Manipulation
Manipulation is an overarching name for headache relief therapies that rely upon ‘hands-on’ practices by a skilled healer. The goal is to relieve muscle tension and thus ease pain and reduce the chance of headaches, or heal them if they occur.
Headache can be consider a musculoskeletal pain, that is, related to the muscles and/or issues with the skeleton or joint in, for example, the neck. A number of different practitioners, such as chiropractors or a doctor of osteopathy (DO) will try to look at the whole body and its dynamics, or movement, in order to determine where the pain might be coming from. They might then try to relieve the pain and correct anything out of alignment which might be causing the pain.
There are a number of common manipulation techniques, including Alexander and Feldenkrais. The Alexander technique encourages mind-body awareness to relieve musculoskeletal tension. The Feldenrais method emphasizes mind and body connection with reference to safe, healthy movement that won’t put a lot of stress and strain on the body.
No matter which manipulation technique you choose, the success of the treatment will really depend on the experience of the practitioner, and most importantly, the level of safety will as well.
Manipulation can aid in relaxation and is particular good for headaches that stem from tension in the head and neck areas.
Massage
Massage can be therapeutic like manipulation methods, and does involve hands-on healing, but its main goal is relaxation and the relieving of stress that has built up in the muscle tissue, particularly in the neck or head if someone is suffering from headaches.
Several studies suggest massage can decrease headache frequency and increase overall ease with one’s body. There are various forms of massage, such as the rather tough Swedish massage, so it might be a case of trying various forms until you find a style and practitioner you feel comfortable with.
With some training, you and your partner or a friend could also learn how to give each other back massages. You can also give yourself a head and back of the neck massage.
Massage can also be performed using aromatherapy oils such as lavender in order to enhance the de-stressing aspect of the massage.
Meditation
The word meditation means to think. In the case of headache relief, meditation will often use visualization, that is, pleasant images to help lower stress and reduce pain. Meditation also improves breathing and lowers blood pressure, and can thus reduce throbbing headaches and pain.
Qi gong
Qi gong (CHEE gung) is a form of TCM and focuses on movement, meditation and breathing. The exercise tai chi is part of qi gong. The goal is to balance the energy in the body, and within body, mind and spirit. It improves circulation and reduces stress.
Reiki
Reiki (RAY-key) is a healing modality used in Japan which is based on TCM and in particular acupressure, only there is no physical contact. It is ‘hands-off’ healing to restore the balance of energy and improve the health of body, mind and spirit, to reduce stress and tension and remain headache-free.
Resperate
One of the main causes of migraine is high blood pressure. Lack of sleep can cause trigger headaches and migraines. The Resperate device can help with both, training people to breathe in such a way as to lower blood pressure completely naturally and promote sleep as well. You can see results in as little as one session if you follow the instructions carefully. It comes in various models that range from $200 to $300 and may be covered by insurance. It is all natural, with no risk of side effects.
Stress management
Stress happens to all of us. The important thing is how you deal with it so it doesn’t trigger headaches or migraines.
Most people handle stress badly, reaching for cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, fast food and more, and often suffering from insomnia as well. All of these are linked with headaches and migraines.
Learning how to make smarter choices when it comes to stress is the best way to keep headaches at bay.
