Headaches

Hello All, boy did I get side tracked a year-even!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets talk self care for headaches.  

Tension Headaches there is alot of information on why we get them.  So we don't need to talk about that.

How do we get rid of them? Well here are a few techniques to keep you symptom free.

Energy exercises:  

"Ridge meets the Bridge" - where the nose meets the eyebrow line.  With both thumbs one on each side of nose press into the eyebrow line while breathing slowly.  This will revlieve neck & shoulder tension.

"Rocking Cliff" - I love this one. Sit on a table or side of bed. Round your back, curl your shoulders in and inhale.  Lean forward, roll shoulders back and exhale.  Low back will feel curved.  Be careful if back problems persist move slowly.  Keep the breathing timed with the exercise.  Releases tension in shoulders, neck and upper back!!!

Myofascial Release" releases connective tissue.

Tennis ball or Racquetball: 

Keeping the shoulders relaxed can relieve referral pain to the
"back and side of the head up to the temples".  

Stand against a wall, put tennis ball between your spine and shoulder blades and roll side to side.  Also, move up and down.  Put the ball on the shoulder blade and roll side to side.  Put the ball between spine and shoulder blades and do a squat so ball rolls up and down. Staying off the spine and under the neck.  If sore roll softly go to other shoulder and alternate sides until soreness is gone. Very effective.

"Frontal headaches" on the forehead can be relieved by massaging the muscles on the forehead above the eyebrows.  Hold on any tender spots. Also 1" behind the ear on the base of the head is another muscle rub gently and hold tender spots. Above the ear is another muscle that spans the entire side of the head.  Rub gently and hold points above cheek bone in above the ear. 

This can relieve headaches associated with from TMJ pain.(jaw)

Aromatherapy is a nice way to relieve headaches and has many other benefits to the application:

Peppermint and Lavender  the two oils that have proven to be most effective. Put a few drops on tissue and inhale.  Put in a carrier oil/canola or olive a few drops added to the oil about a quarter size and rubbed into the forehead and temples has been known to relieve a headache better than aspirin. 

Well these are a few suggestions for self care.  If symptoms persist visit your doctor or massage therapist for further help.

Relax and Enjoy!

 Annie

Let me know if you have an ailment that won't go away and I will post self care techniques.