Headaches? Migraines? Reflexology is here to help!

Do you know that there are around 10 million people in the UK who suffer from regular headaches?

Did you know that whilst treatment with over the counter painkillers can provide relief, sometimes lifestyle changes can help ease headaches.

Did you know that, for some headaches, the location of pain can indicate the type of headache.

Types of headaches you may have experienced

TENSION

Tension headaches are the most common form of headache. Symptoms can include constant ache on both sides of the head, pressure behind eyes, tightening of neck muscles, and pressure in head. Women are more commonly affected by tension headaches than men.

HORMONAL

Hormonal headaches are caused by a decrease in Oestrogen before menstruation which can lead to headaches (approximately 2 days prior to menstruation and first couple of days – though this can vary from person to person). Other times hormonal headaches may occur can be during perimenopause, during the pill-free week if on OCP, during the first few weeks of pregnancy; when changes occur in hormone levels.

Keeping a headache diary is useful in identifying patterns; particularly when trying to establish if headaches are hormonal.

MIGRAINE

Migraines occur in one in five women and one in fifteen men. Migraines are usually moderate to severe in pain and generally associated to one side of the head, though can vary in individuals. While no concrete cause some reasons are believed to include chemical changes in the brain, nerves and blood vessels. Migraines are also known to run in families with half of those experiencing them reporting family members also experiencing migraines.

There are two main types of Migraine; With Aura and Without Aura. With Aura Migraine can have pre-warning neurological symptoms such as flashing lights, blind spots and tunnel vision before head pain begins. Without Aura Migraine has no pre-warning neurological symptoms. Less commonly Migraine can present with no headache and neurological symptoms only. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity; this list is not exhaustive.

PERIMENOPAUSE

Headaches and migraines can become more severe during perimenopause. In menopause migraines may stop but tension headaches can get worse. HRT can vary in relief dependant on the individual.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROVIDE RELIEF?

Lifestyles changes can help ease symptoms, some of these changes can include:

• Relaxation 

• Regular Sleep Pattern

• Adequate Sleep (ensuring that you wake feeling rested)

• Reduction in Stress (identify source)

• Posture

• Relaxation

• Regular Movement / Exercise

• Hydration

• Regular Meals with small frequent snacks (hormonal headaches mainly)

HOW CAN REFLEXOLOGY HELP?

Reflexology is known to provide relief for headaches and migraines. When preparing a treatment plan I look at you from a holistic point of view, taking into account the causes, triggers and frequency of your headaches or migraines. 

To create a treatment which will provide the most benefit to you I may ask the following questions:

How long have you experienced these headaches/migraines?

How often do they occur?

Do they have a pattern?

What is the severity?

Where is the pain location?

Does anything exacerbate or relieve the pain?

Have you consulted a doctor / been diagnosed by GP?

Reflexes that I will likely work which can provide relief:

Head, neck and shoulder – for relaxation

Pituitary – good for hormone headaches but all with benefit

Neck – good for tension headaches, or all treatments as relieves tension

Head – for relaxation

TMJ and Temporalis – TMJ headaches as well as relaxation and reducing tension

Sinuses – Ease congestion

Eye – Ease tension in eye area

Shoulder – Release tension and provide relaxation

Trapezius – Release tension and provide relaxation

Adrenal – Promotes corticosteroids and oestrogen

Ovary – Good for hormonal headaches as aids rebalance

Cervical and Thoracic Spine - Release tension and provide relaxation

To find out more about how Reflexology can be incorporated into your healing journey drop me an email to find out more. 

Have a fantastic weekend and fingers crossed the sunshine is on his way!

Clearing the fog

How has your week been? Was it a relief for the weekend to come or just another set of things to navigate?

That’s how life seems to be at the moment - navigating our way through the fog, brain fog in that is! Now brain fog can show up in many ways in life but I’m talking about the BIG TIME challenge that we ladies transitioning through perimenopause or menopause experience.

