The classic feature of a migraine is a throbbing headache often bilaterally.  The narrowing and dilating of blood vessels in a part of one side of the brain cause this.  There are two types of migraine, common and the more rare classical.

They can be hereditary and may be triggered by many factors including stress, hormonal (around menopause, menstruation and occasionally pregnancy), oral contraceptives, and foods that contain tyramine, which is an amino acid that affects blood vessels.  Foods rich in tyramine include bananas, cheese, chocolate, eggs, oranges, spinach, tomatoes and sadly, wine!!  Other triggers include changes or extremes in temperature, lighting or noise level.

Symptoms of a common migraine can be a slowly developing headache lasting a few hours to two days, made worse by the smallest movement or noise, nausea and sometimes vomiting.  Symptoms of a classical migraine are a headache preceded by an aura which generally takes the form of a visual disturbance which may consist of a temporary loss of vision, focusing problems, blind spots, flashing lights, possible speech problems and occasional weakness or temporary paralysis of the limbs or extremities.  Also there can be nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.

Common causes of headaches that can lead to migraines are stress, poor posture, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, food allergies, eyestrain, sinusitis, hormonal imbalance (particularly reproductive), or low blood sugar.  They can also be a result of a head injury or sometimes a symptom of a more serious underlying disorder such as a brain tumour.

Reflexology is an extremely effective treatment for migraine and headaches.  It is a method of activating the healing powers of the body through manipulation of the feet.  It is particularly beneficial when the migraine is hormonally linked and will help to rebalance the body.  The main area to treat is the head, particularly paying attention to the mastoid process.  Other areas to be considered working on are the alimentary tract, altered dynamics of the spine particularly the cervical vertebrae, teeth and sinuses, the genito-urinary tract, the solar plexus and diaphragm where stress is involved, the liver and the organs of respiration. Reflexology is an accumulative treatment and therefore a number of treatments are required to maintain equilibrium of the body.

Aromatherapy can be useful for migraines, either as a preventative with massage, or using a warm or icy cold compress with specific oils during an attack.  Recommended essential oils are chamomile (roman or German), coriander, clary sage, lavender, rosemary, sweet marjoram, true Melissa or peppermint.  French basil can be useful too, and can also be used for clearing the head when trying to study or revise by use in a burner.

Tip for atmospheric headaches

During thundery or muggy weather, the air is charged with too many positive ions and can cause atmospheric headaches.  A simple remedy is to bath in Epsom salts and then lie down in a darkened room with a cool, damp flannel over the face.  The salts ‘leech’ out the positive ions from the body.

For a Reflexology or Aromatherapy treatment, contact Frances Box at Luck's Yard on 01483 527945 and book on a Wednesday afternoon or Saturday morning.