Headaches & Migraines

Headaches come in many different forms and may be caused by a variety of factors. Diet, stress, sleeping patterns, alcohol and caffeine consumption have been known to trigger the onset of a headache. The most common types of headaches include:

• Tension Headaches
• Cluster Headaches
• Post-Traumatic Headaches
• Sinus Headaches
• Migraines
• Hormone Related Headaches
• Disease Related Headaches

Massage Therapy: Massage is a particularly effective treatment for tension headaches, which often result from stress. The experience of receiving massage leads you to a state of deep relaxation and loosens the grip of stressors. As the body relaxes, so does the mind, reducing anxiety, calming the nervous system, slowing the breath, and restoring your sense of wellbeing. Massage helps to increase awareness of tension patterns that affect your posture, supporting the realignment of your body and reducing posture-related headaches. Injuries to the neck caused by trauma or overuse often result in strained muscle tissue and accumulation of restrictive scar tissue. Massage therapy promotes healing and breaks up these adhesions, making the muscles, fascia and ligaments of the neck more pliable, and reducing associated head pain. For sufferers of debilitating migraine headaches, receiving regular massage treatments can be a powerful preventive measure. As accumulated physical and mental stress dissolves over time, the frequency and intensity of migraines is reduced.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for all types of headaches, including disease-related headaches that may be due to sinus problems, high blood pressure or sleeping disorders. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a philosophically-based framework for headache diagnosis and treatment. Headaches are diagnosed by looking at the nature and location of the pain. Acupuncture can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. Additionally, several studies suggest that acupuncture is effective in both the treatment and prevention of migraines.

Naturopathy and Migraines: Diet and nutrition therapy can be effectively used to treat and prevent migraines. It may be that food sensitivities or intolerances are causing your migraines. Certain foods, such as wheat products, dairy and caffeine, have been linked to migraines. Moreover, if you're a migraine sufferer with food sensitivities, how you eat is as important as what you eat, as fasting and skipping meals can just as easily trigger a migraine. Additionally, supplementation with specific vitamins, minerals or amino acids may be necessary, at least at first, to bring your metabolism into balance so that you reduce the possibility for the onset of a migraine. Herbal or homeopathic remedies may also be prescribed to treat and/or prevent migraines.

Self Treatment Techniques: Like all pain, headaches and migraines reflect an imbalance in the body’s systems. Hence, it becomes essential to bring awareness to one’s whole body by evaluating dietary patterns, genetic predispositions, sleep habits, stress levels and other lifestyle components, such as physical activity and overall sense of wellbeing.

Your body is a unique entity, thus your treatment should be tailored specifically to your needs. You should always seek the advice of your health care practitioner to guide you along the path of optimal wellness.

We recommend the following techniques to help treat and prevent tension or stress related headaches:

• Apply peppermint oil to your temples and the base of your skull.
• Incorporate gentle stretching techniques with deep breathing.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Know your body, know your triggers!