Imagine you’re taking a lovely walk along the beach, admiring the coastline glimmering in the sunshine, smelling the sea air, you’re lost in a dream of far off holiday destinations, then suddenly you’re jolted back to present day when someone begins to approach you and they’re smiling. You know you know them but you cant remember what their name is or where you know them from!

Then comes that familiar feeling; the heat rising up, the panic, your heart pumping. You know this, why can’t you find their name, why can’t you remember?! The fight or flight is kicking in as you search and search, everything but the actual words looking for!! And then the embarrassment as you feel the tears - desperately trying to hold them back!

Sound familiar? Maybe this has been you, or maybe it’s a similar situation when you’re under pressure at work and you NEED to appear composed and in control.

We’ve lost trust in our brain, our body. We stop doing things we enjoy: socialising, putting ourself forward to promotions, meeting new people, putting ourselves out there. We loose our confidence, we loose ourselves.

What if I told you not to stress about it? You’d laugh! But seriously there are things you can do to help towards alleviating brain fog:

* Reducing stress exposure

* Complementary Therapies

* Being outdoors

* Doing things you LOVE

* Exercise and/or Movement

* Relaxation and Rest

* A balanced diet

* Limiting alcohol and caffeine

I get it, the list is a bit of an undertaking but what about trying one, two maybe even three? Why not prioritise yourself this week and pick something to try. I’d love to hear how you get on…because (without trying to sound like an 90s tv advert) YOU’RE WORTH IT!

Tightening things up…

Hey how are you? REALLY, how are you?

It’s safe to say that I’ve been absent from blog posts of late, it’s something I am absolutely aware of.

The reason; not wanting to overload you? not wanting to upset you? not wanting to be the extra thing you didn’t read? Or at least that’s what I told myself!

The reality is I genuinely didn’t know what to say.

BUT all those points are true - I don’t want to overwhelm you, but in doing that I’m not giving you what you signed up to. You signed up to be the first to know about how I can help YOU, and how we can work together to support YOU.

So, I am tightening things up.

Tightening up what I offer YOU. Tightening up where YOU can work with me. Tightening up on being there for YOU.

And I’m going to be honest, it feels so good. It feels good to have direction, a goal, a strategy, something to work towards.

Can you remember the last time you set yourself a goal and how excited you felt to be working towards something?

The facts; goals are fantastic but sometimes, a lot of the time, we need some support and encouragement along the way. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those in my life who encouraged and supported me to keep going (and the occasional reminder to take each day one at a time). Goals and strategy are fantastic as they help us move forward in life, show us growth and improvements, which brings about a positive mindset, EVEN when times feel tough – who doesn’t want some of that!

This can look like many different things to many different people but what it can be is looking after YOU; your mind and your body. The options are endless and I’m not here to overwhelm you with what you could do. But I CAN help you get the best from your body and a feeling ease in your body.

Final thought, and yes, it’s cliché but true: do something today that your 70/80/90 (hell yes 90!) year old body will thank you for!

Take care of yourself and be the amazing human that you are!

Laura x

If you need direction, strategy, a goal, in getting the best out of your body, not just today but investing in longevity for your body then I’d encourage you to book into my confidence programme - I’m positive it’s what you are looking for. Most importantly if you want to regain confidence in your body and gain relief/reduction of symptoms you're experiencing then this is absolutely for you. Book in a zoom/phone call to find out more.

Upcoming things to note

Reflexology

Life doesn’t always have to be go, go, go – do you need to take a minute to pause and breathe? then book yourself in for some rebalance and restorative Reflexology. I have released some extra dates in Roslin throughout June – click here to get up to date availability (ps there may be some Friday availability coming soon!!!).

Pilates is back!!!

Free on a Friday morning? Fancy a nice challenge to kick your weekend off? I’m SO excited to share that I am starting a new Pilates class on Friday mornings in the serene Glencorse Centre, Auchendinny – click here to secure your space