Treating Headaches with Reflexology

In the practice of reflexology, specific points on the hands and feet correspond with certain organs in the body. By applying pressure to these points, reflexologists are able to improve the recipient's health in the corresponding areas.

Do you find yourself frequented with everyday tension headaches or migraines? I don't get them often, but still tend to avoid taking over-the-counter pain medication to treat headaches until absolutely necessary. I prefer to keep these drugs out of my body. But that doesn't mean I have to suffer through a nagging headache.

When I start to feel a headache coming on, there are two natural remedies I like to try before drugs. Peppermint oil is one alternative to painkillers; I just dab a little on my wrists, then pat it directly onto my temples. You will feel a little tingling, which is normal - just make sure to avoid getting the oil in your eyes. My other alternative is reflexology.

How to use reflexology to treat headaches

Treating a headache with reflexology is extremely easy. Work the first joint of each finger (using the fingers on your other hand) and the sides and bottoms of the fingers to relax tight neck and shoulder muscles. Working tender areas on the thumb may also be useful.

You can also hold the web between your left thumb and index finger with your right thumb and index finger, and rub your right thumb in a circular motion. I can usually feel a little pain in this area, which means I am rubbing the right spot. Do this for two minutes, then switch hands.

Does reflexology help to cure headaches?

When reflexology doesn't help me get rid of the pain, it's usually because I didn't spend enough time applying pressure to the points in my hands. Reflexology is a real alternative treatment that shows positive results, not only for headaches, but for nearly any ailment from anxiety to cancer treatment and diabetes. For major illnesses, it is typically used in conjunction with another treatment.

Where to find a practitioner

You may want to see a certified reflexologist for deeper issues. First, ask friends, family or your physician for referrals. Otherwise, there are several professional reflexology associations, such as the Reflexology Association of America , that may have listings in your area.

Reflexology often works to treat minor, everyday headaches. However, if you find yourself with recurring or debilitating pain on a daily basis, or migraines that will not go away, you should visit with your physician to determine the cause and to discuss other treatment options.

Actually, let's make that three alternative remedies that I use for headaches: reflexology, peppermint oil...and sleep. Sometimes, when I am just plain exhausted, a catnap is just what I need to cure a tension headache.

References:
Reflexology , University of Minnesota