Headaches Treatment & Prevention – Part 2

After introducing headaches, I then explored the downside of orthodox treatments and how massage can help.  Now I want to share with you how other complementary therapies may help.

Nutrition

We all know that if you suffer from headaches you need to avoid becoming dehydrated. But what can be equally important is to control your blood sugar balanced by avoiding sugars and refined carbohydrates (i.e. anything sweet, fluffy or white!) . Certain food substances – such as histamine, tyramine and phenylethylamine – can trigger headaches or migraines. These foods include cheese, citrius fuits, red wine, chocolate & coffee. There is a time lag between eating these foods and an attack, as the problem arises when the food reaches the liver. Some research has been done on the benefits of Omega (3, 6 & 9) essential fatty acids will help control pain & inflammation for migraine sufferers.

[Harel Z, Gascon G, Riggs S et al. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of recurrent migraines in adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2002 Aug;31(2):154-61. 2002.]

Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique is a hands on therapy that is applied using very gentle pressure. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points of the body to perform Bowen’s unique sets of rolling-type moves which stimulate the muscles and soft tissue of the body.

In association with the Migranie Action Assocation some research was carried out into the effectiveness of receiving Bowen Technique treatment to allieviate migraines. All study participants had been diagnosed as migraine sufferers by their GP. 31 out of the 39 study particpants experienced a positive result of either

  • Reducation in frequency of migranies
  • Reducation in the degree of pain experienced
  • Reduction in both the frequency of migraines and the degree of pain experienced

For more information on the study see http://www.bowenmigraineresearch.co.uk/

Related Posts

  • Health New Year’s Resolutions

    The new year is a natural time for focusing on new goals.  At the end of the festive season we can feel like we have over indulged so want to refocus on health.  I know I certainly feel like that.  So I wanted to share some ideas for health new year's resolutions.

    1. Focus on 1 health goal for 2018 as this focus will help you acheive it.
    2. Use the stairs more.
    3. Go outside for a daily dose of vitamin D.
    4. Focus on your breath when you feel the stress coming on. It's a mini meditation session.
    5. Turn off all electronics 20 minutes before lights out at bedtime.
    6. Write down everything you're grateful for at the end of the day.
    7. Drink more water than cafine.
    8. Add one thing to your life that brings you joy.
    9. Cook at home more frequently.  You’ll end up getting healthier in the process.
    10. Forgive someone. Anger and resentment is like holding onto internal poison and can even harm your physical health. Life’s too short to not move on.
       

  • Bowel health checklist

    The basis of our health and wellbeing is our guts ability to digest what we eat and absorb all the nutrients.  However it is common for people to have digestive issues such as gas, bloating, food intolerances and IBS.  Given the guts importance to wellbeing, I would like to focus on digestion and guts in the next few articles which will include tips for healthy stomachs, large intestine and small intestine. Lets start with talking about bowels.  Your bowel movements reflect both your lifestyle and gut health.  So how should you judge your bowel movements:

    1. There should be no discomfort or straining when you go to the loo, and no smell of gas.
    2. Stools should come out easily, smoothly and all in one piece.
    3. Stools should be 10 - 15 cm long, medium brown in colur and shouldn't be smelly, stick to the lavoratory bowl or float.
    4. If your stool floats it could be due to too much fat or gas in your diet - usually from excess sugar, fizzy drinks or beans.
    5. A very smelly stool can be a sign of undigested food or waster that has been sitting in your bowel for a long time.  It can also be a sign of poor absorbtions or lactose intolerance.  If your stool is smelly and looks greasy it may be a sign of coeliac disease so you need to book a check up with your doctor.
    6. Going to the toilet 2 -3 times a day is optimal but anything from 2 - 3 times per day to 2 - 3 times per weeks in normal.
    7. Any changes to your normal pattern should be reported to your doctor.
       

  • The hidden cause of lower back pain

    The psoas muscle is a very deep muscle that connects your torso to your legs.  It affects your posture and helps you to stabilise your spine.    In fact, whether you run, bike, dance, practice yoga, or just hang out on your couch, your psoas muscles are involved. A person suffering from IlioPsoas syndrome may have pain in the hip and thigh region, as well as hip stiffness and in some cases a clicking or snapping hip. Other signs which may indicate an unhappy psoas muscle are:

    1. Knee pain - if there is no obvious source then it may be your psoas muscle.
    2. Constipation - a tight psoas muscle can cause or contribute to constipation.
    3. Menstrual cramps - a tight psoas muscle can put pressure on reproductive organs contributing to menstrual cramps.
    The reason thatthe psoas is often the hidden cause of lower back pain in our clients is that prolonged periods of sitting cause the psoas muscle to contract.   A deep tissue or sports massage is the perfect way to release a tight psoas.