsible. Firstly, the increased serotonin could help relieve the headache (many existing headache medications increase serotonin levels). Secondly, the increased hours of sleep and fewer night wakings may lower levels of substance P - a neurotransmitter responsible for pain. So next time you get a headache, consider booking a massage with us. Scientific References

    1. Cristina Toro-Velasco, Manuel Arroyo-Morales, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Joshua A. Cleland, Francisco J. Barrero-Hernández. Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Heart Rate Variability, Mood State, and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Pilot Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2009; 32 (7): 527 DOI: 1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.011
    2. Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches. Am J Public Health. 2002 October; 92(10): 1657–1661.
  • Natural ways to reduce anxiety – Part 6

    My final tip on reducing anxiety is to try chamomile.  Chamomile is a herb with a long history of use. A cup of chamomile tea is a common home remedy to calm frayed nerves and promote sleep. A 2009 study showed chamomile may also be a powerful ally against generalized anxiety disorder. The study found people who took German chamomile capsules (220 milligrams up to five times daily) had a greater reduction in scores for tests that measure anxiety symptoms than those who were given a placebo. A more recent trail, much longer term trail reported similar results and noted that the treatment was safe with only a few mild side effects. References https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/040310.htm Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2009 ;29(4):378–382. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Long-term+chamomile+treatment+for+generalised+anxiety+disorder.-a0503569379